Kyoto: Kinkakuji Temple, Kiyomizu Temple, Matcha Experience Tour

Meet at 1-chōme-3-6 Nipponbashi, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 542-0073, Japan Please arrive at the meeting point 20 minutes before departure time. we will depart at 8:40 AM sharp.

Kiyomizu-dera, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Kyoto, is renowned for its stunning architecture and panoramic views. The temple's iconic wooden veranda, built without nails, extends over a cliff, offering breathtaking vistas, especially during cherry blossom and autumn foliage seasons. Named after the "pure water" of the Otowa Waterfall flowing beneath it, visitors come to drink from its three streams, believed to bestow longevity, academic success, and love. The temple also houses Jishu Shrine, dedicated to matchmaking, where visitors try their luck walking between two "love stones" with eyes closed to secure romantic blessings. A symbol of Kyoto, Kiyomizu-dera is a must-visit for its beauty and spiritual significance.

Okazaki-Jinja Shrine, located in Kyoto, is a charming and historically significant Shinto shrine dedicated to the guardian deities of childbirth, children, and safe family life. Nestled in the Higashiyama district near Heian Shrine, Okazaki-Jinja is affectionately known as the "Rabbit Shrine" because rabbits, symbols of fertility and good fortune in Japanese culture, are prominently featured throughout the grounds. Visitors often come here to pray for safe childbirth or healthy children and can purchase amulets and charms adorned with rabbit motifs. The serene atmosphere, complemented by seasonal blooms like cherry blossoms, makes it a unique and tranquil spot in Kyoto.

Kinkaku-ji, or the Golden Pavilion, is one of Kyoto's most iconic landmarks and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This Zen Buddhist temple is famed for its stunning architecture, with its top two floors entirely covered in gold leaf, reflecting beautifully in the surrounding Mirror Pond. Originally built in 1397 as a retirement villa for shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, it was later converted into a temple. The picturesque gardens, designed in harmony with the temple, change with the seasons, offering breathtaking views year-round. A symbol of elegance and tranquility, Kinkaku-ji attracts millions of visitors seeking to experience its timeless beauty and spiritual ambiance.

The Kyoto tea ceremony, or chanoyu, is a quintessential Japanese cultural experience rooted in Zen philosophy and centuries-old traditions. Kyoto, as the birthplace of Japanese tea culture, offers an authentic setting for this serene ritual. Participants are guided by a tea master through the precise preparation and presentation of matcha (powdered green tea) in a tranquil tea room, often adorned with tatami mats, traditional utensils, and seasonal decor. The ceremony emphasizes harmony, respect, purity, and tranquility, providing an opportunity to reflect and connect with Japanese aesthetics and mindfulness. Many experiences also include a brief lesson in tea etiquette, explanations of the tools used, and the chance to enjoy a traditional sweet to complement the tea’s flavor. Kyoto’s historic districts, like Gion or Arashiyama, provide a picturesque backdrop for these ceremonies, making it a memorable cultural highlight for visitors.

Meet at 1-chōme-3-6 Nipponbashi, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 542-0073, Japan Please arrive at the meeting point 20 minutes before departure time. we will depart at 8:40 AM sharp.