Tour of Chionin Temple
Joined 2014
(Highlights)
Chionin Temple is the head temple of "Jodo (Pure Land) shinsyu" sect of Buddhism in Japan. In addition to the magnificent buildings in the precincts, it is famous for the two main features: one is "uguisu-bari" flooring technique which helped thwart the attempts by robbers to steal by emitting a sound somewhat resembling the note of a "uguisu" bush warbler as they walked and the other is the largest bell in Japan measuring 2.4 meters in diameter, 5.1 meters in height, 23.8 centimeters in thickness and weighing 74 tons. The temple buildings stand in the midst of trees on the height that can overlook the cityscape of Kyoto below. But before reaching the main hall, "Goeido", you have to go up the steep stone stairways which, in turn, enables you to take a good exercise.
(How to enjoy)
Just walk in the temple compound, get into the main hall and listen to the priests preach. Just see the marvelous technique utilized in the construction of the floor of corridors which is said to be the work of a noted sculptor of the late 16th century, Hidadi (left-handed) Jingoro, and see for yourself if the planking sounds like the chirping of a bush warbler as you walk. Just have a look at and wonder at the huge temple bell.
(Others)
The bus fare is 230 yen and the entrance fee is 800 yen. However, the main hall, "Goeido", is now under the extensive repair work which is estimated to take some four years (as of April, 2015).
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
At your hotel.
Flooring of the main hall.
Huge temple bell
Ending Point
At your hotel.
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, hotel pick-up in Kyoto area
transportation fee (you and guide), lunch, dinner, entrance fee, hotel pick-up in areas beyond Kyoto area
Tour Important Information
Important message from the supplier
I would like at least 7 days notice before a booking.
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 2014
About Tour Guide Tatsuhiro N.
It took me some 20 years to be qualified for this job and I feel honored for being able to help tourists from abroad understand our nation and culture. Japan is a beautiful country with a long history, tradition and rich cultural heritages, having various features in each of the four distinct seasons. Although there are now many visitors from abroad, mainly from Asian countries, they are mostly interested in shopping taking advantage of cheaper yen rather than understanding our people and culture. Kyoto and Nara are the two cities best known by foreign tourists, but not all the aspects of Japanese culture are concentrated there. If you visit the countryside other than these two cities, you will never fail to see the beautiful natural surroundings and people who will warmly welcome you. I wish to work as the bridge between Japanese people and tourists from all over the world.
Reviews
Caroline W.
“Immersive, personalized & unique tour-the highlight of our trip!”
We had an incredible tour exploring Kyoto with Hiro, who provided a truly personalized journey through his beautiful city. Hiro was not only knowledgeable, but also passionate about sharing Kyoto’s rich history, culture, and hidden gems. Hiro planned our itinerary and took us to beautiful temples, charming streets, and peaceful gardens that we may never have discovered on our own. We had a full day itinerary, and Hiro expertly guided us to each stop. My favorite stop on our tour was the Sanjūsangen-dō, which we would have never known to visit without Hiro’s help. He balanced our tour with famous landmarks and off-the-beaten-path spots, making sure we experienced Kyoto beyond the typical tourist attractions. He also shared stories and historical insights that made each route stop more meaningful. Beyond his expertise, Hiro was warm, engaging, and genuinely invested in making our time in Kyoto unforgettable. If you’re looking for a tour that feels immersive, thoughtful, and uniquely tailored to you, we highly recommend Hiro. Our time with him was truly one of the highlights of our trip, and we are so grateful for the experience!
Tatsuhiro N.
