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Serene Temples with enchanting Gardens Tour
Are you tired of the crowds at all the popular tourist sites in Kyoto? Join me on an excursion to my favorite region, Ohara, located in the northeastern part of the city, where you can experience the tranquil countryside ambiance. In Ohara, I will introduce you to three of the most charming temples, each offering a serene atmosphere and enchanting gardens in every season. Upon request, I can also take you to a local restaurant where you can savor traditional cuisine.
Meeting Point
At your hotel
- I will pick you up at your hotel if it is located in Kyoto city. Otherwise, please meet me in front of JR Yamashina station, the next station east of JR Kyoto station.
Rengeji Temple
Renge-ji Temple is a Tendai sect temple located at the foot of Mt. Seimyoji in Kamitakano, Sakyo Ward. The exact date of its founding is unclear, but it was originally a Ji sect temple in the central part of Kyoto. After being left in ruins following the Onin and Bunmei Wars (1467-1477), it was rebuilt at its current location by Imaeda Chikayoshi, a retainer of the Kaga Domain, to honor the memory of his grandfather, Shigenaga. He spent his remaining years as a cultured man of leisure who enjoyed the tea ceremony.
The temple was reconstructed at its current location in 1662. In 1666, a stone monument commemorating Imaeda Shigenaga's achievements was erected on the temple grounds, and records indicate that by 1681, this monument had been placed in the garden's pond. Therefore, it is believed that the garden was created around the same time as the temple's reconstruction.
Sanzen-In Temple
Sanzen-in Temple traces its origins back to the Enryaku period (782-806), when the Great Teacher Dengyo Daishi Saicho established a small temple under a large yew tree in the Minamidani area of the East Pagoda on Mount Hiei-in in Ohara, Kyoto. It is known as a ”monzeki“ temple where imperial princes and royalty have served as head priests for generations. You can experience the richness of the four seasons in the Shuhekien and Yuseien gardens, appreciate the high prestige of the Shinden and Kyakuden halls, and enjoy the beauty unique to Kyoto in the Ojo Gokuraku-in Hall, which houses a national treasure and other important cultural properties.
Housen-in Temple
Originally built between 1235 and 1238, it is considered the birthplace of 'Shomyo,' the origin of Japanese music. The garden features a five-needle pine over 500 years old, shaped like Mount Fuji, and recognized as a natural monument. The garden includes the Crane and Turtle Garden, with a pond shaped like a crane, a hill representing a turtle, and ancient sasanqua trees symbolizing Mount Horai. Additionally, the Pangyuan framed garden, where the pillars and spaces between the pillars of the guest hall are used to frame the garden's view, surrounds the study.
Ending Point
At your hotel or a place of your preference
Want to personalize this tour?
- Our tours can be customized according to your needs and preferences
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Inclusions & Exclusions
Guide fee, Transportation (Car service by Honda Vezel 4 seaters), Parking, Gas.
Meals (breakfast and lunch), admission fees for temples, insurance
*If you would like to have lunch there, please let me know in advance so that I can make a reservation. The price varies depending on the restaurant you choose, ranging from around 1500 yen (approximately 10 USD) to 5000 yen (approximately 35 USD).
Tour Important Information
* If you wish to have a party of more than four, please message me before booking the tour.
* If your hotel has insufficient parking space, I may ask you to wait in front of your hotel for pick-up.
Cancellation Policy
- Free cancellation - 8 days prior to meeting time
- 50% Refund - 3 to 7 days prior to meeting time
- No Refund - Within 2 day(s) prior to meeting time
Kyoto Tour Reviews
Steen B.
Kyoto Early Bird Highlights with Car Service
“Great for family of 4”
Great 6 hour tour in private car. Our guide Kanae was professional, spoke good english and very nice person. Ensured we beat the heat and crowds.
Kanae O.
(9 reviews)Steen, thank you for your kind review! I am glad you had a good time. I hope you will enjoy the rest of your stay in Japan!
Peta K.
Kyoto Early Bird Highlights with Car Service
“Kanae of Kyoto - Amazing Guide”
We had a wonderful guided journey through Kyoto with Kanae. Kanae guided My hubby, myself and our 6 year old daughter (who was very tired after 6 days of touring prior). Having Kanae drive us around in her car was such a peaceful and relaxed Kyoto experience. Kanae was very well organised and she made the tour flow perfectly for us and our situation with our tired daughter. Kanae also took us to a traditional Japanese restaurant which was something we wanted to do…. We were the only foreigners in the restaurant. We 100% recommend Kanae to anybody reading this. Don’t think twice….. just book her, she is so lovely and really go’s the extra mile! Also for what it’s worth Kanae’s English is excellent!
Kanae O.
(9 reviews)Peta, thank you so much for your kind review! I'm thrilled to hear that you enjoyed the tour. Your enthusiasm was truly uplifting! It was a pleasure meeting you and your family. Thank you again!
“Tour of Kyoto”
Our tour was great. It was targeted to the things we wanted to see. We were picked up and dropped off at our hotel. Our host Kanae was wonderful. She was prepared with everything you would need. Umbrellas and ice cold drinks in the severe heat were key. She communicated prior to the trip which made things worry free for us. I highly recommend you book a tour with Kanae. We were able to see much more than we would have on our own in the short time we had in Kyoto.
Kanae O.
(9 reviews)Marie, Thank you so much for your kind review! I really appreciated both of your high spirits in trying to enjoy the tour despite the severe heat, which made me feel good. I hope you will bring good memories of Kyoto back home.
