Justin F.United States
An amazing day on Mt Kurama with Akiko. She is supremely knowledgeable, great with visitors of all ages (we brought our kids) and overall it was a terrific experience, a highlight of our trip to Japan.
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Private tour in Kyoto Akiko M
Explore Mt. Kurama, the Birthplace of Reiki
5.0
(5) reviews
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8 hours
Public transportation
Private tour for 1-4 people
Your party size
1
Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
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8 hours
Public transportation
Private tour for 1-4 people
Your party size
1
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
Akiko M.
5.0
Guide rating
55
Reviews
Tours delivered
31 hrs
Avg. response time
Explore Japan's spirituality in Nara with me! Hello everyone, my name is Akiko. I'm a nationally licensed tour guide in Nara focusing on the Yamato area. Here, you can still feel the presence of the ancient spirits in the air as you enjoy Japan's seasonal natural beauty. Nara is famous as the ancient capital of Japan. Here, there are many historical UNESCO World Heritage sites. When the ancient capital was later moved to Kyoto (794 A. D. ) many sacred sites in Nara remained important and have been worshiped for over 1300 years. As I have experienced my own spiritual growth, both in and beyond Japan, I came to realize the true value of the spiritual heritage of Yamato, which is rarely explained to visitors in English. As we say in Japanese, 「温故知新」 or "Onko chishin". This means- if we want to learn about the future, we should consult the past. I believe history has much to teach us. True heritage is the spiritual teaching and wisdom of those who came before us. These are not religious, but universal teachings. In this sense, Yamato has a lot to offer. It is my passion, mission and honor to share what I've discovered about the long and rich cultural and spiritual history of Yamato. I truly hope you'll have the most memorable and meaningful trip ever as I guide you in Japan! I am a National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter since 2009. As we travel through the town we will utilize public transportation, taxis or walking. I am not a driver, but I can arrange for a taxi and a driver for you.
Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message Akiko M.
Let's go off the beaten path on a private tour from Kyoto
Overview of your Kyoto tour
There are so many beautiful spots in Kyoto, but if you wish to get off the beaten path and get into nature this is the perfect course. On this tour, you will feel the spirits in the elements of nature- such as trees, water, air, sun, and earth. As a Reiki practitioner, I had the privilege to visit Mt. Kurama, the birthplace of REIKI 20 years ago. Ever since this area is a special place for me. Together we will visit the mountain temple of Kuramadera Temple and feel the deep sacred nature. Then we will take time to meditate on the mountaintop where Master Usui, the founder of REIKI meditated to receive the world-famous universal healing energy. In doing so we will purify our minds, bodies, and spirits, and feel the deep interconnection with all beings. Here we will also learn the unique and universal Buddhist teachings of Kuramadera. Afterward, we will walk through the forest and go to the other side of the mountain to Kifune jinja Shrine, where the water kami have been worshipped since ancient time.
Recent Reviews
Laurent L.
An informed guide who is always happy to answer questions. She is gentle, kind and eager and will help you understand Japanese culture, history and the Japanese people. Highly recommended.
Jayna S.United States
Akiko was an excellent guide. She met us at our hotel and we took the train to Mount Kurama. I think I would have gotten lost if we didn't have her during the transfer of trains. She was extremely knowledgeable about Mount Kurama and about Reiki. She speaks English well. I can't wait to go back!
Pushpa R.Botswana
I recently took a tour to Mt. Kurama a beautiful and serene retreat and temple in Kyoto. I was interested in visiting the site mainly as Reiki' s sacred place. Our guide Akiko was excellent, spoke good English, helpful and knowledgeable of the whole area. She took us around the mountain and the temple, explaining at length the significance and history of each spot. The 8 hours we spent with Akiko was truly an enjoyable experience !!
Lina S.United States
I had a wonderful time being guided by Akiko. She is very kind and knowledgeable I also had an energy session after the tour by someone she recommended ( i asked her if she knew anyone) and it was a perfect ending after visiting Mt. Kurama. Thank you Akiko!
Your Kyoto tour itinerary
● Meeting at Demachi yanagi station (Eizan Railway). We will take about 30 minutes train ride to Kurama station in the north. ● Visit Kuramadera- Temple. It is located in the middle of the mountain, and roughly takes about 30 minutes to hike up to get there. If you think it is too hard, you can go up close to the main temple by cable car, too. ● Visit Yuki-Jinja Shrine which is surrounded by tall sacred old cedar trees. This Shrine is famous for its fire festival every October, said to be one of the three unique or eccentric festivals of Kyoto. ● Kifune jinja Shrine -After meditating and resting at the top of the mountain's sacred spot, we will hike down the mountain to the other side of the mountain and visit Kifune jiinja Shrine. Here is famous for its water worship, and we can drink the spring water from the mountain. ● We will take a short bus ride to Kifune station, and take a train (Eizan Railway) back to Demachi Yanagi station.
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Tell your guide which places matter to you, skip what doesn't, and tailor the experience for your group's needs. Not finding what you want? Message your guide to build something unique.
Transport details
Type: Public Transportation / Category: Train
We will be taking a couple of short train rides and walking through the forest and a mountain. You do not need special footwear for the hike but recommended to wear something you are used to, like sneakers.
What's included
Private Guide
What's not included
Other: Personal expenses. Guests are required to purchase their own train tickets, mountain/temple admission tickets, and food.
The mountain/temple admission tickets can be bought on the day of the tour.
Public Transportation
Food Drinks Snacks
Meeting location
Kyoto, Kyoto, Japan
Demachi Yanagi station (Eizan Railway) or guest's hotel lobby in Kyoto
- You can request a specific meeting location (for example, your hotel) during the checkout.
Other details
Tour categories
Nature Wildlife And Safaris
Day Trip
Tour reference number
1098454
Languages
English
JapaneseActivity level
Light
Traveller reviews
5.0
FAQs
Who is this private tour in Kyoto best suited for?
This private tour is perfect for travellers interested in exploring nature and spirituality. If you want to experience the birthplace of Reiki and enjoy meditative moments in a serene mountain setting, this tour is ideal. It's also great for those who wish to connect with a local guide like Akiko M. for deeper insights into the area's spiritual significance.
What should I bring or wear?
Can this private tour in Kyoto be customized to focus on what I want to see and skip places I've already visited?
How long is the tour, and can the start time or duration be adjusted?
Where does the tour start and end?
Is transportation included?
What happens if a site is closed, crowded, or the weather changes?
What languages is this tour offered in?
AI-generated. Please confirm details with your guide
-
8 hours
Public transportation
Private tour for 1-4 people
Your party size
1
Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
8 hours
Public transportation
Private tour for 1-4 people
Your party size
1
Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
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