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.
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
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?
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This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
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
About Tour Guide Kanae O.
Hello! I am Kanae, a nationally licensed guide. While working full-time as a lecturer at a local university in Kyoto, I have also been guiding for two years.
Born and raised in Kyoto, I am excited to share the beauty and culture of my hometown with my customers. Kyoto is an enchanting city, and even as a local, I am continually fascinated by its many charming spots. Whether it's the serene temples, vibrant markets, or hidden gems, there is always something new to explore and appreciate in this wonderful city.
Also, since my home is close to Shiga Prefecture, I am very familiar with the area. While Shiga may not be as popular as Kyoto, it offers a wealth of attractions for tourists. From historical sites such as temples and shrines to the stunning natural beauty of Lake Biwa, the largest lake in Japan, there is much to see and do. I am passionate about promoting Shiga and sharing its unique charm with visitors.
Reviews
Nishal S.
“Excellent guide”
Kanae was amazing, she was prompt, clean car and very friendly with excellent English. She was very good with the kids and chatted to them a lot. She had cold drinks for all of us too, water and refreshing lychee juice which was really appreciated in this heat and even shared her cooling wipes with us - which really helped in this heat. Would definitely recommend her to anyone visiting Kyoto.
Iris S.
“Relaxing Kyoto”
Travelling with Ms Kanae was a joy. As she drove her own car, my elderly mum and I were able to explore beautiful Kyoto at a leisurely pace and visited most attractions before the crowds. Ms Kanae is patient, knowlegable and spoke perfect English. We felt like travelling with a Japanese friend. :)
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Kanae O.
Iris, thank you so much for your kind review! It was such a pleasure meeting you both. I was truly impressed by your mum's energy and determination in the summer heat. She did an amazing job! I'm so glad we had the chance to spend the day together, and I hope you both have many wonderful memories of Kyoto. Wishing you safe travels, and I hope our paths cross again someday!
Ana cristina G.
“ Kanae is an Exceptional Kyoto Tour Guide - Highly Recommended ️”
We had an amazing experience exploring Kyoto's temples and historical sites with Kanae as our guide. This tour exceeded our expectations in every way. WHAT MADE THIS TOUR SPECIAL: Professional Service & Punctuality: Kanae picked us up from our hotel at 7:30 AM sharp. Throughout the day, she was incredibly punctual and professional, ensuring we made the most of our limited time in Kyoto. Comprehensive Knowledge: Kanae provided fascinating explanations of every temple and historical site we visited. She shared not just facts, but the cultural significance and historical context that brought each place to life. Local Insider Access: What impressed us most was how Kanae took us beyond the typical tourist trail. She showed us hidden gems and lesser-known locations that most visitors never discover. We experienced Kyoto like locals, not tourists, which completely changed how we saw the city. Authentic Experiences: We had a extra stop in a sake tasting. These moments felt genuine and connected us to Kyoto's culture in meaningful ways. Convenience & Efficiency: Having Kanae drive us throughout the day was invaluable. Door-to-door service from our hotel meant we weren't tired by the end of the day, and we accomplished much more than we would have independently. OVERALL ASSESSMENT: This is a full-day tour that's perfect if you only have a few days in Kyoto. It's completely worth the time investment. We've traveled for over 3 years around the world, and this ranks as one of the best experiences we've had in any destination. Kanae is not just knowledgeable—she's engaging, fun, and genuinely passionate about sharing her city. She responds quickly to inquiries and makes the entire process seamless. If you're visiting Kyoto, we highly recommend booking this tour with Kanae. You'll see the city through a local's eyes, and you'll leave with memories and connections that go far beyond typical tourism. Rating: 10/10 - Absolutely Worth It, Happy travel “Davana World Tour”
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Kanae O.
Ana and Dave, thank you so much for your incredibly thoughtful and detailed review. It truly means a lot to me that you took the time to share your experience. It was an absolute pleasure spending the day with you both. I especially enjoyed hearing about your travels around the world. Your stories were so interesting, and spending the day with such fun and wonderful travelers made it even more memorable for me. Thank you again for your kindness, and I hope the memories you made in Kyoto stay with you for many years to come. Wishing you both many more amazing adventures!
$209/ per group
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