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 - Mysterious "Kare-sansui" Rock Garden consisting of no more than white gravel and 15 rocks.
Mysterious "Kare-sansui" Rock Garden consisting of no more than white gravel and 15 rocks.
Kyoto Private Tour - Torii gate and image of "Benten-sama" (Sarasvati) on the islet named Benten-jima in "Kyoyochi" pond.
Torii gate and image of "Benten-sama" (Sarasvati) on the islet named Benten-jima in "Kyoyochi" pond.
Kyoto Private Tour - Ryoanji Temple viewed from the edge of "Kyoyochi" pond.
Ryoanji Temple viewed from the edge of "Kyoyochi" pond.
Kyoto Private Tour - Entrance to "Yu-dofu" (hot processed soybean cake) restaurant. Only those who are going to eat are allowed to get in.
Entrance to "Yu-dofu" (hot processed soybean cake) restaurant. Only those who are going to eat are allowed to get in.
Kyoto Private Tour - Path in the compound.
Path in the compound.
Kyoto Private Tour - Pagoda in the compound.
Pagoda in the compound.
Kyoto Private Tour - Garden in the compound.
Garden in the compound.
Kyoto Private Tour - Souvenir shop.
Souvenir shop.
Kyoto Private Tour - Edge of the Rock Garden.
Edge of the Rock Garden.
Kyoto Private Tour - Large hall.
Large hall.
Kyoto Private Tour - "Tsukubai" stone wash-basin for the tea room.
 Said to have been contributed by a feudal lord and the great compiler of the Great History of Japan, Mito Mitsukuni, during the Edo period (1603 to 1867), this wash-basin has a unique inscription of four unfinished Chinese characters and a square notch in the center, constituting in combination four complete characters of " 吾 (I)",  "唯 (only)",  "足 (contented)",  and "知 (Know)". These words collectively mean "I learn only to be contented", or "He who learns only to be contented is spiritually rich, while one who does not is spiritually poor, even though he may be materially wealthy." This is the important concept in the Zen Buddhism spirit.
"Tsukubai" stone wash-basin for the tea room. Said to have been contributed by a feudal lord and the great compiler of the Great History of Japan, Mito Mitsukuni, during the Edo period (1603 to 1867), this wash-basin has a unique inscription of four unfinished Chinese characters and a square notch in the center, constituting in combination four complete characters of " 吾 (I)", "唯 (only)", "足 (contented)", and "知 (Know)". These words collectively mean "I learn only to be contented", or "He who learns only to be contented is spiritually rich, while one who does not is spiritually poor, even though he may be materially wealthy." This is the important concept in the Zen Buddhism spirit.
Kyoto Private Tour - Stone-floored corridor (not allowed to get in).
Stone-floored corridor (not allowed to get in).
Kyoto Private Tour - Garden in the compound.
Garden in the compound.
Kyoto Private Tour - Rock Garden viewed from the edge of a corridor.
Rock Garden viewed from the edge of a corridor.
Kyoto Private Tour - Temple treasures.
Temple treasures.
Kyoto Private Tour - Folding screen with Buddhist inscriptions.
Folding screen with Buddhist inscriptions.
Kyoto Private Tour - Entrance to the "Hojo" main hall.
Entrance to the "Hojo" main hall.
Kyoto Private Tour - "Sanmon" main gate.
"Sanmon" main gate.
Kyoto Private Tour - Hands-purifying water.
Hands-purifying water.

Tour of Ryoanji Temple

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

Joined 2014

Tatsuhiro N.
4.60 / 5
(67 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!3 hrs 30 mins
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)

Originally a country house of the powerful Tokudaiji Clan, it was acquired in 1450 by a high-ranking official of the Muromachi Shogunate government, Hosokawa Katsumoto, for use as a Zen training temple. Later, It was formally established as Ryoanji Temple by the head priest of nearby Myoshinji temple. It was burnt down during the "Onin" War (1467 to 1478), but rebuilt some 20 years later by Hosokawa`s son. It was again met by fire in 1797 and some of the buildings in the precincts were lost. The present main hall, "Hojo", was then transferred to the present location from another site of the temple.

(Highlights)

Along with the gardens, paths and a large pond amid the rich greenery, this temple is well-known for its rock garden called "Kare-sansui" consisting of no more than white gravel and 15 rocks, large and small. The rocks and sand are said to represent mountains and water, respectively, making a striking contrast to the concept of traditional Japanese gardens which emphasizes the beautiful combination of trees, rocks and pond.

The rectangular garden, measuring 25 meters from east to west and 10 meters from north to south, is said to have been created by a highly respected Zen monk at around 1500. The meaning of this extremely symbolized rock garden is shrouded in mystery, leaving the interpretation to the imagination of visitors.

The roofed earthen wall is also remarkable. It is made of clay boiled in rapeseed oil and its color has been subtly changed by the seeping of oil as time went by.

(How to enjoy)

No word is necessary. Just get inside the "Hojo" main hall, look around, sit down on the edge of the corridor and have a look at the "miracle garden". You can also enjoy strolling along the paths in the spacious compound and viewing the large pond as you walk, where a large flock of mandarin ducks were to be seen until quite recently .

(Others)

The bus fare is 460 yen on both ways and the entrance fee, 500 yen.

Itinerary

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

09:00 AM

Meeting Point

At your hotel.

Rock garden.

Pond.

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

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 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, entrance fee, transportation fee, hotel pick-up for 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.
4.60 / 5
(67 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

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

Personalized and Detailed Tour Experience at Osaka Castle with Hiro-San!

We visited Osaka Castle with Hiro-San as our guide and appreciated his thorough knowledge of the site’s history. He provided detailed explanations about the castle’s past, including its role in political power struggles, its reconstruction, and the architectural features that have been preserved over the centuries. Hiro-San was also attentive to our needs, adjusting the tour based on our interests and pace. He was flexible and willing to accommodate our requests, which made the experience more comfortable and tailored to what we were hoping to get out of the visit. If you’re looking for a more in-depth and personalized experience of Osaka Castle, especially one that highlights the historical and cultural significance of the site, Hiro-San is your guide.

Pedro C.

Tatsuhiro N.

Hi Pedro-san, Thank you very much for giving me such a high mark with a compliment. I am just happy we were able to finish the tour without any problem. I will try to further brush up my knowledge on the place so that I can serve my clients better from now on. Regards, Hiro

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.

Susanne U.

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

Want to Personalize?

$106/ per group

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