A walk through thousands of vermillion torii gates called “Senbon torii” will lead you to the summit of the sacred Mt. Inari. Dedicated to “Inari”, the deity of cornucopia, “Fushimi Inari shrine” is renowned as the patron of business and world-famous for its charming guardian fox stone statues. You can also try a once-transport ship called “Jikkoku-sen”, which connects Osaka and Fushimi. Another spiritual spot is “Choken-ji temple” with a unique Chinese-style gate that enshrines Benzaiten, the Goddess of Eloquence, Music, and Art. At the end of this transcendental tour, at some sake cellars, you can savor several kinds of ambrosial sake made from abundant underground water called “Fushimizu”, the vital element of high-quality sake!

This tour first visits the world-famous resplendent temple, Kinkaku-ji, which was originally built as an aristocrat villa and later turned into a Zen temple. Then you pay a visit to another venerable Zen temple, Ryoan-ji, where you gain an insight into the ultimate concept of Zen Buddhism and traditional Japanese aesthetics, ”Wabi and Sabi”, the acceptance of transience and imperfection. The last leg of this tour is to Daitokuji-temple or Myoshinji-temple, the head temple of the Rinzai sect of Zen Buddhism, where you experience Zen meditation, talking to your inner-self to find spiritual awakening and attain spiritual enlightenment.

You can overlook the beautiful color of Mount Ogura of each season from Togetsu-kyo bridge, central landmark of Western district of Kyoto. Feel the deep concept of Zen Buddhism at Tenryuji-Temple, then explore the subtle and profound bamboo forest in Arashiyama, which still retains country-like feel. Enjoy the beautiful moss garden over green tea at Okochi Sanso Villa built by Japanese famous film actor Okochi Denjiro. At the end of the tour, try making a Japanese scent sachet, a bamboo craft, original chopsticks and etc.

The Nishijin area in a northwestern part of Kyoto is celebrated for its woven textiles called Nishijin-ori, which is widely used for kimono and obi sashes. At Nishijin Textile Center you can enjoy a stunning Kimono fashion show and a coaster weaving experience. Then you visit Nijo Castle, a historical landmark that saw the rise and fall of the Tokugawa shogunate. The next destination is Heian Jingu shrine with a symbolic vermillion torii gate dedicated to the first and last emperors in Kyoto, which is reminiscent of the Heian period in the eighth century. The last leg of this tour is to Kyoto Handicraft Center, where you experience traditional handicraft making.

Visit the “Sanjusangen-do temple”, and you will definitely be overwhelmed by 1000 statues of Kannon, the Buddhist goddess of mercy, each with 11 faces and 1000 arms and eyes ! At a long-established Japanese confectionery store, you will have the experience of making a colorful Japanese confection, which you can taste with maccha green tea! In the “Chishaku-in” temple with stunning gardens, you will enjoy exquisite panels and screens painted by the illustrious Ukiyo-e painter, “Hasegawa Tohaku”. The final visit to “Shinkumano shrine” and “Tofuku-ji” temple will unravel the mystery of the Japanese religious orientation, the syncretism of Shintoism and Buddhism.

Explore picturesque Arashiyama overflowing with the beauty of nature, a murmuring river, mountains of colors with seasonal changes, and Chikurin, or a bamboo forest with tens of thousands of bamboos along the path. Strain your ears to hear the rustling sounds of bamboo leaves. Then you visit Tenryuji, a world heritage-listed temple with a pond strolling garden. At the nearby monkey park, you say hello to more than 100 monkeys roaming around without fences or cages. The last leg of this tour is to Uzumasa Eigamura, TOEI Kyoto Studio Park, which will take you to the Samurai world. You can experience the life of ninjas, samurais, or princes in their costumes as well as various kinds of virtual reality experiences in this dramatic theme park.

Visiting the Gion district, a mecca for kimono aficionados, you will experience the quiet atmosphere of a quaint little town in Kyoto. When you are strolling on narrow stone pavements around the “Yasaka Shrine”, you may come across glamorous Maiko, or apprentice Geisha. Then you visit the “Kodai-ji　temple“ which was built by “Kita-no-mandokoro “, the wife of the feudal lord “Toyotomi Hideyoshi”, where you can experience the tea ceremony, the essence of aesthetic profundity. From the magnificent veranda of “Kiyomizu- temple,” you can command spectacular views of Kyoto city. Around the hill named Sannenn-zaka you can try making pottery called “Kiyomizu-yaki”.

This tour first visits the celebrated landmark Osaka Castle built in the 16th century. From the observation deck, you can have a breathtaking panorama of Osaka City, which has been thriving as a vibrant merchant city in Japan. Then you head to Nihonbashi, a bustling shopping district, once an incomparable electric town but now the center of subcultures including anime and maid cafes. Then you go to Doguyashuji, a shopping street for restaurants tools and food samples, and Kuromonichiba, the “Kitchen of Osaka” that sells a variety of fresh ingredients and gourmet foods. In Hozennji yokocho, a traditional street, you can create your own Ukiyo-e woodblock prints. The last leg of this tour is to Dotonbori, teeming with humorous billboards, the symbol of downtown Osaka.

Omuro-Kaikan hall is a popular accommodation in the temple precinct of Ninna-ji known as “ Omuro-Imperial Palace” which used to be served by priests descended from the imperial family. In the evening, you are enlightened by a lecture on Buddhism and Shintoism. In the morning you can observe monks’ sutra -chanting at national treasure-designated Kondo-hall in a serene atmosphere under candle light. This temple lodging is an ideal hub for visiting Kinkaku-ji Temple, Ryoanji-Zen Temple and the Arashiyama district. This must be a once-in-a lifetime experience for those who have never stayed at a Japanese temple !

Koyasan, the sacred training place for esoteric Buddhism was opened more than 200 years ago by Kobo-taishi Kukai, the renowned Buddhist priest in the Heian period. One step into Okuno-in, the site of the mausoleum for Kukai and many famous historical figures in Japan will bring you to the world of mysticism. You will also experience Shakyo, or sutra tracing, and Ajikan, mindful meditation of the Shingon sect of Buddhism in a temple lodging.

Licensed tour guides will give you an illuminating lecture on the path of humanity and the profound teachings of esoteric Buddhism.