THE PATH LESS TRAVELED
"Under the vast sky, an animal leaps in the hills; leaps alone."
— Zen proverb
In planning your trip to Kyoto, you could be mistaken for thinking that there are only a handful of sites worth visiting in this town. You've probably noticed that Fushimi Inari Taisha, Kiyomizu-dera, Kinkaku-ji, the Bamboo Forest, Nishiki Market, and Nijo Castle and a couple other sites seem to be part of every tour that you might come across on the internet.
In a town whose history spans over 1,300 years, there are far more than just the "Top 10" that are worth visiting!
This customizable tour will be planned according to the season, as a wide range of sites will be considered based on the guests interests including but not limited to: quiet Zen gardens, Heian period atmosphere, antique browsing, a traditional lunch, a folk art museum, a shrine commemorating a famous warlord, traditional sweets and the longest wooden building in Japan filled with 1,001 Golden Buddhas.
This experience will introduce you to a world far away from the busy tourist sites, where we will spend peaceful moments getting to know the true nature of Kyoto.
SITES VISITED
KONCHI-IN A temple so closely connected to a central figure in Japanese history that there is a shrine dedicated to him on the grounds. This temple is a tour with-in a tour as it has all elements one could hope to see: high-level architecture, gardens, statuary, paintings and the aforementioned shrine. As we spend time in this temple all worldly stresses will fade away.
NANZEN-JI SANMON This gate is counted as one of the three great gates in Kyoto, and standing at 22 meters tall it is no wonder why. Also known as Tenka Ryumon- the greatest Dragon Gate on earth, this site will literally take your breath away.
TENJU-AN We arrive at the “Hermitage of the Heavenly Teacher”. This temple contains two profound gardens, one of which when entered, gives the sensation of suddenly entering into a forest and having stumbled upon a fairy tale world.
HEIAN JINGU You are probably wondering why this is on the itinerary since it is a very well known site. The truth is, it is a very commonly visited site for those who come to Kyoto- but most tourists only enter the shrine area. We will have a stroll through the expansive garden that surprisingly very few people enter. The views from this garden can be considered some of the most picturesque in all of Kyoto.
SHINMONZEN DORI One of the best kept secrets in Kyoto. Visiting here is like browsing through art museums without the entrance fees. And everything is for sale. Of course there is no pressure to purchase anything as window shopping is equally okay.
KAWAI KANJIRO MEMORIAL HOUSE The converted home of a noted 20th century master potter, this museum is a fine example of the wabi sabi way of design and living. Even Kanjiro passed away over 50 years ago, this space has the feeling as if he has just gone out to do some shopping and will be back soon. A truly wonderful experience, and for me- one of the must-see’s in Kyoto.
TOYOKUNI JINJA We will briefly visit this shrine commemorating Toyotomi Hideyoshi, one of the samurai accredited with helping to end hundred’s of years of civil war and unify the country. Next to the shrine we will have a chance to see one of the largest bells in Japan.
MIMIZUKA A grim reminder of the brutality of war. A moment will be taken here to observe this monument of fallen Korean soldiers.
CHISHAKU-IN This hardly-visited garden will transport your mind to far-away lands. Along with beautiful gardens, also on display are sliding door paintings by one of Japan's most heralded painters of the Edo period.
SANJUSANGEN-DO One of the oldest structures in Kyoto, and the longest wooden building in Japan. Home to 1,001 jaw-dropping golden Buddhas, this is another site I absolutely believe must been seen while one is in Kyoto. Photos are not allowed inside, so what is shown on this website hardly represents the experience we will have once we enter.