33,033
Compassionate
Buddhas

"Extraordinary, mystifying, illuminating the entire world."

As Kyoto's history traces back over 1,300 years, there are literally hundreds of sites that are worth visiting during one's brief stay in this city. Two places that I personally feel must be visited to fully understand the depth of Kyoto's cultural heritage are part of this experience- Sanjusangen-do and the Kawai Kanjiro Memorial House. The third site, Chishaku-in, is a temple complex that is surprisingly always very quiet and is home to a magestic garden that is home to a miniature version of a mystical mountain in China that often appears in Buddhist mythology.

As these three sites were created in 1266, the lates 1500's, and the early 1900's, we will witness how Japanese art and philosophy evolved over Kyoto's long history. Time permitting, we will have a stop along the way at one of the local shops to have a taste of Japanese sweets.

SITES VISITED

SANJUSANGEN-DO Enter into one of the oldest buildings in Kyoto and walking among 1,001 Golden Kannon statues and their 28 protector deities. Originally created in the 1100's, this is one of the true power spots in Japan. Soak up the atmosphere of this unique magical space and feel as if you have entered into a different spiritual realm.Unfortunately no photographs are allowed inside.

CHISHAKU-IN A temple with a ground-breaking garden that hardly anyone visits. The first-ever artificially created mountain in Kyoto, this garden will mesmerize you while putting your mind at ease. You will also be able to view sliding door paintings created by Hasegawa Tohaku, one of Japan's historical master painters.

MIMIZUKA We will pass this grim reminder of Japan’s brutal warring history. This monument to fallen Korean soldiers is not a place that is typically advertised to visitors of Kyoto.

TOYOKUNI JINJA Spend a moment at a shrine dedicated to Toyotomi Hideyoshi- one of Japan’s 3 great military heroes. On display is the largest bell in Japan.

WAGASHI BREAK We will have a short break to sample some of the area’s delicious traditional sweets.

KAWAI KANJIRO MEMORIAL HOUSE This mid 20th century folk artist's beautiful wooden house has been preserved as a memorial run by his family. The building and the garden alone are wonderful, but you will also have a chance to see many of his works, items he had collected, and his enormous kiln.

LENGTH: 3.5 hours
MEETING POINT: Shichijo Station
RESERVE