Kyoto Tour

2000 temples and shrines, 17 of which are listed by UNESCO as world heritage sites, together with many gardens and other sites of interest make for an overwhelming number of places to visit in Kyoto. Of these, Walk Japan’s Kyoto Tour visits some of the famous and not-so-famous to provide a coherent and fascinating experience for an understanding of how the city came to nurture such arts as Noh Theatre and chado, the Way of Tea. We learn of the colourful historical personalities such as the Ashikaga Shoguns Yoshimitsu and Yoshimasa, the Tea master Sen-no-Rikyu, Haiku poet Basho and great samurai warriors, Kiyomori and Nobunaga.

We will learn how much of the beauty that resides in Kyoto and Japanese culture developed in spite of internecine warfare, treachery and murder, combined sometimes with Nero-like indifference to the surrounding mayhem by its rulers. We will also enjoy a hands-on experience of chado, also known as the Tea Ceremony, in the company of a expert tea master that penetrates to the heart of this often misunderstood art.

Day 1 of Walk Japan’s Kyoto tour has a focus on tea and the refined culture, which imbues much of all Japanese culture and customs to this day, that developed around it. We will learn how chado developed through Kyoto’s pivotal Higashiyama Culture and reached its apogee with the great master Sen-no-Rikyu. The day culminates when we make a cup of tea for each other, in the chado style.

On Day 2 we ‘stroll’ through Kyoto’s Kitayama culture, which was centred on what is possibly the most recognisable icon of Japan, the Golden Pavilion at Rokuon-ji temple. Here the arts of Noh Theatre, Kyogen – a comical theatre, and suiboku ink and wash painting developed and flourished. A distinct contrast follows as we visit the subtle Ryoan-ji temple, which is synonymous with its mysterious rock garden that is justly considered the example, bar none, of its type. We then travel to Arashiyama on the western-edge of the city. Here we go a little off the beaten path for a stroll through a park and elegant bamboo groves, an enduring image of Kyoto, to some of Kyoto’s lesser known attractions including Rakushi-sha, where the itinerant haiku poet Basho once stayed, and a small but exquisite temple set in a moss garden.

Walk Japan’s Kyoto Tour consists of a two day itinerary. However, it is possible to join the tour for one day only. On both days we meet at the day's starting point as indicated in the itinerary. Walk Japan provides detailed instructions on how to get to the start point. Please note that Kyoto’s transport system is very comprehensive and easy to use. Taxis, in particular, are reasonably priced and the drivers honest and, most often, very helpful.

Each day ends at 5 pm in central Kyoto. The Walk Japan tour leader will help arrange onward travel to your accommodation or other desired location. Please note, that after 5 pm on Day 1 the tour leader will also be available to introduce some of the myriad and excellent local restaurants, which are often less accessible for travellers from overeas.

Price: Two day tour: US$325 per person; One day tour: US$205 per person. For customers joining our Nakasendo Way tour we offer the Kyoto Tour at the special price of USD245 per person (two day tour); USD155 per person (one day tour).

What is included and not included? Local travel from tour meeting point to finishing point as noted in the itinerary. Entrance fees and lunch are also included. Breakfast and dinner, drinks and accommodation are not included.

Group size: The maximum group size is 12~13 people. We have no minimum size. If we accept a booking we guarantee to run the tour.

Please see the Itinerary for this tour and Tour dates for dates and availability. Between the 10th March 2011 and 6th June 2011 this two day tour starts on a Wednesday and finishes at 5pm on the next day, Thursday. From 7th September this two day tour starts on a Tuesday and finishes at 5pm on the next day, Wednesday.

Please contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for more information and to book this tour.

This itinerary for the Kyoto Tour is "ground only" beginning at the starting points as indicated for each Day of the tour in the itinerary and ending around 5 pm in central Kyoto. After receiving the booking and deposit we will provide detailed instructions for getting to the meeting point on both days.

Day 1

The group meets at 8.30 am at Ginkaku-ji, the Silver Pavilion temple, that was built by the 8th Ashikaga Shogun in the late 15th Century. In the beautiful surroundings of this temple we begin our introduction to Higashiyama (East Mountain) Culture and its greatest development, the chado tea ceremony. The Silver Pavilion, an exquisite structure that is silver in name only, is set in a beautiful garden and provides an apposite setting for the beginning of our exploration of Kyoto. From here we take a leisurely stroll along the Philosopher's Path, through quiet suburbs and past temples to Heian-jingu Shrine. Here we explore Kyoto's Shinto roots and gain an idea of how Kyoto used to look in its earliest days. Later we visit a nearby museum for an entertaining introduction to the many and splendid crafts of the city.

From here we transfer by taxi across to Daitoku-ji temple, one of Japan’s finest Zen monasteries, a complex of main and sub-temples covering 56 acres. After soaking up the serene atmosphere and learning about the temple’s greatest resident, the tea master Sen-no Rikyu, we lunch within Daitoku-ji at a restaurant specialising in shojin ryori, delicious
vegetarian temple cuisine.

From here we walk a short distance to meet Jack, our tea master and pupil, albeit several generations removed, of Sen-no-Rikyu. In his expert and insightful company we experience chado and, as Jack says, ‘Just make a cup of tea’ for each other.

Afterwards we transfer by taxi to central Kyoto for an exploration of Nishiki, Kyoto’s lively central market, where a plethora of food items, many not so familiar, please the eye and whet the appetite. Nearby is the Tera-machi area, where many of Kyoto's specialist shops are located.

