Kyoto

Kinkakuji Temple is more familiar to foreign tourists as "The Temple of the Golden Pavillion". It was built during the 14th century on the grounds of a mountain villa belonging to Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu. Golden Pavilion can be seen both in its natural form and as an upside-down image on the pond.

Nijo castle served as the residence of the Tokugawa family and their retainers when they visited Kyoto. However in 1867 Japanese historical event was held at Nijo Castle.  The 15th shogun Tokugawa Yoshinobu returned his power to the emperor and next year Japan officially started to become a modern state.

Fushimi Inari Shrine founded in the early 8th century is very popular shrine.  On the average, as many as 2.7 million people pay their first visit to this shrine during the first three days of January every year.  You can pass through Senbontorii or one thousand shrine gates.

Kiyomizu Temple literally means "Clean Water Temple."　It is built over a cliff and is famous for its wide veranda and tall wooden pillars.  From the veranda,  there is a panoramic view of Kyoto. The Otowa waterfall is at the foot of the cliff.  The water is channeled into three streams.  Have you ever heard of the meaning of three streams ?

 The street from Shijo Ohashi to Yasaka Shrine is lined with traditional souvenir shops, restaurants and coffee shops.  Gion corner is close to this street.  With luck you might see Geiko and Maiko.

Please join the golden route of Kyoto !! 

Thank you.

Japan

Kyoto Golden Route (Nijo Arashiyama Kinkakuji Fushimi Inari)

Fushimi Inari Shrine, Zen Meditation, Sake brewery visiting and tasting, Gion

Kyoto Golden Route : Fushimi Inari and Arashiyama area

Zen temples with beautiful gardens, Fushimi Inari and Bamboo Forest

Fushimi Inari - Secret Hiking Tour (private)

Private tour Fushimi Inari,  Golden Pavilion, Nijo Castle, Nishiki Market Start form Kyoto or Osaka

Fushimi-Inari shrine , where there are more than 10,000 Torii-gates or Shinto holy gates on the hillside of Mt,Fushimi.
If you walk through the tunnel of the  Trii-gate, you must be really mesmerized ! 
Nanzenji-temple , a complex of Zen temples  and subtemples is the ideal structure of Zen buddhist temple.
The huge Sanmon gate is one of the three biggest temple gates in Japan.  You can also find a canal ,which build with Roman-style brick aqueduct in the the temple site. Eikando-temple is famous of its Mikaeri-Amida Statue and the garden.  Eikando-garden is well known for its Autumnal leaves colored with red and yellow.
esp. during late October to November.

This tour covers 3 must-see scenic spots in Kyoto. Fushimi Inari-Shrine,Nanzenji-temple and Eikando-

On this tour, I would like to show you those highlights such as ,
-Kiyomizudera, one of the most popular temples in Japan. You will have a beautiful view of its precinct and the town from the famous wooden stage "Kiyomizu-no-Butai". 
-Ninenzaka Sannenzaka, worshiper's path to Kiyomizudera, historical preserved area, you can try to taste  
 various kinds of Japanese sweets in a nostalgic atmosphere.
-Gion Geisha Town whichi is the biggest amusement quarters of female entertainers, Geiko and Maiko. Let's take a picture of yourself as an old Japanese.
-Fushimi Inari Shinto Shrine which is famous for many orange-color Torii gates like a tunnel. If you walk through the gates, your wishes might be granted.
-Sanjusangendo Temple This temple hall is the longest wooden architecture which has 33 spaces between pillars. Sanjusan means thirty three. This is a significant number. Why is it?  Please find it out!

Enjoy the early morning walking tour with me without crowds!

Early Bird Half Day Tour Eastern Kyoto including Fushimi Inari Shrine and Kiyomizu Temple

Katsura Imperial Villa needs admission in advance. The number of visitors is limited. So visit to Katsura Imperial Villa is worth visiting. I am sure you will be satisfied with this artistic sensibility.

Katsura Imperial Villa and Fushimi Inari 

This tour is a walking tour, but not so tough. It includes Fushimi Inari Shrine, the most popular tourist’s destination and the top of Inari Mountain. Walking under the thousands of Torii gates, we will enter the sacred world of Mt. Inari where the deity came to earth.
Sennyuji temple might be a lesser known place even for Japanese people, but this temple is very venerable because it has been worshiped by aristocrats and imperial house for a long time. I will take you to old mausoleums of the emperor and aristocrats in confidence.
At Sanjusangen-do temple you may be mesmerized by the 1001 statues of Kanon Bodhisattva and guardian deities from India in the old wooden hall. It’s also well known as a venue for the famous Japanese Archery contest called "Toshiya". My ancestor "Daihahiro WASA", he is a record holder of the contest. I will show you the evidence of it at the temple!! 


Kyoto Golden Route (Nijo Arashiyama Kinkakuji Fushimi Inari)

Kyoto Golden Route (Nijo Arashiyama Kinkakuji Fushimi Inari)

Fushimi Inari Shrine, Zen Meditation, Sake brewery visiting and tasting, Gion

Fushimi Inari Shrine, Zen Meditation, Sake brewery visiting and tasting, Gion

Kyoto Golden Route : Fushimi Inari and Arashiyama area

Kyoto Golden Route : Fushimi Inari and Arashiyama area

Zen temples with beautiful gardens, Fushimi Inari and Bamboo Forest

Zen temples with beautiful gardens, Fushimi Inari and Bamboo Forest

Fushimi Inari - Secret Hiking Tour (private)

Fushimi Inari - Secret Hiking Tour (private)

Private tour Fushimi Inari, Golden Pavilion, Nijo Castle, Nishiki Market Start form Kyoto or Osaka

Private tour Fushimi Inari, Golden Pavilion, Nijo Castle, Nishiki Market Start form Kyoto or Osaka

This tour covers 3 must-see scenic spots in Kyoto. Fushimi Inari-Shrine,Nanzenji-temple and Eikando-

This tour covers 3 must-see scenic spots in Kyoto. Fushimi Inari-Shrine,Nanzenji-temple and Eikando-

Early Bird Half Day Tour Eastern Kyoto including Fushimi Inari Shrine and Kiyomizu Temple

Early Bird Half Day Tour Eastern Kyoto including Fushimi Inari Shrine and Kiyomizu Temple

Katsura Imperial Villa and Fushimi Inari

Katsura Imperial Villa and Fushimi Inari

Kyoto Hiking tour Fushimi Inari to sanjusangen-do

Kyoto Hiking tour Fushimi Inari to sanjusangen-do

Kyoto Spiritual & Cultural Journey: Fushimi Inari, Kiyomizu Temple, and Gion Tour

Kyoto Spiritual & Cultural Journey: Fushimi Inari, Kiyomizu Temple, and Gion Tour