Wabi & Sabi -temples with gardens in Kyoto Higashiyama and more
Joined 2019
This tour focuses on the Zen temples with Wabi-Sabi gardens in Higashiyama such as Tenju-an, Nanzen-ji and Ginkaku-ji the Silver Pavilion.
We will walk on Higashiyama where we can sense the Higashiyama Culture which is a fusion of the samurai, imperial court and Zen.
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
At your hotel in Kyoto or JR Kyoto station
Nanzen-ji Tenju-an
This is a temple built by order of an emperor in the first half of the 14th century and is a subsidiary temple of Nanzen-ji. This temple has two gardens, a dry landscape garden made of moss and cobblestones and a pure land garden with a pond (ticket JPY500).
Nanzen-ji Hojo and its Hojo Garden
This temple was originally an emperor's palace and converted to a Zen temple at the end of the 13th century. It is positioned as the highest rank of Zen temples in Japan and has a strong influence of samurai culture in its simplicity. A dry landscape garden in this temple is has very strong influence from Zen. This temple also has a subsidiary temple Nanzen-in with a beautiful pond strolling garden and Water Bridge that bring water to Kyoto from Lake Biwa. (ticket JPY600)
Eikando (Zenrin-ji)
In Buddhism it is taught that our souls will be guided to the Pure Land after death by Amida Buddha. The garden of this temple was built to image the Pure Land where this Buddha lives. (ticket JPY600)
Lunch
Philosopher’s Walk
This is a beautiful path leading from Nanzen-ji to Ginkaku-ji, so named because a famous philosopher took a walk on this path every day. (free)
Ginkaku-ji
This Zen temple was established by the 8th Shogun of the Ashikaga Shogunate in 1490.
It is so called Silver Pavilion in contrast to the Golden Pavilion Kinkaku-ji Temple.
Two storied Ginkaku-ji is a simple, modest but beautiful building, and it is said that is the embodiment of a sense Wabi-Sabi, which sees beauty in simple and modest things. (ticket JPY500)
Ending Point
At your hotel in Kyoto or downtown Kyoto
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
guide fee
Insurance
Transportation fee
Entrance fee
Lunch for guests and guide
Tour Important Information
As we will walk a lot, comfortable shoes are recommended.
Tours are NOT covered by insurance. Make sure to be covered by your own insurance.
Transportation fare, entrance fees and lunch are NOT included in the guide fee.
Direct payment for tickets , lunch and others will be occurred in CASH on the spot on the day of the tour.
Cancellation Policy
- Free cancellation - 8 days prior to meeting time
- 50% Refund - 3 to 7 days prior to meeting time
- No Refund - Within 2 day(s) prior to meeting time
Joined 2019
About Tour Guide Hiroyuki T.
Hi!
I had been working for Wakayama Prefectural Government for 38 years, mainly in the field of cultural heritage management and international relations. I am a national certificated English guide and I have a lot of knowledge and experience in the field of cultural heritage management and international relations.
I am very good at cultural heritages.
And Koyasan and Kumano in Wakayama Prefecture are inscribed in the World Heritage List as parts of “Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range". I was a project manager of "the Koyasan and Kumano World Heritage Inscription Project” at Wakayama Prefectural Government. I know inside and out of Koyasan, Kumano, Wakayama and other places in the Kansai area.
I have a lot of experience of guiding as I was also in charge of international relations for a long time at the government.
I will be able to provide interpretive guiding service for you around Koyasan, Wakayama, Osaka and other places in the Kansai area as I am a cultural heritage management and international relations professional.
I am sure you will be able to get deeper understandings on Japanese culture and that your trip with me will be memorable one.
Reviews
Miriam R.
“A wonderful experience ”
Hiro, thank you for expertise, wealth of knowledge, patience, and flexibility. We had a fantastic time seeing Kyoto with you. You are an excellent guide!
Wendy M.
“Great day in Okayama and Kurashiki”
We had a great day out with Hiroyuki. He was extremely knowledgeable about the history of the area and took us to places we wouldn’t have seen otherwise.
Hiroyuki T.
It was a very beautiful day. I had a wonderful time both in Okayama and Kurashiki with you. It was really nice spending time with people who know how to enjoy culture. I hope see you again sometime in the near future. Hiroyuki TSUI
Brandon P.
“Had such a great time!! ”
Thank you so much, Hiro-san, for your insightful guidance through Nara. The group had a fantastic time and truly appreciated your deep knowledge and engaging explanations of the history behind each location. Your presence made the experience all the more enriching! I highly recommend Hiro-san to anyone looking for a knowledgeable guide in Kyoto and Nara. The experience is well worth the small extra cost, as it transforms your visit from simply seeing the sights to truly understanding their rich history. Hearing the stories behind each location makes the journey even more captivating and memorable.
Hiroyuki T.
Brandon san, Thank you very much for another kind message. It was really nice to had been with you and your group in Kyoto and Nara. Your group showed a lot of interest and respects to our culture and history. I really appreciated it. I hope I can be of help to you in the future again. Hiro
$302/ per group
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