Kyoto Trip Overview
In this experience you will spend time in some of the most charming spaces in all of Kyoto including The Poet’s Hut Temple, The Hermitage of an ex-Samurai, The Garden of the Ox and Dragon, and A Temple of Refined Elegance. In between we will have a tea break at a secret mountain tea house (only available on Wed., Sat. and Sun).
We travel to an old, quiet and surprisingly ordinary neighborhood in the northeastern part of Kyoto, tucked into the Higashiyama mountain range. This is not like the busy tourist areas that are scattered around town.
The road we follow winds its way through this residential neighborhood and we soon encounter traces of the farm life that existed in this area for hundreds of years. As we approach the cedar forest we can feel that this is like nowhere we have seen in Kyoto up until this point. It is in these surroundings you will have one of your most memorable experiences in Japan.
Additional Info
Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes
Starts: Kyoto, Japan
Trip Category: Cultural & Theme Tours >> Cultural Tours
Explore Kyoto Promoted Experiences
What to Expect When Visiting Kyoto, Kyoto, Japan
In this experience you will spend time in some of the most charming spaces in all of Kyoto including The Poet’s Hut Temple, The Hermitage of an ex-Samurai, The Garden of the Ox and Dragon, and A Temple of Refined Elegance. In between we will have a tea break at a secret mountain tea house (only available on Wed., Sat. and Sun).
We travel to an old, quiet and surprisingly ordinary neighborhood in the northeastern part of Kyoto, tucked into the Higashiyama mountain range. This is not like the busy tourist areas that are scattered around town.
The road we follow winds its way through this residential neighborhood and we soon encounter traces of the farm life that existed in this area for hundreds of years. As we approach the cedar forest we can feel that this is like nowhere we have seen in Kyoto up until this point. It is in these surroundings you will have one of your most memorable experiences in Japan.
Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product
Stop At: Konpukuji Temple, 20 Ichijoji Saikatacho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8157 Kyoto Prefecture
Spend time in a major landmark connected to the Japanese art of haiku poetry. Maybe you will even write a few haiku’s yourself!
Duration: 45 minutes
Stop At: Shisendo Temple, 27 Ichijoji Monguchi-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8154 Kyoto Prefecture
The hermitage of an ex-samurai, this site is an excellent example of Japanese architecture blurring the line between the “outside” and “inside”. You will spend time in tranquil garden, as well as touring the home which features features a collection of 36 portraits of ancient Chinese poets.
Duration: 45 minutes
Stop At: Enkoji Temple, 13 Ichijoji Kotanicho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8147 Kyoto Prefecture
This temple has two fascinating gardens. Very interestingly, as they are both of a very different nature- they are both represent the same deep underlying concept- “enlightenment”.
Duration: 45 minutes
Stop At: Nobotokean, 15 Ichijoji Hayamacho, Sakyo-Ku, Kyoto 606-8145 Kyoto Prefecture
In this former tea ceremony retreat, we will witness an eclectic collection of tea houses and garden spaces. Before leaving we will enjoy a bowl of matcha. This truly unique and hidden site is only open on Wednesdays and Sundays. The 500 yen fee is not included in price of this tour.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Manshuin Garden, 42 Ichijoji Takenochicho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8134 Kyoto Prefecture
The day ends at Manshu-in, a temple who’s history dates back to the 8th century. At one point this temple was headed by priests of imperial or aristocratic lineage. Here we will spend time in outstanding examples of Shoin architecture, which very much defines what even today is understood as a traditional Japanese style room. A supreme example of elegance in simplicity.
The 600 yen fee for this site is not included in the tour price.
Duration: 45 minutes
