Top Experiences in Daitoku-ji Temple

This is an 8 kilometer E-biking ride that visits famous attractions as well as hidden gems in Kyoto such as the Kinkakuji, Daitokuji Temple Complex in order to visit the Koto-in and Zuiho-in, Imamiyajinja and the Kitanotenmangu Temple.

Kimono is the beautiful traditional dress of Japan. This 6 hour Kyoto walking tour includes wearing a Kimono experience! You will be dressed by a professional and have your hair done in a simple hairstyle.

It will take about one hour to change for one group (including a simple hair set for women). Afterward, you can walk around the old capitol, Kyoto.

The traditions of ancient Japan are still alive and well in Kyoto. Walking around this beautiful city waring a Kimono can feel like you are in a time machine as its architecture has been preserved for centuries.

Once your reservation is made, a guide will be in touch to plan your personalized tour. Choose 2 to 3 spots that you wish to visit and your guide will plan a personalized itinerary. If you do not know where to visit, ask the guide to send you their recommended itinerary based on your interests.

Temples, shrines, and tea ceremonies. The traditions of ancient Japan are still alive and well in the old capitol, Kyoto. Walking around this beautiful city can feel like you are in a time machine as its architecture has been preserved for centuries. Kiyomizu Temple towers over the historical Gion district, famous for its rich history of geisha. There is much history in this city that you don’t want to miss so book our Government Licensed and Experienced English-speaking guides for a walking tour of Kyoto!

Once your reservation is made, a guide will be in touch to plan your personalized tour. Choose 3 to 4 spots that you wish to visit and your guide will plan a personalized itinerary. If you do not know where to visit, ask the guide to send you their recommended itinerary based on your interests. Whether you are a history buff, love the beauty of old Japanese architecture, or just want to enjoy a green tea parfait, Kyoto has something for you!

・Choose your Favorite kimono, and our professional kimono staff will help you to wear the kimono.

・Learn about kimono patterns and how to wear them for seasonal types and enjoy taking picture time.

・Before starting the tea ceremony, the Tea instructor will teach you about the background of tea culture

・Have Japanese sweets for tea

・Performance Tea ceremony by professional tea master.

・Enjoy to drink Tea and learn about manners.

・Lastly you can experience making tea yourself.

First we will go to Daitokuji which is a collection of small zen temples. Though there are more than 20 of them, usually only 4 are open for public. We will visit three of them. Each temple has its own uniqueness with differently designed stone gardens. Nowadays Kyoto is getting very crowded, but if we go to Daitokuji early in the morning, it is very quiet usually and we can sit in front of stone garden and relax. If you would like to meditate, you can try to do that too!!!
After going through those temples, we will go to the Aburimochi store. One of the two shops started in the year 1000! They have been in business for more than 1000 years. Their mochi is considered the origin of all the Japanese sweets. We can sit in the outside area and eat the mochi with tea.
We will go to Imamiya Shrine afterwards. I could let you know how to properly visit a Japanese shrine including how to pray! Plus there is an interesting story behind this shrine that many Japanese ladies come and pray here.

A relaxed bike ride (12km) and introduction to many aspects of Japan's history and culture, led by a former Zen monk with MA degree in Japanese Studies. Avoid the tourist crowds and immerse yourself in culture and history. Optional trekking or e-bikes in different sizes. Before the start you will get a lunch in our restaurant. After a short drive we visit the Imperial Palace, residence of the Japanese Tenno until 1868. It continues to the Nishijin Kimono Center, where kimonos have been produced for centuries. You will see a kimono show there. In Daitokuji Zen Temple you get an insight into Buddhism. Finally, drive to Shimogamo Shinto Shrine, World Heritage Site and Kyoto's oldest shrine. For the 1500 Yen surcharge, you can optionally visit a sake brewery and sample 5 sake varieties. After the tour there is the possibility to have a Japanese dinner in our restaurant. Japanese guests welcome.

Temples, shrines, and tea ceremonies. The traditions of ancient Japan are still alive and well in the old capitol, Kyoto. Walking around this beautiful city can feel like you are in a time machine as its architecture has been preserved for centuries. Kiyomizu Temple towers over the historical Gion district, famous for its rich history of geisha. There is much history in this city that you don’t want to miss so book our Government Licensed and Experienced English-speaking guides for a walking tour of Kyoto!

Once your reservation is made, a guide will be in touch to plan your personalized tour. Choose 3 to 4 spots that you wish to visit and your guide will plan a personalized itinerary. If you do not know where to visit, ask the guide to send you their recommended itinerary based on your interests. Whether you are a history buff, love the beauty of old Japanese architecture, or just want to enjoy a green tea parfait, Kyoto has something for you!

Traditional and historical Japanese gardens are best sites to see Japanese aesthetics. Both artistic landscape gardens with seasonal plants and dry landscape gardens at Zen temples help you get relaxed for meditation. Visiting various styled gardens and experiencing traditional Japanese spirits which are represented in plants, rocks, and total design.

Our government-licensed and experienced multilingual guides will help you efficiently enjoy a one-day private tour of the best Japanese gardens in Kyoto.

Select gardens from a list in the tour information to create your customized itinerary. In addition to gardens, you may also choose any famous site in Kyoto for a truly memorable experience!

Note*1: Please select your must-see spots from a list in the tour information to create your customized itinerary.
Note*2: National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter certification is issued by the Japanese government requires a good knowledge and understanding of Japanese culture and history.

This tour offers a distinctive exploration of Japanese tea ceremony craftsmanship, seamlessly integrating local artistry with the natural splendor of Japan. Each day is enriched by the expertise of bilingual guides proficient in both English and Japanese, presenting a tailored experience of Japan’s cultural heritage.

Days 1-2: The journey commences in Kyoto, immersing you in the fundamental elements of Chanoyu, including the flow of water, tea utensils, and settings. It features a tea ceremony and a visit to a craftsman. The experience deepens with an engagement in Chanoyu's spirituality at Daitokuji Daijiin Temple, complemented by Zen meditation and a traditional shojin-ryori meal.

Day 3: Venture into Uji, a renowned tea-producing region of Japan, to gain insights into tea production. Relish lunch at a historic ryotei and explore the centuries-old Asahiyaki pottery.

Days 4-6: Delve into the unique tea ceremony craftsmanship of Aizu, presenting a distinct contrast to Kyoto's style.