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Step into sacred spaces that encourage observation. Admire designs of commanding presence, from majestic halls with solid gold statues to rustic tea houses. Be captivated by paintings, sculptures and calligraphy preserved within temple walls--silently offering insight into diverse styles of Japanese art.
Veer closer into the inseparable connection between Shintoism, Buddhism and the Way of Tea in the The Temple Tea Tour by Nichome.
What You'll Do
Visit 3-4 temples whilst learning about architectural styles, temple philosophy and the intentions of the people who built them. Walk thru gardens and learn the meaning of the elements within while enjoying the peace and serenity of the city of Kyoto.
What's Included
Temple & garden entry fees
What's Not Included
Transportation Fees
Getting To & Fro:
We will walk and take public transportation; Alternatively, a taxi can be arranged at participant expense
Guest Requirements
Guests are required to behave in a civil and respectable manner.
Temple Etiquette:
On Clothing:
Conservative clothing recommended. Ensure your underarm area and chest are covered. Avoid bright colors and flashy patterns, as they can be perceived as inappropriate or disrespectful. In the summer, lightweight, loose fabrics that cover the body are both respectful and practical. A lightweight linen shawl is easily portable, sheer and provides the necessary coverage.
On Footware:
Many temples require visitors to remove their shoes before entering certain areas, particularly in the main halls or tea rooms. Keep this in mind when choosing footwear; Slip-on shoes can be convenient. Clean socks are a must.
On Bowing:
Bowing is a fundamental gesture in Japanese etiquette, not only reserved for business or spiritual practices. Upon entering a temple or shrine, you may notice visitors bowing to the altar or main hall; It is perfectly acceptable to mimic this behavior.
On Giving An Offering:
Before making a wish or a prayer it is customary to offer a small donation in odd numbered denominations. Slowly approach the offering box and gently drop your coins within. A typical offering ranges from 5 yen (considered lucky) to larger sums, depending on intent and financial capacity.
Afterwards, temple etiquette calls for two deep bows, clapping the hands twice and one final deep bow.
Activity Level
Moderate
This is a walking tour led at a steady, leisurely pace with periods of standing and opportunities for rest.
Terrain: A mix of flat and uneven surfaces; Some stone paths and gentle inclines. Flat, comfortable and secure shoes recommended.
Recommended Fitness: Ability to walk moderate distances and stand for periods of time without assistance.
Accessibility Level
Accessibility Level:Fair to Challenging
☆ Many gardens at street level
☆ Uneven surfaces ☆ Cobblestone paths
Wheelchair Accessibility:Can be challenging
☆ Inform Concierge as best visited with assistance
☆ Smaller establishments may not have wheelchair accessible seating or restrooms
Public Transportation:Most buses and trains are accessible with ramps or lifts. Some older metro stations may have limited wheelchair access.
Taxis:
Wheelchair accessible taxis are available but must be booked in advance. Regular taxis may not accommodate wheelchairs.
How To Order
1: Pick the preferred area of town. We offer temple tours in Gion (Center City area), Uji, Arashiyama, Ohara and Takao.
2: Adjust the quantity to match the number of tour attendees. For example, if four people are attending, then the quantity should be set to 4.
3: Select desired date.
4: Add tour to cart.
5: Add any additional Add-Ons.
6: Check out to complete reservation. Our Concierge will contact you shortly; You will only be charged when tour details are confirmed.
Cancellation Policy
16 Days or More Prior To Tour or Experience Start Date: No Cancellation Fee Levied; 100% of Order Amount Returned
15 days to 11 days Prior To Tour or Experience Start Date: 40% of Order Amount Reserved As Cancellation Fee; 60% of Order Amount Returned
10 days to 6 days Prior To Tour or Experience Start Date: 80% of Order Amount Reserved As Cancellation Fee; 20% of Order Amount Returned
5 Days or Less Prior To Tour or Experience Start Date: 100% of Order Amount Reserved As Cancellation Fee; 0% of Order Amount Returned
For more details, reference our Cancellation & Returns Policy.
Pairs well with
Select quantity (number of participants), date and time prior to adding to cart. The date and time is selectable from the "Select Date" button.

Temple Tea Tour
If you have any questions, you are always welcome to contact us. We'll get back to you as soon as possible, within 24 hours on weekdays.
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Indispensable Presence
From being centers of scholarship, to maintaining the time prior to the invention of clocks via bells, to keeping town records and providing traditional medicinal treatments, to fostering community, temples were comprehensive centers of influence and activity.
Learn about the complex and varied voles that temples played in education, governance, and daily life within Japanese society.


Unaltered Authenticity
This is where matcha was born. Have a sip, the traditional way.


In Retrospect
Find moments of quiet contemplation amidst meticulously designed gardens and pathways.


History At Present
Explore sites where centuries of Japanese history unfolded, walking through halls and gardens preserved from feudal times.
Sample Itinerary

9AM
Meet Your Guide
Your guide will meet you at the designated meeting spot as provided in the tour confirmation e-mail. Alternatively, if you have selected the Personal Chauffeur option, you will be picked up at your accomodation.

9:15AM
1st Stop
This sub-temple of Nanzen-ji boasts one of Kyoto's most exquisite gardens, designed by garden master Kobori Enshu. It also has a charming teahouse with stunning fusuma (sliding door) paintings.
Often so quiet you can hear the garden breathing, we will stop here first, as the morning light is especially beautiful.

10AM
2nd Stop
The 2nd stop is a temple renowned for its landscaping. The garden is especially beautiful after rain or on a cloudy day when the moss glows.
The humble, thatched-roof main hall evokes a sense of rustic simplicity and quiet contemplation where one can experience why historical figures sought solace here.

11 AM
3rd Stop
Internal conflicts of yesteryear is still visible via samurai blood stained floorboards as a 500-year-old pine tree dramatically extends over the magnificent garden—almost as if a part of the architecture itself. Have a bowl of matcha while taking it all in at our third stop.
Pairs Well With






Matcha Tea Ceremony Demonstration
Tradition unchanged for 450 years. Experience a Japanese matcha tea ceremony demonstration in a tranquil environment.
