Tour Code: FTPL/BI/1180
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11 Nights / 12 Days
Group Tour
Summer Special
- Kyoto, Japan
- Tokyo, Japan
- Hiroshima, Japan
- Nara, Japan
- Nagoya, Japan
- Toyama, Japan
- Hakone, Japan
- Kobe, Japan
- Osaka, Japan
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Kinkakuji Temple
The name Kinkaku-ji means the Temple of the Golden Pavilion. Constructed in Kyoto's northern hills in 1398 by Yoshimitsu, the third Ashikaga shogun, it was once part of a much larger villa complex. When he died it became a Zen temple in accordance with his will. Kinkakuji is an impressive structure built overlooking a large pond, and is the only building left of Yoshimitsu's former retirement complex. It has burned down numerous times throughout its history including twice during the Onin War, a civil war that destroyed much of Kyoto; and once again more recently in 1950 when it was set on fire by a fanatic monk. The present structure was rebuilt in 1955. We provides outside view of the temple. Each floor represents a different style of architecture. The first floor is built in the Shinden style used for palace buildings during the Heian Period, and with its natural wood pillars and white plaster walls contrasts yet complements the gilded upper stories of the pavilion. Statues of the Shaka Buddha (historical Buddha) and Yoshimitsu are stored in the first floor. Although it is not possible to enter the pavilion, the statues can be viewed from across the pond if you look closely, as the front windows of the first floor are usually kept open. The second floor is built in the Bukke style used in samurai residences, and has its exterior completely covered in gold leaf. Inside is a seated Kannon Bodhisattva surrounded by statues of the Four Heavenly Kings; however, the statues are not shown to the public. Finally, the third and uppermost floor is built in the style of a Chinese Zen Hall, is gilded inside and out, and is capped with a golden phoenix. The third level is built in the Zen style, with cusped windows and ornamentation. Appropriately, it houses an Amida triad and twenty-five Bodhisattvas. A Chinese phoenix crowns the eaves.
Kinkakuji Temple
The name Kinkaku-ji means the Temple of the Golden Pavilion. Constructed in Kyoto's northern hills in 1398 by Yoshimitsu, the third Ashikaga shogun, it was once part of a much larger villa complex. When he died it became a Zen temple in accordance with his will. Kinkakuji is an impressive structure built overlooking a large pond, and is the only building left of Yoshimitsu's former retirement complex. It has burned down numerous times throughout its history including twice during the Onin War, a civil war that destroyed much of Kyoto; and once again more recently in 1950 when it was set on fire by a fanatic monk. The present structure was rebuilt in 1955. We provides outside view of the temple. Each floor represents a different style of architecture. The first floor is built in the Shinden style used for palace buildings during the Heian Period, and with its natural wood pillars and white plaster walls contrasts yet complements the gilded upper stories of the pavilion. Statues of the Shaka Buddha (historical Buddha) and Yoshimitsu are stored in the first floor. Although it is not possible to enter the pavilion, the statues can be viewed from across the pond if you look closely, as the front windows of the first floor are usually kept open. The second floor is built in the Bukke style used in samurai residences, and has its exterior completely covered in gold leaf. Inside is a seated Kannon Bodhisattva surrounded by statues of the Four Heavenly Kings; however, the statues are not shown to the public. Finally, the third and uppermost floor is built in the style of a Chinese Zen Hall, is gilded inside and out, and is capped with a golden phoenix. The third level is built in the Zen style, with cusped windows and ornamentation. Appropriately, it houses an Amida triad and twenty-five Bodhisattvas. A Chinese phoenix crowns the eaves.
Kinkakuji Temple
The name Kinkaku-ji means the Temple of the Golden Pavilion. Constructed in Kyoto's northern hills in 1398 by Yoshimitsu, the third Ashikaga shogun, it was once part of a much larger villa complex. When he died it became a Zen temple in accordance with his will. Kinkakuji is an impressive structure built overlooking a large pond, and is the only building left of Yoshimitsu's former retirement complex. It has burned down numerous times throughout its history including twice during the Onin War, a civil war that destroyed much of Kyoto; and once again more recently in 1950 when it was set on fire by a fanatic monk. The present structure was rebuilt in 1955. We provides outside view of the temple. Each floor represents a different style of architecture. The first floor is built in the Shinden style used for palace buildings during the Heian Period, and with its natural wood pillars and white plaster walls contrasts yet complements the gilded upper stories of the pavilion. Statues of the Shaka Buddha (historical Buddha) and Yoshimitsu are stored in the first floor. Although it is not possible to enter the pavilion, the statues can be viewed from across the pond if you look closely, as the front windows of the first floor are usually kept open. The second floor is built in the Bukke style used in samurai residences, and has its exterior completely covered in gold leaf. Inside is a seated Kannon Bodhisattva surrounded by statues of the Four Heavenly Kings; however, the statues are not shown to the public. Finally, the third and uppermost floor is built in the style of a Chinese Zen Hall, is gilded inside and out, and is capped with a golden phoenix. The third level is built in the Zen style, with cusped windows and ornamentation. Appropriately, it houses an Amida triad and twenty-five Bodhisattvas. A Chinese phoenix crowns the eaves.
