Arashiyama, Kyoto: Goshuin Collecting Tour (Shrine Stamps)

Arashiyama, Kyoto’s famed bamboo forest, is a destination that captivates visitors with its serene natural beauty. But there’s more to this enchanting area than meets the eye. Set out on a guided tour that delves into the spiritual realms of Shintoism and Buddhism, uncovering the rich cultural heritage found in the historic Matsuo Taisha Shrine and Hōrin-ji Temple. Along the way, you’ll have the opportunity to collect rare Goshuin stamps, transforming your journey into a one-of-a-kind cultural experience.

Key Points

• A guided tour of the historic Arashiyama district in Kyoto, focusing on collecting rare Goshuin stamps from a Shinto shrine and Buddhist temple.
• Opportunity to immerse in Kyoto’s rich cultural heritage, learn about Shintoism and Buddhism, and explore Matsuo Taisha Shrine and Hōrin-ji Temple.
• Guided tour lasts 3 hours with a small group, led by an English-speaking guide, and offers a flexible cancellation policy.
• Highlights include stunning views of Tōgetsukyō Bridge, proper etiquette guidance, and preserving cultural memories by collecting Goshuin stamps.
• Goshuin stamps serve as sought-after souvenirs, with a special Goshuinchō book available for purchase and individual stamps costing between 300 to 500 yen each.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

This guided tour offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the historic Arashiyama district of Kyoto.

Lasting 3 hours, the tour takes a small group of up to 6 participants to a Shinto shrine and Buddhist temple, where they’ll collect rare Goshuin stamps as souvenirs.

Led by an English-speaking guide, the tour covers the philosophies of Shintoism and Buddhism while providing insights into the sites’ history.

Conveniently located near Matsuo-Taisha Station, the tour also affords stunning views of Tōgetsukyō Bridge and the Arashiyama landscape.

Flexible cancellation allows for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance.

Highlights and Experience

The Arashiyama Goshuin Collecting Tour offers participants a chance to enjoy the rich cultural heritage of Kyoto.

Visitors can collect unique Goshuin stamps as souvenirs, learning about Shintoism and Buddhism philosophies along the way.

The tour explores the history of Matsuo Taisha Shrine and Hōrin-ji Temple, while enjoying breathtaking views of Tōgetsukyō Bridge and the Arashiyama landscape.

This intimate experience allows guests to escape the crowds and fully appreciate the cultural significance of these sacred sites.

With guidance on proper etiquette, the tour provides an authentic and immersive experience.

Itinerary

The Arashiyama Goshuin Collecting Tour begins at Matsuo-Taisha Station, where you will spend 5 minutes walking to the first stop, Matsuo Taisha.

There, the guided tour will last for 50 minutes, providing an immersive experience in Shintoism.

Afterward, the group will transfer for 20 minutes to the second destination, Hōrin-ji Temple.

The tour of the Buddhist temple will last 40 minutes, allowing participants to learn about its traditions, including Jūsan Mairi and memorial services for sewing needles.

Finally, the tour concludes with a 5-minute walk to the south end of Togetsukyo Bridge.

Cultural Insights

As participants embark on the Arashiyama Goshuin Collecting Tour, they’ll have the opportunity to learn proper visiting etiquette for both Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples.

At Matsuo Taisha Shrine, they’ll discover the history and natural water spring.

At Hōrin-ji Temple, they’ll explore traditions like Jūsan Mairi and memorial services for sewing needles.

The tour also provides insight into the creation of Goshuin stamps, a key highlight.

Collecting these unique stamps in a Goshuinchō book serves as a tangible souvenir, allowing participants to preserve memories of their immersive cultural experience.

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Getting to the Starting Point

Participants will conveniently start the Arashiyama Goshuin Collecting Tour at Matsuo-Taisha Station. From there, the tour guides will lead the group to the nearby Matsuo Taisha Shrine, just a 5-minute walk away. After exploring the shrine, the group will then spend 20 minutes traveling to the next destination, Hōrin-ji Temple. The tour will conclude at the iconic Tōgetsukyō Bridge, a 5-minute walk from Hōrin-ji.

Destination	Travel Time
Matsuo Taisha	5 minutes
Hōrin-ji	20 minutes
Tōgetsukyō Bridge	5 minutes

This efficient itinerary allows participants to maximize their time exploring the cultural sites while minimizing transit between locations.

What to Expect During the Tour

During the Arashiyama Goshuin Collecting Tour, participants can expect an immersive cultural experience that combines the exploration of Shinto and Buddhist traditions.

The guided tour starts at the iconic Matsuo Taisha Shrine, where visitors learn about proper etiquette and observe the creation of the unique Goshuin stamps.

Next, they’ll venture to the serene Hōrin-ji Temple to discover its history and practices, including the Jūsan Mairi ceremony.

Throughout the tour, the knowledgeable guide provides insights into the philosophies and significance of these sacred sites.

The excursion culminates with stunning views of the Tōgetsukyō Bridge and Arashiyama landscape.

Goshuin Collecting and Costs

One of the highlights of the Arashiyama Goshuin Collecting Tour is the opportunity to obtain unique temple and shrine stamps, known as Goshuin.

Goshuin are highly sought-after souvenirs, offering a tangible connection to the sacred sites visited. During the tour, guests can purchase a special Goshuinchō, or stamp book, to collect the Goshuin stamps.

The cost of the Goshuinchō typically ranges from 1500 to 2500 yen, while each individual Goshuin stamp costs between 300 to 500 yen.

Collecting these stamps isn’t only a memorable experience but also a way to preserve the cultural traditions of Japan.

Customer Reviews

The Arashiyama Goshuin Collecting Tour has garnered a perfect 5/5 rating based on a single customer review.

The reviewer highlighted the guide’s exceptional knowledge, making the experience both informative and engaging. Collecting the unique stamps, or goshuin, at the Matsuo Taisha Shrine and Hōrin-ji Temple was a key highlight, providing a memorable souvenir.

The tour’s intimate group size allowed for a personalized exploration of the sites, away from large crowds. Reviewers praised the well-organized itinerary, covering the history and traditions of Shintoism and Buddhism at a comfortable pace.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Pay With a Credit Card?

Yes, you can pay with a credit card for this tour. The booking information indicates that you can "Reserve now & pay later," suggesting credit card payments are accepted.

Is Photography Allowed During the Tour?

Photography is generally allowed during the tour, but visitors should be respectful and avoid disrupting the experience or interfering with the group. Guests are advised to check with the tour guide for any specific photography guidelines or restrictions.

How Physically Demanding Is the Walking?

The tour involves some moderate walking, including several short transfers between sites. Comfortable shoes are recommended as you will spend about 1.5 hours total exploring the shrines and temple grounds. The pace is leisurely, allowing time to enjoy the cultural insights.

Are Restrooms Available During the Tour?

Restrooms are typically available at major shrines and temples visited during tours. The tour guide can advise participants on the locations of restrooms along the route to ensure comfort throughout the experience.

Can I Book This Tour on the Day of the Activity?

Yes, you can book this tour on the day of the activity. The tour offers a flexible booking option, allowing you to reserve and pay later, even on the same day as the scheduled event.

The Sum Up

This guided tour of Arashiyama, Kyoto offers an immersive cultural experience, combining the spiritual realms of Shintoism and Buddhism with the unique opportunity to collect rare Goshuin stamps. Participants will deepen their understanding of these ancient traditions while exploring historic shrines and temples under the guidance of a knowledgeable local. The tour provides a memorable and authentic way to discover the rich heritage of this enchanting region.

You can check if your dates are available here: