(Highlights)
A long time ago, God descended from heaven on the mountain near this shrine, which was originally built in 678, and buildings in the compound were reconstructed one after another in the 17th and 19th centuries. Since the God`s descent, people and successive emperors paid enormous respect to the shrine, many important events were held and prayers offered there when the nation was in the crucial crossroads. It was ranked the first among the nation`s shrines along with Ise-Jingu Shrine in Mie prefecture until 1945. "Honden" main hall and "Gonden" subsidiary hall were designated as the national treasures and the entire shrine precincts were added to the list of the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Sites in 1994.
(How to enjoy)
The shrine enclosure is the perfect combination of the beautiful nature and man-made structures built in accordance with the traditional Japanese construction technology. Once you are admitted to the main shrine building, you will hear a Shito priest explain about the origin of the shrine, including a myth of a young woman having a heavenly baby boy. There are various events held in the shrine precincts, including a horse racing competed by two horses on May 5, Aoi-maturi Festival on May 15 and "Karasu" crow Sumo matches on September 9, to name a few.
(Others)
The bus fare is 230 yen and the entrance fee is 800 yen.
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
At your hotel
Two cone-shaped sand mounds.
Splendid
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.
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