Ettermiddagstur i Kyoto: Heian-helligdommen, Sanjusangendo, Kiyomizu-tempelet
Your tour begins in the afternoon with an introduction to your guide who will lead you to the different stops and inform you of their cultural and religious significances and histories. Kyoto was Japan’s capital and the emperor’s residence from 794 until 1868. Now the country’s seventh largest city with a population of 1.4 million people, Kyoto has a distinct dichotomy of traditional and modern offerings. Over the centuries, Kyoto was destroyed by many wars and fires, but due to its historic value, the city was not chosen as a target of air raids during World War II. Countless temples, shrines and other historically priceless structures survive in the city today.
Next is the dramatic and colorful Heian Jingu Shrine. Admire this brightly colored shrine, with its vermilion pillars and green roof, and its enchanting inner gardens and ponds that reflects the elegance of life in the ancient Japanese court. Please note the tour will not enter the shrine’s Shin-en garden.
Explore Sanjusangendo Hall in eastern Kyoto during your first stop. At 120 meters long (394 feet), this wooden hall is the longest in Japan and houses all of 1,001 statues of Kannon, Bodhisattva, that date back to the 13th century.
Stroll the quaint old lane lined with pottery shops leading up to the famous Kiyomizu Temple, also known as Kiyomizu-dera. Listen to your guide explain the history of this UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site. Enjoy a sweeping view of the entire city of Kyoto from its lofty terrace and grand walkways that meander through the Higashiwama mountain’s foothills.
- Professional guide
- Transport by air-conditioned coach
- Entrance fees
- Hotel drop-off (select locations in Kyoto)
- Gratuities (optional)
- Food and drinks
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking, unless booked within 7 days of travel. In this case confirmation will be received within 48 hours, subject to availability
- Infant rates apply provided they do not occupy a seat
- Wheelchair accessible - if assistance is required, passenger must provide their own carer
- Some parts of road on this tour are gravel and steep inclines
- During the Jidai Festival on October 22, Heian Shrine is closed to the public and will be replaced by Chishaku-in Temple.
The guide was friendly, informative, funny, and explained a lot about Japanese history and customs which I had not read of heard before. Nothing could be done about the crowds at the sites and in the lovely small streets of Kyoto, but everything that could be controlled and organized was very well done. Sanjunsangendo was one of the most intense experiences of my life!
Knowledge guide, very inclusive to everyone on the tour. Efficient visits to three sites but plenty of time to see everything. Enjoyed this tour very much
Kiyomizu Temple is a sight not to miss. Tour was flexible enough to accommodate our request to stay behind.
We really enjoyed this first afternoon, not only in Kyoto, but in Japan. Getting a feeling for Kyoto and its history was a good way to begin. Our tour guide, Amy, was excellent and we admired the way she looked after our group of 43. Temples and Shrines were nicely explained and we had just enough time to enjoy each stop.
Very good tour. The climb to the Kiyomizu Temple was strenuous, especially on a hot sunny day.
It was one of my favorite tour. Very informative and I was able to practice some of the cultures' belief.
This was a lovely afternoon. Our guide was both educational and funny. Plenty of time to see the temples, have a quick ice cream and a bit of shopping. It was unfortunate that the first temple was setting up a huge stadium that day. We missed getting the iconic shot. I would recommend.