Stroll around a mountain village where nature and history abound.
Price: ¥20,000
Duration: 8 hours
Hours of availability: 9:00-17:00 (flexible)
Participants: 1-6

We will take you to Ohara, a peaceful mountain village just outside of Kyoto’s downtown and take you to experience the natural and historical treasures of Ohara while taking a stroll through the rural landscape. Ohara was a popular retreat for aristocrats seeking peace and quiet because it was close to Kyoto, which served as the former capital of Japan. Ohara thus has numerous locations where you can take in the grandeur of old structures along with the natural beauty of the four seasons. The peaceful mountain village scenery still exists and continues to fascinate many people. It is surrounded by stunning mountains on all sides. Have a peaceful time savoring the historical atmosphere typical of Kyoto and its verdant and lush nature.

1. Pickup from your hotel in Kyoto City

Our guide will meet you at your hotel in Kyoto City and escort you to Ohara by local bus.

2. Ohara Sanzenin Temple

First, we will tour Saicho, a Buddhist diplomat, who constructed the Ohara Sanzenin Temple 1,200 years ago, and the prince and other members of the imperial family have been in charge of it ever since. Here, one may see numerous priceless cultural artifacts and temple treasures, such as the Sanzonzo statue, which is a National Treasure. We will take you to enjoy the serene scenery throughout the seasons: cherry blossoms in spring, fresh greenery in summer, autumn leaves in fall, and a blanket of snow in winter. On the temple grounds, there are two famous gardens called “Shuheki-en” and “Yusei-en,” that a famous novelist called “jewels of the Orient.” We will take you to enjoy the small and cute Jizo (stone statues) seen dotted throughout the moss-covered gardens.

3. Shorinin Temple

We will take you to Shorinin Temple which was built 1,000 years ago. It is famous for the fact that Honen, the founder of the Jodo sect of Buddhism, held the Ohara Mondo, where he discussed and answered questions about the doctrine of the Pure Land Nembutsu with the learned priests. It is also known as the birthplace of Buddhist music Shomyo. Shomyo is ceremonial music with rhythms and intonations added to Buddhist scriptures to convey Buddhist teachings to people, and is said to be the origin of Japanese songs of later generations. Shomyo echoes as you enter the main hall, allowing you to experience the atmosphere of the Buddhist world.

4. Hosenin Temple

The main attraction of Hosenin is the framed garden through which visitors view the garden by using the pillars and Kamoi gate as picture frames. The 700-year-old pine trees and bamboo grove seen from inside the room are as beautiful as a picture in a frame, and the elegant sound of the suikinkutsu (water harp) attracts many visitors. Our tour will take you to admire the beautiful garden while enjoying matcha green tea and traditional sweets.

5. Lunch time

Our tour will take you to numerous excellent eateries encircled by stunning mountains. You can eat a selection of handcrafted rice balls and obanzai cooked from a variety of regional organic veggies at a buffet. Among Kyoto’s top chefs, the fresh veggies from Ohara are gaining popularity. The café also enjoys a stunning view of the surrounding countryside. Vegetarians and vegans can eat at some establishments.

6. Jakkoin Temple

We will then take you to Jakkoin Temple, a nunnery where female head priests have served for generations, was constructed by Prince Shotoku 1,500 years ago. The cherry blossoms in spring and the autumn leaves in fall are so lovely that they were even mentioned in a waka poetry in the Tale of the Heike. The temple grounds provide a calm and serene environment. Jakkoin was once a popular retreat destination for noblemen and ascetic practitioners because of its reputation for tranquility and relaxation.

7. Tour ends at your hotel

After the tour, you’ll take a local bus back to your Kyoto City accommodation.