Serene Temples with enchanting Gardens Tour
Joined 2023
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?
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
Joined 2023
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
Melissa H.
“The perfect tour guide!”
We loved Kanae!!! We wanted a one full day customized tour of Kyoto seeing all the major sites while trying to avoid the crowds, and also having a sprinkling of more local off the beaten path places. Kanae exceeded our expectations in every way! Not only with the communication leading up to our tour day, but also as we were with her. We truly enjoyed spending time with her in addition to going through her well curated itinerary. She spoke really well English and wish and drove us to the different locations which was also greatly appreciated. Highly recommend Kanae!!!
Kanae O.
Melissa, thank you so much for your wonderful review! I’m so happy to hear that you enjoyed the day and the balance of famous sites and more local, hidden spots. It was a real pleasure spending time with you and your husband, and guiding both of you through Kyoto. I'm glad the itinerary and transportation made your experience comfortable and enjoyable. Your kind words and recommendation mean a lot—thank you again, and I hope to welcome you back to Kyoto in the future!
Yian J.
“Fantastic guide would recommend to family and friends traveling to Kyoto ”
Kanae is born and raised in Kyoto, she is very knowledgeable, besides sites we have requested, she designed the itinerary to include beautiful and yet less touristy locations to avoid big crowds. She was very accommodating to our last minute itinerary changes as well. Good communication through out the booking process. I would definitely recommend her.
Kanae O.
Yian, thank you so much for your kind review. I'm really glad you enjoyed the mix of well-known and quieter spots—we were lucky to have such a lovely day together. It was a pleasure tailoring the itinerary to your interests and adapting along the way. I truly appreciate your thoughtful words and recommendation. Wishing you all the best and hope to see you again in Kyoto someday!
Glenis G.
“Wonderful time with Kanae”
We had the most amazing day with Kanae. She was friendly and approachable and thoughtful. She was so knowledgeable about Kyoto and took us to Temples and Shrines that were not touristy and we were so appreciative of the peace and being able to experience the culture and history . Kanae constantly ensured that we were happy with the tour and would have changed some of the itinerary but everything was perfect . She made our day interesting as well ans relaxing and we have lovely memories of our time with her in Kyoto . Thank you so much.
Kanae O.
Glenis, thank you so much for your lovely review. It was truly a pleasure guiding you and your son around Kyoto and sharing some of its more peaceful and hidden spots. I'm really happy to hear that you enjoyed the balance of culture, history, and relaxation throughout the day. Your warm and open attitude made the experience even more enjoyable for me as well. I hope the memories you made here will stay with you for a long time. Wishing you all the best in your future travels, and I hope our paths cross again someday!
$213/ per group
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