Private tour in Kyoto Brian V

Pricing Details
Base cost of tour
  • $ 1,087 USD

Understanding Kyoto's Buddhist Temples and Shinto Shrines

Tour #1410942
Pricing Details
Base cost of tour

Includes all fees

Book with a 20% deposit

up to 5 people

8 hours

Private transportation

Party size:

1

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Overview of your Kyoto tour:

This tour is for visitors who would like an all-day, in-depth introduction to Kyoto's most interesting and beautiful Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines. The Buddhist temples are affiliated with the three major types of Buddhism in Kyoto, i.e., devotional Buddhism represented by the Jodo Shin (True Pure Land) sect; meditation-oriented Buddhism represented by the Rinzai Zen sect, with attached Zen gardens; and esoteric (ritual-focused) Buddhism represented by the Shingon sect. A visit will also be made to a major Shinto shrine (Inari Jinja), famous for its thousands of brightly colored Shinto torii gates extending up the mountain behind the shrine. Shinto is not only the indigenous religion of Japan but it is also one expression of animism, widely recognized at the world's oldest form of religion with some of its practices dating back tens of thousands of years. In short, this is a tour for visitors who are looking for not only visual enrichment but spiritual enrichment as well.

Your Kyoto tour itinerary

We first visit Inari Shinto shrine in southern Kyoto. From there we visit nearby Tofukuji temple, affiliated with the Rinzai Zen sect, featuring a lush valley and gardens as well as Japan's oldest extant meditation hall. Next, we travel north to Nishi Honganji temple for an introduction to devotional Buddhism housed in two of the largest wooden buildings in the world. We also eat lunch in an affiliated temple restaurant. In the afternoon, we travel further north to the world famous Golden Pavilion with its exquisite three storied temple covered in gold leaf. set in a beautiful lake setting. From there, we go to nearby Ninnaji temple, with its beautiful garden, to be introduced to the esoteric Shingon sect of Buddhism. If time allows, we may also visit nearby Daitokuji Zen temple, featuring multiple, exquisite and quiet Zen gardens. Note, however, this is only a suggested itinerary and the schedule can always be amended to visit any Buddhist temple or Shinto shrine of interest to visitors.

Customize your tour

Contact your local guide to know more!!

Transportation Details
Type: Private Transportation / Category: Sedan

We will be travelling in a modern, air-conditioned vehicle with private chauffeur. *for larger groups, please contact me for a specific quote.

What's included
  • Private Guide
  • Private Transportation With Driver
What's extra
  • Tickets
  • Public Transportation
  • Accommodation
  • Other
  • Food Drinks Snacks
  • Tastings: Please note that I'm happy to join guests for lunch or eat separately. Additionally, I'm happy to pay for my own lunch.
  • Equipment
  • Classes Workshop
  • Services
  • Private Transportation
Meeting location

Kyoto, Kyoto, Japan

I will pick you up at your hotel, or wherever you designate, by chartered, commercial taxi.

  • You can request a different meeting location (for example, your hotel) during the checkout process.
Other details
Tour categories
Languages
Fluent

English

Fluent

Japanese

Activity level
Moderate

Includes all fees

Book with a 20% deposit

Size:

up to 5 people

Duration:

8 hours

Transportation:

Private transportation

Party size:

1

Select tour date
Select tour start time

View our cancellation policy

Includes all fees

Book with a 20% deposit

Size:

up to 5 people

Duration:

8 hours

Transportation:

Private transportation

Party size:

1

Select tour date
Select tour start time

View our cancellation policy

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