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 as a shrine for agriculture, before Kyoto had become the capital 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 in advance
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 for 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 for tickets, lunch and others 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
Brandon P.
Historic Monuments of Ancient Capital of Nara - from Osaka
“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
“Outstanding way to become familiar with Osaka”
We met Hiroyuki at the Osaka train station and had breakfast. From there we travelled to the Osaka Castle where we spent considerable time learning about the building and the history behind it. From there we visited the Shitenoji Temple and learned a lot about the differences and similarities between Shinto and Buddhism. Lastly we had a blast visiting the Nippon-bashi (sub culture center), where we had okonomiyaki. Delicious!! Hiro is a patient and very knowledgeable person!!!
Hiroyuki T.
Steve san, It was really nice meeting you for the Osaka tour yesterday. Thank you very much for your kindness and generously. It was a cold day and I am sorry that JR train delayed. But I had a wonderful time with you and I really appreciated your warm words on the review. Please take care of yourself, have a wonderful time in Japan and also have a safe trip home to New Jersey. Hiro
Brandon P.
Spritual tour in Kyoto Higashiyama, Kiyomizudera, Sanjusangendo, Byodoin and more
“Outstanding tour guiding!! ”
Hiro was very knowledgeable and entertaining throughout our tour of Kyoto. He did a great job!! We all learned a great deal about Kyoto’s historical sites and the stories behind them! Great job, Hiro!!
Hiroyuki T.
Brandon san, It was really nice meeting you, Shino san and your group. I hope you and your clients liked the Kyoto tour and the Nara tour. I also hope that you will be successful with your client and that Shino san will deliver a healthy baby. Hiro
$302/ per group
More tours by Hiroyuki T.
Osaka Highlights, Best for the first timer
There are a lot of places to visit, a lot of things to do in Osaka. From historical sites to food venders hopping. CHOOSE 3-4 places you want to visit from the list below and let me know. I will customize a tour for you.
Historic Monuments of Ancient Capital of Nara - from Osaka
In Nara, eight Buddhism temples and Shintoism Shrines are included in the World Heritage as “Historic Monuments in Ancient Capital of Nara” as those represent close cultural exchanges between Japan and China, and even Hellenism culture in the 8th century. On this tour we will visit three of them in a day from Osaka.
One day tour to Mt. Koya from Osaka. Be enchanted.
Mt. Koya is a very important part of the World Heritage site “Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountains”. Mt. Koya is in Wakayama Prefecture and I used to work for Wakayama Prefectural Government as a general manager of Cultural Heritage Division and I was also in charge of the World Heritage Project. I know this sacred mountain very well.
Cultural Properties in Ancient Capital of Kyoto- from Osaka
In Kyoto, there are a lot of cultural properties. Of them, seventeen temples and shrines are included in World Heritage. On this tour, we will visit some of them from Osaka to feel the profundity and splendor of Kyoto. If you are interested in the places not listed here, for example, if you would like to visit Kyoto Imperial Palace, Nijo Castle, Silver Pavilion, Gion, Kiyomizu-dera, Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka, Sanjusangen-do and others, just let me know. I will customize a tour for you.
Other Popular Art, Culture, & Historical Tours in Kyoto
Fully customizable your own private tour in Kyoto
There are so many great places in Kyoto that you probably want to visit but perhaps not enough time. Also, Kyoto is getting very crowded due to a lot of foreigners visiting there. It is best to have a local person guiding you to come up with a plan that suits your preference. I can create a tour with you which includes not only popular places like the Golden Pavilion and Fushimi Inari but small temples with Wabi Sabi such as those in Sagano and the oldest Japanese sweet shop in Murasakino.
半天周游京都宇治地区（平等院凤凰堂、黄檗山万福寺）
从您们的宾馆，坐京阪电车。 1首先访问平等院凤凰堂（在宇治车站下车） 走着斜看宇治川过约7，8分钟，到平等院凤凰堂。（世界文化遗产） 2然后再坐京阪电车到黄檗山万福寺（在黄檗车站下车） 走着去约5分钟到黄檗山万福寺，是日本最早的禅宗寺院（中国由来的 ）
Kyoto Alley Walking Tour (Half Day)
Kyoto served as a capital city where the Emperor resided between 798 and 1868. The ancient capital city has been designated as a UNESCO cultural heritage. This walking tour gives you a fun time to experience strolling in the backstreets where few tourists visit. You can walk in the famous Geisya quarter including Miyagawacho and Gion, Keninji Zen Temple and Shirakawa riverside.You have a fun walking in the alley in Kyoto. You can encounter Geiko (Geisya) or Maiko if you are lucky.
Private tour Fushimi Inari, Golden Pavilion, Nijo Castle, Nishiki Market Start form Kyoto or Osaka
Kyoto is the ancient and modern blend seamlessly. Join me on a private tour to explore two of Kyoto's most iconic landmarks: Fushini Inari, Kinkaku-ji Golden Pavilion and Nijo Castle, culminating in a vibrant exploration of Nishiki Market. Enriching journey through Kyoto's past and present, where each moment promises a new discovery.
