Tour of Daigo-ji Temple
Joined 2014
(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.
Itinerary
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
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
Susanne U.
“Great day lovely experience”
What a great day and lovely experience we had in Kyoto. Hiro-san was very helpful and kind and showed us all sopts we wanted to see. He explained a lot about history and also brought some props with him to dress up for photos which our daughter loved. He was also very helpful guiding us through public transportation which helped us a lot during the rest of our stay in Kyoto. Thank you Hiro-san for this beautiful experience.
Tatsuhiro N.
Hi Susanne-san, Danke. Thank you very much for your favorable comment. There can be no greater honor for me as a guide than to have such a lavish praise. I wish you all a good health and happiness in the days ahead. Especially, a healthy growth for Heidi. Auf Wiedersehen. Regards, Hiro
Anangga P.
“Superb Guide in Amano-hashidate from Tatsuhiro-san”
I was so worried leaving my elderly mother and aunts alone touring Amano-hashidate, especially since one of my aunts has just got her knee operated so she needs to be in wheelchair. Thankfully Tatsuhiro-san is there and went well and beyond his task as a guide by also taking care my family while showing the beauty of one of Japanese's often missed scenic spot. Tatsuhiro-san also tried his best to show the elderly entourage the area albeit he himself is not from around it. Alas, the weather is not so favorable this time so we got our Ine-Bay boat trip cancelled by the organizer, but thanks to Tatsuhiro-san's effort and kindness, my mother and aunts came back to the hotel full of smiles. Thank you so much, Tatsuhiro-san!
Tatsuhiro N.
Hi Anannga-san, "Dou-itashimashite", meaning no problem at all. I am really glad the tour was completed safely and that your mom and aunts were in full smiles. I am just happy for it. I wish the earliest possible recovery from her knee operation for one of your aunts (sorry, I forgot her name) and the happy life in the days ahead for all of them. Thanks again for the wonderful souvenir and the full mark for me. Good luck. Regards, Hiro
David J.
“Kyoto tour tailored to our needs ”
Our cruise ship was docked in Kobe, and Hiro willingly adjusted his tour to fit in with our need to return to Kobe before the ship sailed away. He met us at Kyoto Station, and returned us there in good time for our return Shinskansen to Kobe. Despite having less time we still had plenty of time to enjoy Kyoto Castle and Kinkakuji Golden pavilion.
Tatsuhiro N.
Hi David-san, Thank you very much for giving me the high grade. I am glad if you could have had a glimpse of our history in the turbulent years and of the beautiful structure. I wish you a happiness and a good health in the years ahead. Regards, Hiro
$105/ per group
More tours by Tatsuhiro N.
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Premium tour of Kyoto (4): Fushimi-Inari-Taisha shrine, Tofukuji temple & Toji temple
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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
I will take you to the tour of two well-known temples and a quiet garden in Kyoto, all of which located within the radius of one kilometer from JR Kyoto station and provided with the city bus services. (1) Nishi-Honganji temple Designated as the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site in 1994, Nishi-Honganji Temple is the mother temple and headquarters of the Honganji faction of Jodo (Pure Land) Shinshu sect of Buddhism. The Jodo-Shinshu teaching was established by the Venerable "Shinran-shonin" (1173-1263) in the Kamakura period (1185 to 1333). He underwent austere training and hardships in various parts of the country before returning to Kyoto to complete his work, "Kyogyoshinsho", or The True teaching, Practice and Realization of the Pure Land Way on Buddhism. After his demise, his daughter erected a mausoleum at Higashiyama, Kyoto, which became the foundation of Nishi-Honganji Temple today. In the 16th century, it was moved to and re-established at the present location. Followers of this sect, according to its doctrine, will be reborn in the Pure Land and attain Enlightenment. They will be able to live lives to the fullest, become aware of both potentials and limitations in this world, overcome difficulties and realize happiness within their lifetime. There are many structures in the precincts, many of which have the status of National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties of Japan. They are: " Amidado" (Hall of "Amida" Buddha, built in 1760), "Goeido" (Founder`s Hall, completed in 1636), "Karamon" Gate, Shoin Hall, "Hiunkaku" House (believed to be part of Jurakudai Palace built by a ruler of Japan, Toyotomi Hideyoshi) and others. There is also a 400-year-old huge ginkgo tree called the "upside-down ginkgo tree", because it looks as if its roots were spread into the sky. (2) Higashi-Honganji temple Originally built in 1604 but most recently rebuilt in 1895, this temple is officially called "Shinshu-Honbyo", or The Principal Mausoleum of the True Pure Land Teaching, consisting of the two gigantic halls of "Goeido", or the Founder`s Hall and "Amidado", or Amida Buddha Hall. This temple belongs to the same faction as its counterpart, Nishi-Honganji temple, so the doctrine is basically the same. However, what makes this temple distinguishable are the historical relics preserved there: "kezuna" hair rope consisting of women`s hair and hemp tissues, a sample of a sledge used to transport huge pieces of timber and the diorama reproducing the scene of the avalanche. There are a total of 156 huge pillars whose diameter is some 60 centimeters made of zelkova tree in the two halls. Important Buddhist ceremonies are occasionally held here, attracting a large number of followers. (3) Shoseien Garden Located some 500 meters east of and belonging to Higashi-Honganji temple, Shoseien Garden has been the place for the retired head priests of the temple to spend their latter days since the middle of the 17th century. There are many gardens, tea houses, along with the two ponds, but the present buildings were rebuilt after the civil war of 1864. After the Meiji Restoration of Japan took place in 1868, many dignitaries, including the consuls of Qing dynasty, Italy and Russia, as well as the Japanese nobles visited there. Even Japanese Emperor Meiji and Russian Crown Prince Nicholas Ⅱ spent some time there. You can enjoy strolling along the paths in the perfectly landscaped garden while watching the trees and hearing birds sing. You can immerse yourself in the quiet and serene atmosphere somewhat different from that of temples.
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