Nijo Castle
With huge stone walls surrounded by deep moats, Nijo-jo Castle graphically demonstrates the power that the Shoguns (military warlords) wielded over Japan for much of its history. Nijo Castle consists of two concentric rings (Kuruwa) of fortifications, the Ninomaru Palace, the ruins of the Honmaru Palace, various support buildings and several gardens. The surface area of the castle is 275,000 square metres, of which 8,000 square metres is occupied by buildings. It is one of the seventeen Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto which have been designated by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.
Nijo Castle
With huge stone walls surrounded by deep moats, Nijo-jo Castle graphically demonstrates the power that the Shoguns (military warlords) wielded over Japan for much of its history. Nijo Castle consists of two concentric rings (Kuruwa) of fortifications, the Ninomaru Palace, the ruins of the Honmaru Palace, various support buildings and several gardens. The surface area of the castle is 275,000 square metres, of which 8,000 square metres is occupied by buildings. It is one of the seventeen Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto which have been designated by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.
Nijo Castle
Nijo Castle was built in 1603 as the Kyoto residence of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first shogun of the Edo Period (1603-1867). His grandson Iemitsu completed the castle's palace buildings 23 years later and further expanded the castle by adding a five story castle keep.
After the Tokugawa Shogunate fell in 1867, Nijo Castle was used as an imperial palace for a while before being donated to the city and opened up to the public as a historic site. Its palace buildings are arguably the best surviving examples of castle palace architecture of Japan's feudal era, and the castle was designated a UNESCO world heritage site in 1994.
Nijo Castle can be divided into three areas: the Honmaru (main circle of defense), the Ninomaru (secondary circle of defense) and some gardens that encircle the Honmaru and Ninomaru. The entire castle grounds and the Honmaru are surrounded by stone walls and moats.
The Honmaru (main circle of defense) was the site of a second palace complex and a five story castle keep. However, both structures were destroyed by fires in the 18th century and were never rebuilt. After the fall of the shogunate, an imperial residence was moved from the Katsura Imperial Palace to Nijo Castle's Honmaru where it remains today as the Honmaru Palace.
The Ninomaru Palace served as the residence and office of the shogun during his visits to Kyoto. Surviving in its original form, the palace consists of multiple separate buildings that are connected with each other by corridors with so called nightingale floors, as they squeak when stepped upon as a security measure against intruders. The palace rooms are tatami mat covered and feature elegantly decorated ceilings and beautifully painted sliding doors (fusuma).
Unlike the Ninomaru Palace, the Honmaru Palace is not regularly open to the public, although there are occasional special openings. Visitors may, however, walk around the Honmaru gardens and climb up the stone foundation of the former castle keep, which offers views over the castle grounds.
Outside of the Ninomaru Palace extends the Ninomaru Garden, a traditional Japanese landscape garden with a large pond, ornamental stones and manicured pine trees.
Closed on Tuesdays in December, January, July, August.
Closed on Tuesdays in December, January, July, August.
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Philosopher’s Path
Philosopher’s Path or “Tetsugaku-no-michi” in Japanese, is a beautiful canal-side strolling path in northern Higashiyama, that runs between Ginkaku-ji Temple in the north and Eikan-do Temple in the south. It is named after a philosophy professor at Kyoto University, Nishida Kitaro, thought to have used it for daily meditation. Though the Path is most famous for its cherry blossoms in the spring, and its colorful foliage in the fall, in any season you will find much to reward the eye, and many sites of interest along the way.
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Philosopher’s Path
Philosopher’s Path or “Tetsugaku-no-michi” in Japanese, is a beautiful canal-side strolling path in northern Higashiyama, that runs between Ginkaku-ji Temple in the north and Eikan-do Temple in the south. It is named after a philosophy professor at Kyoto University, Nishida Kitaro, thought to have used it for daily meditation. Though the Path is most famous for its cherry blossoms in the spring, and its colorful foliage in the fall, in any season you will find much to reward the eye, and many sites of interest along the way.
The path is approximately two kilometers long, Usually in early April these trees explode with color, making this one of the city's most popular hanami (cherry blossom viewing) spots. Restaurants, cafes, and boutiques can be found along the path, as well as a number of smaller temples and shrines which are a short walk from the canal. The most notable of the temples is Honen-in, with an entrance gate that is quite spectacular especially during the autumn leaf season.
At its best, Philosopher’s Walk exemplifies the quiet beauty and serenity that makes Kyoto the cultural capital of Japan. While it lacks the grandiosity and wow visuals of Kyoto’s most famous temples, what this path delivers is equally important: a walk that allows people to connect with the heart and soul of Kyoto on an intimate level. It allows for reflection and enjoyment of the understated beauty and legacy of the city, which makes it every bit as important as the Golden Pavilion or Kiyomizudera Temple.
Philosopher’s Path
Philosopher’s Path or “Tetsugaku-no-michi” in Japanese, is a beautiful canal-side strolling path in northern Higashiyama, that runs between Ginkaku-ji Temple in the north and Eikan-do Temple in the south. It is named after a philosophy professor at Kyoto University, Nishida Kitaro, thought to have used it for daily meditation. Though the Path is most famous for its cherry blossoms in the spring, and its colorful foliage in the fall, in any season you will find much to reward the eye, and many sites of interest along the way.
Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
The Arashiyama Bamboo Path is a short 500 meter path through the Sagano Bamboo Forest that's well maintained with attractive thatch fences complete with little doors for small animals. The bamboo surrounding the path is regularly harvested for crafts that are available from small shops in the area. However, the bamboo is allowed to grow to its full height. The pathway is remarkably quiet at times and somewhat busy at others. It's usually possible to get a photo of the pathway empty if you wait out the crowds. The area around the path is populated with small temples and quiet streets that have a village-like atmosphere.
Wander through Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
The serene Arashiyama Bamboo Forest is a natural forest where towering bamboo groves reach for the sky, making for a picture-perfect backdrop. The path through the forest is open all day and is a short walk from Arashiyama’s train station. It is ideal to visit early in the morning to avoid crowds and bask in the sunlight as it illuminates the greens. The forest is particularly attractive during the fall and cherry blossom seasons.
Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
Fushimi shrine is an important Shinto shrine in southern Kyoto. Shrine means a holy place, which is famous for its thousands of vermilion torri gates, which connect a network of trails behind its main buildings. The hike to the summit of the mountain and the back takes about 2-3 hours. Many hikers only venture as far as here as the trails splits into circle route of the summit. It is simply the most impressive and the most memorable sights in Kyoto.
Wander through Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
The serene Arashiyama Bamboo Forest is a natural forest where towering bamboo groves reach for the sky, making for a picture-perfect backdrop. The path through the forest is open all day and is a short walk from Arashiyama’s train station. It is ideal to visit early in the morning to avoid crowds and bask in the sunlight as it illuminates the greens. The forest is particularly attractive during the fall and cherry blossom seasons.
Arashiyama Romantic Train
The Sagano Scenic Railway or Sagano Sightseeing Railway is a wholly owned subsidiary of West Japan Railway Company that operates the Sagano Scenic Line, Sagano Sight-seeing Line, or Sagano Romantic Train in Kyoto.
Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
Fushimi shrine is an important Shinto shrine in southern Kyoto. Shrine means a holy place, which is famous for its thousands of vermilion torri gates, which connect a network of trails behind its main buildings. The hike to the summit of the mountain and the back takes about 2-3 hours. Many hikers only venture as far as here as the trails splits into circle route of the summit. It is simply the most impressive and the most memorable sights in Kyoto.
Tea Ceremony
Tea ceremony in Kyoto is perhaps one of the best memories one can have in a lifetime. Kyoto is the cultural capital of Japan and home to the 3 main schools of tea ceremony. Whether it is the cherry blossom season or the fall leaves season, the matcha drinking ritual in this ancient city is surely a mystical experience. While many travelers think an old teahouse is an ideal place to have a tea ceremony, the fact is you can experience tea ceremony in English at only special venues. Before we go over the best 5 tea ceremony locations in Kyoto, let’s learn a little bit about Japanese tea ceremony, a.k.a. sado, chado, chanoyu. Here, check out the best tea ceremonies in Kyoto!
Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
This intriguing shrine was dedicated to the god of rice and sake by the Hata clan in the 8th century. As the role of agriculture diminished, deities were enrolled to ensure prosperity in business enterprises. Fushimi Inari Shrine has ancient origins, predating the capital's move to Kyoto in 794.
The magical, seemingly unending path of over 5000 vibrant orange torii gates that wind through the hills behind Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine makes it one of the most popular shrines in Japan. The walk around the upper precincts is a pleasant day hike. It also makes for a delightfully eerie stroll in the late afternoon and early evening, when the various graveyards and miniature shrines along the path take on a mysterious air.
Tori gate description : On the front of the torii, on the left side, you will see the name of the person or company who donated the torii. On the right side, you will see the date that it was donated.
This shrine, also features dozens of statues of foxes. The fox is seen as the messenger of the god of grain foods, Inari, and the stone foxes are often known by the same name. The keys often depicted in the fox mouths are keys to granaries. This shrine is the central location for some 40,000 Inari shrines throughout the entirety of Japan.
Arashiyama Romantic Train
The Sagano Scenic Railway or Sagano Sightseeing Railway is a wholly owned subsidiary of West Japan Railway Company that operates the Sagano Scenic Line, Sagano Sight-seeing Line, or Sagano Romantic Train in Kyoto.
Tea Ceremony
Tea ceremony in Kyoto is perhaps one of the best memories one can have in a lifetime. Kyoto is the cultural capital of Japan and home to the 3 main schools of tea ceremony. Whether it is the cherry blossom season or the fall leaves season, the matcha drinking ritual in this ancient city is surely a mystical experience. While many travelers think an old teahouse is an ideal place to have a tea ceremony, the fact is you can experience tea ceremony in English at only special venues. Before we go over the best 5 tea ceremony locations in Kyoto, let’s learn a little bit about Japanese tea ceremony, a.k.a. sado, chado, chanoyu. Here, check out the best tea ceremonies in Kyoto!
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