GoWithGuideFind your perfect tour guide at GoWithGuide. Relax and cherish unforgettable tours with loved ones. Create personalized tours for a truly memorable trip!
GoWithGuide
GoWithGuideFind your perfect tour guide at GoWithGuide. Relax and cherish unforgettable tours with loved ones. Create personalized tours for a truly memorable trip!
Kyoto Private Tour - "Karamon" gate.
"Karamon" gate.
Kyoto Private Tour - "Amidado" gate.
"Amidado" gate.
Kyoto Private Tour - "Goeido" gate.
"Goeido" gate.
Kyoto Private Tour - Huge ginkgo tree.
Huge ginkgo tree.
Kyoto Private Tour - "Amidado" hall.
"Amidado" hall.
Kyoto Private Tour - 1-to-70 scale model of "Hiunkaku" House.
1-to-70 scale model of "Hiunkaku" House.
Kyoto Private Tour - Upper part of "Hiunkaku" House.
Upper part of "Hiunkaku" House.

Tour of Nishi-Honganji Temple

Art, Culture, & Historical
Kyoto Tour Guide - Tatsuhiro N.

Joined 2014

Tatsuhiro N.
4.61 / 5
(69 reviews)
Identity Verified
Interview-Based Quality Checks
GoWithGuideFind your perfect tour guide at GoWithGuide. Relax and cherish unforgettable tours with loved ones. Create personalized tours for a truly memorable trip!
Kyoto
GoWithGuideFind your perfect tour guide at GoWithGuide. Relax and cherish unforgettable tours with loved ones. Create personalized tours for a truly memorable trip!
Japanese (Native), English
GoWithGuideFind your perfect tour guide at GoWithGuide. Relax and cherish unforgettable tours with loved ones. Create personalized tours for a truly memorable trip!
2 hours
GoWithGuideFind your perfect tour guide at GoWithGuide. Relax and cherish unforgettable tours with loved ones. Create personalized tours for a truly memorable trip!
Private tour (only you and Tatsuhiro N.)
GoWithGuideFind your perfect tour guide at GoWithGuide. Relax and cherish unforgettable tours with loved ones. Create personalized tours for a truly memorable trip!
Up to 15 people

(History of the 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) Shinsyu sect of Buddhism. The Jodo-Shinsyu teaching was established by the Reverend Shinran-shonin (1173-1263) in the Kamakura period. He underwent austere trainings 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.

(Teachings of the sect)

Followers of this sect 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.

( What you can see in the temple)

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.

( How to enjoy)

Walk around the entire compound of the temple, have a look at all of the magnificent structures and trees and imagine the power of Buddhism. You will learn the meaning of life. All that you see will deeply impress you and remain in your memory. You can pray for the peace of mind before the image of the Reverend Shinran-shonin in the Buddhist altar inside the halls sitting straight on your legs, or relax sitting on the wooden-floored corridors.

(Others)

There is no entrance fee, but you are supposed to offer whatever amount of monetary donations to the temple to express your appreciation. The bus fare is 230 yen.

Itinerary

This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!

01:30 PM

Meeting Point

At JR Kyoto station

Amidado Hall

Goeido Hall

Ending Point

At JR Kyoto station

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

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What‘s included

guide fee, hotel pick-up in Kyoto area

GoWithGuideFind your perfect tour guide at GoWithGuide. Relax and cherish unforgettable tours with loved ones. Create personalized tours for a truly memorable trip!
What‘s not included

transportation fee (you and guide), lunch, dinner, monetary donations to the temple, hotel pick-up in areas beyond Kyoto area


Tour Important Information

Important message from the supplier

GoWithGuideFind your perfect tour guide at GoWithGuide. Relax and cherish unforgettable tours with loved ones. Create personalized tours for a truly memorable trip!

I would like at least 7 days notice before a booking.

Cancellation Policy

  • GoWithGuideFind your perfect tour guide at GoWithGuide. Relax and cherish unforgettable tours with loved ones. Create personalized tours for a truly memorable trip!
    Free cancellation - 8 days prior to meeting time
  • GoWithGuideFind your perfect tour guide at GoWithGuide. Relax and cherish unforgettable tours with loved ones. Create personalized tours for a truly memorable trip!
    50% Refund - 3 to 7 days prior to meeting time
  • GoWithGuideFind your perfect tour guide at GoWithGuide. Relax and cherish unforgettable tours with loved ones. Create personalized tours for a truly memorable trip!
    No Refund - Within 2 day(s) prior to meeting time
Kyoto Tour Guide - Tatsuhiro N.

Joined 2014

Tatsuhiro N.
4.61 / 5
(69 reviews)
Identity Verified
Interview-Based Quality Checks

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

Excellent experience with Hiro San

It was a pleasure to tour the city through Hiro San’s eyes. He was very patient and adjusted the pace of the tour as per us. Quite knowledgeable and jovial Regards Amandeep

Amandeep S.

Tatsuhiro N.

Hi Amandeep-san, Thank you very much for your compliment. I am much encouraged and given an energy to do a better job from tomorrow. Wish your entire family an excellent health. Regards, Hiro

Great day with Hiro-San

Absolutely one if the highlights of our trip to Japan. Our guide Hiro was fantastic. Can’t praise him enough. Hiro was patient and kind with our mixed group of 11. Hiro was so forthcoming with his knowledge. I can not say enough good things about this wonderful man. Jim H

James H.

Tatsuhiro N.

Hi James-san, Thank you very much for your favorable comment. I am glad you and your loved ones spent a wonderful day with the tame deer in Nara. That`s the best reward for me. Wish you all a better health and a happier life ahead. Regards, Hiro

Awesome Tour Guide

Tatshurio was AWESOME! He is a just a nice person with a considerate heart. He is very knowledgeable and understood the assignment. He was very flexible and allow the entire group to enjoy the location, scene, and sights. I definitely recommend Mr. Tatsuhiro. He is awesome.

Toya W.

Tatsuhiro N.

Hi Toya-san, Thank you very much for giving me such a high grade. It inspires me to do a better job for my clients from now on. I am glad you had a first look at various articles and food while you made the tour. I am proud of myself for being able to help you come closer to our culture and society. Wish you all an even greater health. Regards, Hiro

Want to Personalize?

$70/ per group

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