Hi Caroline-san & Alissa-san, Thank you very much for your favorable comment. I really feel happy for it and got inspired to do a better work the next time on. By the way, I came to know the city of Kennebunkport in the state of Maine in January, 1991, when the 41st President of the United States, Mr. George H. W. Bush, was surrounded by reporters in the beach of that city. He was answering their questions. At that time, what is happening in Ukraine today was taking place in Kuwait, which was invaded by the troops of her northern neighbor, Iraq. The U.S.-led multinational forces drove out the Iraqi army from that small, oil-rich country. Sorry for veering away from the subject. I wish you two a happier and more fulfilling future. Hope to see you again sometime somewhere in the future. Best regard, Hiro
Stephanie G.
“Perfect New Years Day tour”
Hiro led our group of 4 adults and 4 children to multiple temples on January 1st. He was knowledgeable and flexible especially when our little ones got tired, or hungry, or overwhelmed by the large crowds. Thank you for a wonderful experience Hiro!
Tatsuhiro N.
Hi Stephanie-san, Thank you very much for your favorable comment and appreciation for my work. I enjoyed being with you all the way and got a lot of energy from the kids. I was amazed at how advanced the technology is in your country: You said you can unlock your house remotely, even when you are in the east coast of the United States. Compared to that sophisticated technology, most of us here in Japan are still relying on the dinosaur-era method such as inserting the key into the door knob. Good luck for you all. Regards, Hiro
Anna P.
“Second excellent day with Hiro-San!”
Hiro speaks great English and is very knowledgeable and flexible. He made our trip to Kyoto better.
Tatsuhiro N.
Hi Anna-san, Thank you very much for your compliment. I am greatly inspired and encouraged by it. I am afraid, though, I was more of your guest than a service provider. I am sure you are now settled in your home in Parkland, Florida. I wish you a very Happy New Year. See you again somewhere sometime in the future. Regards, Hiro
$103/ per group
More tours by Tatsuhiro N.
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Premium tour of Kyoto: (3) Sanjusangendo temple, Kiyomizu-dera temple & Kodaiji temple
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Premium tour of Kyoto (2):Nishi-Honganji temple, Higashi-Honganji temple & Shoseien garden
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Other Popular Art, Culture, & Historical Tours in Kyoto
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There are a lot of Buddhism temples and Shinto Shrines in Kyoto. This tour focuses on three UNESCO World Heritage temples with beautiful gardens, Fushimi Inari Shrine which is famous for a lot of red Torii gates and Bamboo Forest in Arashiyma to feel the profundity of Kyoto. If you are interested in the places which are not listed here, like Nijo Castle, Kyoto Imperial Palace, Gion, Nishiki Market, Sanjusangen-do, Kiyomizu-dera and others, just let me know, I will customize a tour for you.
Fully customizable your own private tour in Kyoto
There are so many great places in Kyoto that you probably want to visit but perhaps not enough time. Also, Kyoto is getting very crowded due to a lot of foreigners visiting there. It is best to have a local person guiding you to come up with a plan that suits your preference. I can create a tour with you which includes not only popular places like the Golden Pavilion and Fushimi Inari but small temples with Wabi Sabi such as those in Sagano and the oldest Japanese sweet shop in Murasakino.
Kyoto Alley Walking Tour (Half Day)
Kyoto served as a capital city where the Emperor resided between 798 and 1868. The ancient capital city has been designated as a UNESCO cultural heritage. This walking tour gives you a fun time to experience strolling in the backstreets where few tourists visit. You can walk in the famous Geisya quarter including Miyagawacho and Gion, Keninji Zen Temple and Shirakawa riverside.You have a fun walking in the alley in Kyoto. You can encounter Geiko (Geisya) or Maiko if you are lucky.
半天周游京都宇治地区（平等院凤凰堂、黄檗山万福寺）
从您们的宾馆，坐京阪电车。 1首先访问平等院凤凰堂（在宇治车站下车） 走着斜看宇治川过约7，8分钟，到平等院凤凰堂。（世界文化遗产） 2然后再坐京阪电车到黄檗山万福寺（在黄檗车站下车） 走着去约5分钟到黄檗山万福寺，是日本最早的禅宗寺院（中国由来的 ）
