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Zen temples with beautiful gardens, Fushimi Inari and Bamboo Forest
Joined 2019
There are a lot of Buddhism temples and Shinto Shrines in Kyoto. This tour focuses on three UNESCO World Heritage temples with beautiful gardens, Fushimi Inari Shrine which is famous for a lot of red Torii gates and Bamboo Forest in Arashiyma to feel the profundity of Kyoto.
If you are interested in the places which are not listed here, like Nijo Castle, Kyoto Imperial Palace, Gion, Nishiki Market, Sanjusangen-do, Kiyomizu-dera and others, just let me know, I will customize a tour for you.
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 Kyoto station
- TBD
Fushimi Inari Taisha
Fushimi Inari Taisha was founded in 708, before Kyoto became the capital as a shrine for agriculture, and it later added the role of commerce and attracted the devout faith of the common people. It is the main shrine of 30,000 Inari shrines nationwide, and is famous for the 1,000 torii gates that stand on the pilgrimage road leading to the Okuno-in, but 10,000 torii gates are lined up on the pilgrimage road leading to the summit. (free)
Bamboo Forest and Arashiyama
This bamboo forest in Arashiyama is the most famous one in Japan and has been a tourist destination for a long time. The promenade that walks under the sun shine through the bamboo trees of a 20-meter-high represents the beauty of Japan. The observation spots of the Hozu Valley and the famous Togetsu Bridge are also nearby. (free)
Lunch
If you want to try authentic Zen vegetarian lunch, please let me know beforehand
Ryoan-ji, the Rock Garden
Built in 1450 by a daimyo (war lord), this temple is very well known for its Rock Garden. This simple garden with only 15 rocks lined up in a rectangular garden with pebbles is itself the spirit of Wabi and Sabi that finds beauty in simplicity. Many artists say that they were inspired by this garden, which is also a place to practice Zen. (JPY600)
Kinkakuji, the Golden Pavilion
Built in 1397 as the residence and office of the 3rd Ashikaga shogun, this luxurious building was converted into a Zen temple after the shogun's death. At the top of the three-story building is a statue of the Golden Phoenix with Eternal Wishes, and the third and second floors are covered with gold leaf. There is a garden with a pond with the image of the Pure Land of Paradise (heaven) in front of the building which reflects the Golden Pavilion on its water. (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 will be occurred in CASH on the spot on the day of the tour.
As bus ride in Kyoto is sometimes hectic, I recommend to use a taxi to and from Kinkaku-ji to avoid this,.
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
Analia S.
Zen temples with beautiful gardens, Fushimi Inari and Bamboo Forest
“Amazing guide in Kyoto”
Hiro was a very professional, gentle, considerate and knowledgeable guide. He had the entire itinerary planned beforehand, he gave us a history lesson of each site because we told him that we liked history. He also offered to take pictures of us in good sites. We did a full day with him in Kyoto and we would highly recommend him to anyone that visits Japan. You will definitely be satisfied with Hiro’s work, he is great! Thank you Hiro!
Hiroyuki T.
(129 reviews)Thank you very much for such wonderful words. It was very nice spending beautiful time with such a wonderful couple. I was very happy that you showed a lot of interest and respect to our culture and religions. And I am also very happy that you liked the Zen vegetable and Tofu dishes. Please enjoy the rest of your days in Japan. Thank you very much once again. Hiro
Carlos P.
Zen temples with beautiful gardens, Fushimi Inari and Bamboo Forest
“Impressive First Full Day in Kyoto”
Thanks to our experienced guide Hiro we spent an impressive day in Kyoto visiting the most important temples and gardens, inclusive a lunch (Tofu with rice) in a former temple being seated on the floor. Hiro explained in an easy and enthusiastic way all important facts about history and Religion. This full day tour is highly recommend, very efficient and insightful. Arigato Hiro and take care!
Hiroyuki T.
(129 reviews)Thank you very much for your message It was really nice to have spent time with such a wonderful family like yours. As you have some time in Kyoto, I will recommend Sanjusangendo which is very different the ones we visited yesterday And I recommend to enjoy local food in Osaka. Okonomiyaki pancake and Takoyaki octopus balls are very famous. Don't leave Osaka without having Okonomiyaki and Takoyaki. Thank you very much. Have a safe trip. Hiro
Melaunie L.
Cultural Properties in Ancient Capital of Kyoto- from Osaka
“Great Time”
Kiroyuki was so knowledgeable about the area and gave us historical background on everything. He listened to what we were wanting to experience and made sure he provided it for us. He was very patient and considerate with my health conditions as well. He went above and beyond by helping us navigate the trains and cab. He helped us purchase train cards and download the best app to get cabs. He spoke really good English and was familiar with American customs. We had an amazing time thanks to him.
Hiroyuki T.
(129 reviews)Thank you very much for your kind message. It was a very hot mid-summer day. We had a record-breaking hot summer this year in Japan. It is raining today, and the weather forecast says that today in the last summer day here. Please take care of yourself and come back to Japan in spring or fall next time. Many thanks to you. Best wishes, Hiro
