Excursion detail for Kyoto (Sep 28th)

Arashiyama Group (Kyoto West Area) - Vegan Course:

Details in PDF

stroll through the gardens of World Heritage Site Tenryu-ji Temple, founded in 1339, have lunch at the temple's own Buddhist vegan restaurant in the gardens,
then walk through the famous bamboo grove path to the trolley station. Ride a nostalgic diesel locomotive, the trolley train, and enjoy the scenic views of Arashiyama.
There will then be free time around the famous Togetsu Bridge over the Katsura River. (The trolley train is limited to 50 early birds).
Participants who do not choose the trolley train will visit Tenryu-ji itself, including the famous dragon ceiling paintings, and walk around the area where other temples and shrines are located.
(Vegan course)

More information in Arashiyama area (Discover Kyoto)

Hieizan/Ohara Group (Kyoto North Area):

Details in PDF

(Since Mount Hiei is located at a higher altitude, many people feel a bit chilly. It might be a good idea to bring an extra layer to wear)

visit the West Pagoda area of the World Heritage Site Enryaku-ji Temple, founded in 806.
Enryaku-ji Temple is regarded as the mother temple of Japanese Buddhism, a national treasure and a centre of learning for the development of human resources,
and has produced the founders and high priests of the various schools of Japanese Buddhism.
The tour then moves to Ohara for lunch at a restaurant and a visit to Sanzen-in Temple, which was built in the same period as Enryaku-ji Temple.
Afterwards, free time to explore the Ohara area.


Uji Group (Kyoto South Area):

Details in PDF

visit Manpuku-ji Temple, a designated National Important Cultural Property built in 1661,
then board a sightseeing boat from a restaurant along the Uji River and enjoy Uji tea cuisine on board. This group will visit the World Heritage Site Byodoin Phoenix Hall, built in 1053, and its museum.
Afterwards, enjoy a free walk in the Uji area, renowned as one of Japan's leading production centres of matcha green tea.

More information in Uji area (inside Kyoto)
 

Optional for Accompanying Persons

Sep 24th - Rakugo Comedy Show and Kimono experience.

On this tour, participants will experience wearing a kimono, a traditional Japanese garment. Wearing a kimono, the group will stroll through the streets of Osaka's Umeda area, visiting historical sites and drinking tea.


 

Afterwards, participants will enjoy  "Rakugo", a type of traditional verbal entertainment in Japan, in English. The word "Rakugo" means ‘fallen words’ and the punchline at the end of the story is a feature of this performance. Originally, there were many interesting stories in collections of sermons from around the 8C, which Buddhist monks would quote as material to convey Buddha's teachings to the people. It was during the Edo period (1603-1868) that people began to treat rakugo as a profession.

It then spread to the general public and Rakugo became a popular form of entertainment. Although the stories take place in Edo period Japan, they depict a universal laughter that is also common enough to us today.


Shinoharu Tatekawa Profile
 

Sep 26th - Tour to Old Capital Nara. (Revised/Updated on July 17th, 2024)

In this tour, firstly, you will visit Todai-ji Temple, built in the 8th century and famous for its 15 m high Great Buddha, and then Nigatsudo Hall on top of the hill. From Nigatsudo, you can look down on Todai-ji Temple and the town of Nara. Afterwards, you will have the Kamameshi (rice cooked in a pot) at the restaurant of Kikuichi Monju Shiro Kanenaga, originally a famous Japanese swordsmith. After the meal, you will visit Kasuga Taisha Shrine, which was founded in 768. During the walk, you will also have the opportunity to meet the deer that spend their time relaxing in the surroundings. 
 
About Kikuichi Monju Shiro Kanenaga
Kikuichi Monju Shiro Kanenaga is a member of the Tegaiha school, one of the five schools of swordsmiths in Yamato. The Tegaiha school founded by Kanenaga has spread throughout Japan as a renowned master swordsmith, and has continued to produce extremely fine swords for a long time in its 750-year history. 
In order to preserve this tradition and pass it on to the next generation, Kikuichi Monju Shiro Kanenaga currently sells kitchen knives, scissors, nail clippers and other accessories based on his swordsmithing techniques that can be used by professional craftsmen as well as at home.



More detail: kikuichi.com  ←The website first takes you to a Japanese page, but you can use the language conversion page in the top right-hand corner to switch to the English page.
 
Below are all English Pages:
 
Todaiji Temple:
https://www.todaiji.or.jp/en/
 
Nigatsudo Hall:
https://www.todaiji.or.jp/en/information/nigatsudo/
 
Kasuga Taisha Shrine:https:
https://www.kasugataisha.or.jp/en/about_en/