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Private tour in Kyoto Akiko M
Explore Mt. Kurama, the Birthplace of Reiki
5.0
(4) reviews
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8 hours
1
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8 hours
1
Akiko M.
5.0
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53
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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.
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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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
What's not included
Meeting location
Kyoto, Kyoto, Japan
Demachi Yanagi station (Eizan Railway) or guest's hotel lobby in Kyoto
- You can request a different meeting location (for example, your hotel) during the checkout process.
Other details
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Languages
English
JapaneseActivity level
Traveller reviews for this private tour in Kyoto
4 reviews
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8 hours
1
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8 hours
1
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Book with a deposit
If your tour is valued over $200 USD and booked at least 45 days before the tour date, you can book with a deposit!
How it works
- Your credit card will be authorized only for the deposit amount.
- Funds will not be withdrawn until your tour booking is fully processed.
- 30 days before your tour date, the remaining balance is automatically charged.