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Tour of Ishiyama-dera Temple
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Joined 2014
(Highlights)
This temple is popular not only among pilgrims and dedicated Buddhists but also among ordinary citizens. It is well-known as the place where a 12th -century woman writer Murasaki-shikibu worked on the manuscript of her masterpiece "Genji-monogatari (tale of Genji)". People visit the temple to pray for the safe childbirth, peace in the family and happy marriages. It is also the place where people can enjoy viewing the beautiful harvest moon known as "Ishiyama-no-syugetsu (moonlight over the temple of Ishiyama-dera) in mid-September. Not only Buddhist rituals but also jazz concerts and other festive events are held at that time. In mid-August, in addition, a magnificent fireworks show can be seen in the nearby river bank accompanied by as many as 3,000 candles lit in line in the same bank a bit away and "Bon" dancing" is performed by visitors each year.
The 900-year-old temple is the attractive place surrounded by natural beauties throughout the year: plum blossoms in winter, cherry blossoms in spring, fresh green leaves in early summer and colored leaves in the fall.
( How to visit the temple and enjoy)
After you go through the main gate, walk to the admission-collecting booth, where you are asked to pay 500 yen. They will give you a leaflet explainig about the temple in its entirety.Then, go up the steep hill and you will reach the "Hondo" main hall, which houses the magnificent "Go-honzon-sama", or " Kannon-sama", the Goddess of mercy, which is the principal icon of the temple. There you have to pay another 300 yen, then you can step in to the sacred hall, where the huge image sits. You have to take your shoes off beforehand. Taking a photo is not allowed there. You can sit on the chair before the image and offer a prayer. Afterward, walk on the path that leads you to whatever places or buildings there are in the compound. You will never get lost, since there are signboards everywhere directing your way and the path is simple. One hour will be enough for the tour of the entire temple.
(Others)
The bus fare is 230 yen and the entrance fee is 500 yen ( plus 300 yen for entering the "Hondo" main hall). You can also take a private railway train ride for almost the same fare.
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
At your hotel
Ishiyama-dera temple
Seta-no-karahashi Bridge. Feudal lords in Japan used to fight for the control of this bridge.
Ending Point
At your hotel
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, hotel pick-up in Kyoto area
transportation fee (you and guide), lunch, dinner, entrance fee, hotel pick-up in areas beyond Kyoto area
Tour Important Information
Important message from the supplier
I would like at least 7 days notice before a booking.
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 2014
About Tour Guide Tatsuhiro N.
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.
Reviews
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Michelle M.
“Great visit to Temples and Market”
We had an excellent tour with Hiro. I highly recommend him. He had great communication to create a custom tour for us. He arrived early at our hotel lobby. He spoke excellent English and was very kind. He was very informative about the many sights we visited. He took photos of our family. He took us to three temples and the market. He was very knowledgeable getting around the city and using the trains. It made our day a breeze. He had a special surprise for us at the Kiyomizudera Temple and it made for great photos. We really enjoyed our day and Hiro made it very special. Thank you.
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Tatsuhiro N.
Hi Michelle-san and the loved ones, I am glad we were able to complete our tour safely today. And thank you very much for everything, including the taxi rides, delicious lunch, snack and the wonderful souvenir. Above all, I cannot be happier than receiving the highest mark for my job as a tour guide. It works as a great motivation for my career from now on. I hope you will enjoy the rest of your stay here. Best Hiro
Susan L.
“Relaxing day in Kyoto”
Hiro-san is very accommodating to our group. We made several last minute changes and he was very adaptable, making our experience enjoyable! Thank you for the effort you put into the tour.
Tatsuhiro N.
Hi Susan-san, Thank you very much for giving me the highest mark. I am glad you had an opportunity to see our culture and society firsthand. Enjoy the rest of your tour. Wish you all a good health and a good luck. Regards, Hiro
Vijey S.
“Fabulous time in Kyoto”
We had a lovely guide in Kyoto, who took us to all the iconic places. Thank you for doing all the little things to make it a very enjoyable trip.
Tatsuhiro N.
Hi Vijey-san & Suki-san, How have you been since we enjoyed our tour of Kyoto and Nara? I am really glad you two had a good time staying here and it was a pleasure to hear about your promising offsprings. Thank you very much for your wonderful souvenir: I shared the chocolate with my acquaintances and I am going to drink the prestigious Scottish whisky with my brother when I visit him in my home town soon. And above all, there can be nothing more honorable than receiving the top mark on my job as a tour guide. Good luck and good health. Regards, Hiro
$159/ per group
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