Tour Description:

 

You’ll meet your guide at Shisendo, located in Ichijoji, a quiet residential neighborhood in northeastern Kyoto (Sakyo Ward). Discover the Zen principles behind Shisendo’s tranquil garden and its seamless harmony with nature. Once the mountain retreat of a renowned Edo-period scholar, Shisendo is now a branch temple of Eiheiji, the head temple of the Soto Zen school. The site exudes poetic charm and offers a peaceful retreat where the essence of the Japanese spirit is reflected in every architectural detail.

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About a 1.4 km (0.9 mile) walk from Shisendo, Manshuin Temple is often called the “Little Katsura Imperial Villa” because of its refined architecture and design, which shares strong ties with the famous Katsura Villa. This hidden temple provides a deeply serene experience. Its gardens are inspired by the rhythm and aesthetics of the Kokin Wakashu—Japan’s first imperial poetry anthology. The harmony of architecture, paintings, and garden design reflects a high level of artistic intention, embodying the Japanese sense of wabi-sabi (quiet beauty and impermanence) and suki (a refined pursuit of beauty, quiet, intentional, and heartfelt). From the elegant shoin (drawing room), known as one of Japan’s three great shoin, to the way morning light softly illuminates the foliage, every element here is carefully crafted and naturally harmonious, fleeting yet timeless.

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After the tour, your guide can help arrange a taxi back or to your next destination. If you wish, we can also arrange a traditional lunch nearby at Heihachi, a historic restaurant with over 450 years of history, set in a beautiful garden overlooking the Takano River.
 

Please note the restaurant is closed on Wednesdays. We kindly ask that you cover your taxi fare from Manshuin to the restaurant on the day.

Tour Description:

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You’ll meet your guide at the Somon Gate, the main entrance of Daitokuji Temple in the Murasakino area of Kita Ward. You’ll visit one of the sub-temples, where in a cozy tea room about the size of 4.5 tatami mats, you’ll enjoy matcha tea served with a special sweet made with Daitokuji natto—a unique fermented soybean from the temple area. Take time to admire a garden designed by Mirei Shigemori and soak in the view of a dry rock garden.

Inside the temple grounds, you’ll explore Taian, a tea house that’s a faithful reproduction of the original at Myokian Temple in Oyamazaki, Kyoto. The original Taian, designed by Sen no Rikyu, is the only confirmed surviving tea room of his but isn’t open to visitors. At this reproduction in Daitokuji, you’ll get a rare look into Rikyu’s vision and learn about the architectural secrets of Taian—a National Treasure and the oldest tea room that captures the ideals of this legendary tea master.

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After that, you’ll take a short walk to Imamiya Shrine, tucked away in a quiet neighborhood in northern Kyoto. Most of the buildings were rebuilt after a fire in 1896 and are now Registered Tangible Cultural Properties of Japan. Look out for unique details like horse sculptures on beams and decorative plaques that tell the story of the shrine’s history.

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Then, you’ll take a taxi to Tsuruya Yoshinobu’s main store, which was founded in 1803. Upstairs at Kayu Chaya, a cozy space that fits just five people, you can watch Kyoto sweets artisans craft fresh sweets right in front of you—like sitting at the counter of a fine kappo restaurant. You’ll get to try a seasonal sweet that changes with the time of year or special events. Don’t forget to stop by the first floor to pick up some souvenirs.
 

Please note: due to Buddhist ceremonies, you might visit a different tea house within the temple grounds. Also, there may be other guests sitting with you at the Kayu Chaya counter.