Although the tour does not extend into the evening, your guide will be available to either make suggestions where you may like to eat for your evening meal or join you, if you wish.

Day 2

The second day starts at 8.45am at Nijo-jo castle, where we will see the magnificent audience halls built for the Tokugawa Shoguns, the rulers of Japan in the Edo Period. Transferring to Rokuon-ji temple by taxi we are introduced to Kitayama (North Mountain) Culture in the environs of Kinkaku, the Golden Pavilion. The Pavilion, coated in gold leaf and reflected in a lake, is probably Japan’s most recognisable icon.

We travel on to nearby Ryoan-ji temple and it's world famous garden, considered the epitome of a Zen garden. From there it is a short walk to a small train station, where we ride a local tram-cum-train to Arashiyama in the west of Kyoto. We lunch here on soba, buckwheat, noodles. A simple but delicious and popular dish. After, we stroll through the low hills of Arashiyama. The scenery is more reminiscent of rural Japan than a city and here we visit a gorgeous, almost delicate temple that is associated with Gio, a concubine of Taira-no-Kiyomori. Taira was a central figure in the Tale of Heike, the epic story of the power struggle between the Taira and Minamoto Clans that engulfed Japan in the 12th Century. Here we also visit Rakushisha, which is forever associated with Japan’s greatest poet, Basho.

We continue on our walk through quiet, elegant suburbs before taking another train back to Shijo-Omiya in west-central Kyoto where the tour ends.

 

The following travel tips are intended to be helpful advice for our Kyoto Tour. In addition, please refer to your own past experiences and make adjustments or amendments as necessary. If you require any further advice please contact us.

Clothing:

We will be walking in urban areas on even surfaces. Casual shoes, sneakers or sandals are suitable for this tour. Shorts are acceptable in Japan for both men and women. At most times of the year the sun's rays can be strong and we recommend a sun hat, sun screen, etc. Note, if you intend to buy clothing in Japan, large sizes are not easily available.

Food and drink:

Food and drink are readily available throughout the tour.

Medicines and cosmetics:

Some medicines and cosmetics with which you are familiar may not be available in Japan, although there are usually similar products. Prescription medicines in Japan may differ from foreign medicines in minor, but possibly unacceptable, ways. If you require a specific medicine or cosmetic, either for health or comfort, please bring sufficient quantities with you.

Access to cash:

Exchanging foreign currency or travellers' cheques in major currencies is only possible at large bank branches in Japan. Please note that changing at a bank can be a time-consuming exercise. Instead, we recommend alternatives including arriving in Japan with some Japanese currency, using credit cards, and withdrawing cash from post office ATMs or at the Citibank branch found in central Kyoto. Japan is still a society based on cash payments. Given that the crime rate is quite low, there is not a great deal of risk in carrying around relatively large amounts of cash. Credit card payments are sometimes possible, but do not rely on it as credit cards are not universally acceptable in Kyoto.

ATMs at Japanese post offices, which are ubiquitous in Japan, and Seven-Eleven stores provide cash against the following credit cards - Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Diners Club International, PLUS, Maestro, Cirrus and JCB. Most Japanese bank ATMs, though, do not accept debit cards or provide access to foreign bank accounts.

International telephoning, cell phones and the internet:

Making international telephone calls and using the internet outside of major urban areas can be difficult or impossible. Please bring a telephone charge card issued by your local telephone company, such as AT&T, BT and Telstar. These can be used almost anywhere.

The Japanese cell, or mobile, phone system uses a specialized CDMA technology which is incompatible with most overseas systems. Some G3, Blackberry smartphones and iPhones operate in Japan, however, please confirm with your provider whether your phone set will work. If your phone does not work in Japan you may like to rent a cell phone from providers such as NTT Docomo, Cellhire, Mobalrental, Worldroam, Vodafone, etc.

For more information please contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

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The following is an indication of what level of activity to expect on our tours. The itineraries for all our tours provide specific details of each day's walking.

Please note that one person's expectations of what is easy or hard can be very different. Whilst age, physical ability and fitness are factors in deciding what a person is capable of, often a seemingly less fit person completes our tours with no problem. Another factor to consider is the weather, which can affect people differently.

Since 1992 we have taken many thousands of people of many nationalities, all ages and abilities on tour in Japan. We have good experience and knowledge about what most, if not all, people can achieve so please do not hesitate to contact us if you would like further information and advice related to your abilities.

 


Participants must be able to handle their own luggage, climb a few flights of stairs and walk less than 1 km a day. Travel will be almost entirely by public transport, taxi and private hire bus.

Participants must be able to handle their own luggage, climb a few flights of stairs and walk up to 5 km a day on mainly even ground.

Participants must be in reasonable health, mobile and able to participate in 4~6 hours of walking at a moderate 2kph to 4kph pace. The terrain is mainly even ground, with occasional short but steep climbs.




Participants must be in reasonable health, mobile and able to participate in 4~6 hours of walking at a 2 kph to 4 kph pace. The terrain includes more uneven ground than Level 2 with some short, occasionally longer, steep climbs.



Participants must be in good health, mobile and used to a reasonably active lifestyle. Walking may require up to six hours of moderate-paced activity per day, at a 2 kph to 4 kph pace over varied terrain. Ascents and descents can sometimes be steep,    necessitating the use of arms for support.

 

Participants must be in good health, have a good level of physical fitness and used to an active lifestyle. Walking may require up to eight hours of moderate-paced activity per day, at a 2 kph to 4kph pace over varied, mountainous terrain including some long ascents and descents.