(Highlights)
The origin of Daigo-ji Temple dates back to 874, when a student priest of Reverend "Kobo-daishi" acquired the mountain "Daigo-yama," which was then the sacred training ground for mountain-based ascetic priests, carved two Kannon Goddesses and placed the carvings on the top of the mountain. Afterward, under the protection of the three successive emperors, buildings were constructed one after another both in the upper and lower parts of the mountain. The temple served as the hub of the" Shingonsyu" Sect of Buddhism with the support of the Imperial family and feudal lords. Although it was destroyed by fires many times, the temple buildings were reconstructed after a ruler of Japan, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, held a cherry blossoms viewing party in 1598. In the Edo period, one of the temple buildings, "Sampoin hall," was designated as the head temple for those ascetic priests. Surviving the orders of "Separation of Shintoism and Buddhism" and "Abolition of mountain asceticism" after the Meiji Restoration, the temple has kept its teachings to this day under the efforts of successive head priests.
(How to enjoy)
You will be amazed at the harmony of man-made wooden structures, large and small, and the beautiful natural surroundings. The murmur of the small, pure stream will be soothing to you ears. The whole of the temple precincts will sevve you as the place for curing all your worldly worries and recharging your internal batteries. Sitting on the roadsides and enjoy having lunch may be a wonderful idea.
(Others)
Entrance fee is 600 yen for one segment of the temple compounds. Bus fare is 230 yen per one way from JR Yamashina station.
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
At your hotel
Five-storied pagoda
Five-storied pagoda
Ending Point
At your hotel
This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
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
I would like at least 7 days notice before a booking.
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.
Wilson W.
Premium tour of Kyoto (1) : Arashiyama, Nijo-jo Castle & Kinkakuji temple
“Great tour”
Hiro was a great guide and gentleman.
Tatsuhiro N.
Hi Bill-san & LeAnn-san, Thank you very much for your favorable comment, which encouraged and inspired me to do a better job as an entertainer for tourists from abroad. Your pleasure is mine. I am sure you are now settled in your home in the state of Arizona consisting largely of deserts. I wish you two an even greater happiness and better health. Regards, Hiro
“Fun Day in Nara”
Hiro-san (Tatsuhiro) was a thoughtful and interesting guide. He brought along home-made props to help us dress up and take pictures for this location. We are slow paced seniors so this 1/2 day travel by subway and walking tour to see the Great Buddha and the deers in Nara was an exhilarating day trip.
Tatsuhiro N.
Hi Nina-san, Thank you very much for your favorable review. I am much encouraged reading it. Above all, I am glad the two-day tour was completed safely and that I saw your smiling faces all the way. I wish you all a good luck and happy days ahead. See you again sometime somewhere. Regards, Hiro
“Kind and knowledgeable guide for our day in Kyoto”
Hiro-san expertly guided my son and I on a day tour of Kyoto. Hiro met us promptly as promised and kindly provided a sun umbrella for the hot day. He expertly guided us around Kyoto using walking and public transportation, making us feel like locals. Hiro has a very kind manner and was very patient with us, allowing to make changes during the day as needed. He also brought along fun photo props for our day, and promptly sent us photos of us that he had taken. Kyoto is a beautiful city and we look forward to returning!
Tatsuhiro N.
Hi Keith-san & Josh-san, Thank you very much for your favorable comment. I am glad you enjoyed a tour in Kyoto and I was much encouraged by your words. I wish you could have another opportunity to visit the city in the near future. I wish you an even greater success in your business and a good luck for Josh-san in his study. Regards, Hiro
$97/ per group