Kyoto was a capital of Japan for about 1,000 years till the end of Edo period since establishment of Heian-kyo dating back to 794.Kyoto retains many historic and scenic places because of flourishing of not only Buddhism and Shintoism but also aristocratic and samurai culture.Kyoto consists of four districts including Rakunan,Rakuhoku,Rakusai,Rakuto and Rakuchu.This tour covers Rakunan and Rakuto.
Kyoto Station/JR Uji Station
Byodoin is located in Uji city and founded by Fujiwara Yorimichi in 1,052. Hoo-do(Phoenix Hall) is famous for the design of Japanese ten yen coin and retains original building in spite of several fires due to civil wars and lightning strikes since 1,053.
Uji is also famous for Uji-cha(green tea). We stop by Nakamuraya cafe to enjoy matcha flavored sweets.Let's discuss Jodoshinko(belief in Jodo) which prays for peaceful death and rebirth in Gokuraku(nirvana).
Fushimi Inari enshrines the deity of good harvest and was founded early Nara period dating back 1,300 years and ten thousands of Torii gates are donated by worshipers such as business man and religious families. You may climb up to the summit of Inari mountain passing through the vermilion colored Torii gates in about an hour.
Heian Jingu Shrine was founded in 1,895 in memory of the 1,100th anniversary of the relocation of the capital to Heian-kyo. You may appreciate the splendor of Heian-kyo Palace from the reconstructed buildings including Daigoku-den,Oute-mon gate,Soryu-ro,Byakko-ro,Horo and Ryubi-dan. Typical Japanese landscape garden called Shin-en is famous for weeping cherry blossoms,Water Iris and Japanese Iris in spring and autumn leaves.
Kiyomizu Temple was founded by priest Enchin in 778 and built by the Commander in Chief of the Expeditionary Force of Sakanoue Tamuramaro in 780. Almost all the buildings were burnt down nine times in the fire since establishment and the existing buildings were reconstructed in 1,633. Hondo(Main Hall) is famous for its extra terrace called "Kiyomizu no Butai" and designated as national treasure.(Hondo is under renovation of cypress bark roof till 2,020.) At Otowa Waterfall, people pray for academic achievement,fulfillment in love and longevity. Koyasu-to was believed to have been the prayer place for Emperor Shomu and Empress Komyo and Koyasu Kannon(guardian diety of safe childbirth) statue is enshrined inside the pagoda.
I will explain about the origin and the history of Kiyomizu Temple and hidden stories behind the scenes.
Kyoto Station
guide fee
traffic expenses for the guide
admission fee for the guide
hotel pick-up
traffic expenses for you: approximately 1150 yen per person
meals fee for you and the guide
admission fee for you: 300(600) yen for Byodoin・600 yen for Shin-en・400 yen for Kiyomizu Temple
I am not a chauffeur. I am not authorized to drive a car with guest.
Noel N.
Custo Tour for Noel over Nara for October 21
Customized
“Excellent guide,!!!”
If we could give 10 stars we would do that for HIRO. We had such a wonderful day in Nara with him and saw the most incredible sites. He was so enthusiastic and was so knowledgeable everywhere we went. We also stopped for a wonderful lunch and got to rest for a while and then continued our eight hour tour. Needless to say “HIGHLY RECOMMEND “
Hiroyuki F.
(111 reviews)Dear Noel, Thank you Noel for such encouraging words, it motivates me to work harder and improve better. I had a very good time with you and Diane talking about the history and culture of Japan. I was especially impressed with your question about the fund for the construction of the Great Buddha Hall. It was built by the people's power. I hope you will enjoy the rest of your stay in Japan and have a safe trip home. Best regards, Hiro
Leslie N.
2-Day Custom Tour for Leslie over Osaka & Kyoto for October 18th & 19th
Customized
“Fabulous Two-Day Tour of Osaka & Kyoto”
We were introduced to Hiroyuki through another guide. He helped us to plan a custom tour of Osaka and Kyoto over a two day period. His planning was impeccable, down to each train we would be traveling and each train station we would be transitioning through. His in-depth knowledge of history of the region was interwoven with personal experiences. We are grateful to him for introducing us to this wonderful country. Highly recommended.
Hiroyuki F.
(111 reviews)Dear Leslie, Thank you for taking the time to write this review. Your kind words encourage me greatly. In fact I usually don't visit museums with the guest, however you gave me a good opportunity to visit Osaka Ukiyoe Museum etc., which was of help to my guide ability. I hear that you have more than ten days tour in Japan from tomorrow. I hope you enjoy the rest of your stay and have safe journey. Best regards, Hiro
Lisa W.
Custom Tour for Lisa over Nara for October 16
Customized
“Excellent guide, knowledgeable and fun”
We enjoyed our day completely
Hiroyuki F.
(111 reviews)Dear Lisa, It's a pleasure to serve you, thank you for your valuable feedback. Please enjoy the rest of your stay in Japan. Best regards, Hiro