(History of the temple)
The construction of this temple got started toward the end of the eighth century after the capital of Japan was moved to Kyoto from Nara . After having studied in China for two years, the Venerable "Kobo-Daishi", or "Kukai", was given this temple in 822. He wished that the peace of the nation will be maintained through the teachings of the Buddhism whose light will reach every corner of the world and that individual thought will coexist without infringing on each other to be finally realized through the cooperation of all the people.
The four main structures of this temple, namely, "Kondo", "Kodo", "Jikido" halls and the five-storied pagoda were destroyed by typhoons, fires, lightnings and other natural disasters many times since their coming into being in the early 9th century. The reconstruction of these buildings as they stand now were completed in the period between 1492 and 1644.
(Highlights)
The four main magnificent buildings really make you sigh in amazement . All of them were built with the sophisticated building technique in the ancient times some 1200 years ago. Inside them are various Buddha statues seated, or standing with a passionless face as if they were preaching us the enlightening yet grave Buddhist doctrines.
(How to enjoy)
Just look at the faces of the Buddha images in the three halls and the five-storied pagoda. You will never end up not feeling the awe emanating from them.
(Unfortunately, however, photo-taking is not allowed inside the buildings). Taking a walk in the temple grounds while looking at the marvelous wooden buildings will surely make you feel at ease. On the 21st of each month, which is called "Kobo-san" and is the monthly return of the date of the demise of the Venerable "Kobo-daishi ", more than 1,000 stalls are installed where you can buy various kinds of goods and souvenirs. There are more than 200,000 visitors on this day.
(Others)
The entrance fee is usually 500 yen, but it is 800 yen on the 21st of every month. You can walk to the temple from JR Kyoto station in 30 minutes. If you take a bus, the fare will be 460 yen on both ways.
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
At your hotel.
Buddha statues inside the buildings.
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.
Jack H.
“Excellent gentlemanly service ”
Hiru showed my family around Kyoto for a day. It was extremely hot and he tried his best to make the visit as easy as possible for us. We learnt several interesting facts on history, Buddhism, Shintoism and Kyoto itself. I would recommend fully this experience, the only thing I would say is that if you suffer from the heat or periods of standing and walking then this tour could be challenging for you to complete.
Tatsuhiro N.
Hi Jack-san, Thank you very much for giving me a full mark. I am greatly encouraged by your favorable comment and I will keep your advice in mind in my future job. Best regard, Hiro
Brandon W.
“Premium tour of Kyoto - Wodnerful!”
Tatsuhiro was a wonderful tour guide for our first time in Kyoto. Very accommodating and considerate. Tatsuhiro was very informative on the subjects and historical sites we visited. It was a wonderful experience, definitely recommend!
Tatsuhiro N.
Hi Brandon-san, Thank you very much for your favorable comment. Nothing is more encouraging and inspiring than receiving a high mark from my customer for the job I have done. I wish you will have enjoyable days ahead. Above all, a good health. Regards, Hiro
Roxana P.
“very good, very nice guide”
everything was perfect, the communication beforehand was also very nice and friendly
Tatsuhiro N.
Hi Roxana-san, Thank you very much for your favorable comment. I am really encouraged by it. Above all, I was really happy when I saw the smiling faces of your clients as we ended the day. Nothing is more inspiring to me than that. I wish you a greater success in your business. I will try even harder blushing up my English by whatever means possible. Regards, Hiro
$69/ per group