Kyoto Afternoon Tour – Fushimiinari & Kiyomizu Temple From Kyoto

Kyoto, the ancient capital of Japan, offers a rich tapestry of cultural and historical experiences. The Kyoto Afternoon Tour provides an immersive opportunity to explore some of the city’s most iconic landmarks. Visitors can climb the vibrant torii gates of Fushimiinari Taisha Shrine, marvel at the intricate Buddhist statues of Sanjusangendo Temple, and witness the stunning views from the balcony of Kiyomizu Temple. With a licensed guide, transportation, and admission fees included, this tour promises a seamless and engaging exploration of Kyoto’s remarkable heritage. As the day unfolds, the tour unveils the captivating stories and traditions that have shaped this remarkable city.

Key Points

• A 4-hour guided tour that explores Fushimiinari Taisha Shrine, Sanjusangendo Temple, and Kiyomizu Temple, providing insights into Kyoto’s cultural and religious heritage.
• The tour includes admission fees, transportation costs, and a National Government Licensed English Guide Interpreter for a comprehensive and convenient experience.
• Visitors can climb the iconic 1,000 torii gates of Fushimiinari Taisha Shrine, marvel at the 1,001 Buddhist statues in Sanjusangendo Temple, and witness the stunning views from Kiyomizu Temple.
• The tour departs from Kyoto Avanti B1 Floor (Sunrise Tours desk) at 1:30 pm sharp, with drop-off service available at select Kyoto locations.
• The tour is subject to confirmation within 48 hours and requires a moderate level of physical fitness, as it is not wheelchair accessible.

Overview of the Kyoto Afternoon Tour

The Kyoto Afternoon Tour is a 4-hour guided experience that allows visitors to explore significant religious and cultural sites throughout the historic city.

The tour visits three notable destinations: Fushimiinari Taisha Shrine, Sanjusangendo Temple, and Kiyomizu Temple.

At Fushimiinari, guests will wander through the shrine’s vibrant orange torii gates and scenic gardens.

Next, they’ll marvel at the impressive 1,001 statues that fill the Sanjusangendo Temple, the longest wooden building in Japan.

The tour culminates at the iconic Kiyomizu Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site that offers panoramic views of Kyoto.

Throughout the experience, a National Government Licensed English Guide Interpreter provides insights and commentary to enhance the culture.

Included in the Tour Package

The Kyoto Afternoon Tour package includes several key features to enhance the experience. It provides a National Government Licensed English Guide Interpreter who offers insights and commentary throughout the tour.

Admission fees to the various sites are also covered, ensuring seamless access for visitors. Plus, the package includes all necessary transportation costs, allowing participants to comfortably navigate between the tour’s destinations.

With these inclusions, the tour offers a comprehensive and convenient way for travelers to explore Kyoto’s rich cultural and religious heritage. By taking care of the logistical details, the package allows guests to fully enjoy the beauty and history of the ancient capital.

Meeting and Pickup Details

Participants meet at the Kyoto Avanti B1 Floor (Sunrise Tours desk) at 1:20pm, with the tour departing promptly at 1:30pm.

Drop-off service is available at select locations throughout Kyoto at the conclusion of the tour.

The meeting location is conveniently situated in the heart of the city, making it easily accessible for participants.

Visitors should arrive on time to ensure they don’t miss the start of the tour, as it departs without delay.

The drop-off service at the end of the excursion allows for a hassle-free conclusion to the afternoon exploration of Kyoto’s cultural and religious sites.

Itinerary: Fushimiinari Taisha Shrine

Fushimiinari Taisha Shrine kicks off the tour, a colorful Shinto shrine known for its expansive gardens and ponds. Visitors explore the iconic torii gates, a series of bright vermilion archways lining the pathways leading up to the main shrine buildings.

Winding through the lush greenery, they’ll admire the peaceful ponds and take in the serene atmosphere of this important religious site.

The itinerary at Fushimiinari includes:

1. Climbing the 1,000 torii gates that stretch up the hillside, each one donated by a different individual or organization.
2. Visiting the main shrine buildings and learning about Shinto traditions.
3. Strolling through the picturesque gardens, taking in views of the pagodas and ponds.

Itinerary: Sanjusangendo Temple

After exploring the vibrant Fushimiinari Taisha Shrine, the tour proceeds to Sanjusangendo Temple, the longest wooden building in Japan housing an awe-inspiring display of 1,001 Buddhist statues.

As visitors step inside, they’re immediately struck by the sheer scale and grandeur of this 13th-century temple. The statues, which line the length of the hall, are meticulously crafted and represent the thousand-armed Kannon, the Buddhist goddess of mercy.

Guests have the opportunity to admire the intricate details and lose themselves in the serene atmosphere of this remarkable religious site. The temple’s architecture and the tranquil ambiance create a truly memorable experience for all who visit.

Itinerary: Kiyomizu Temple

From Sanjusangendo Temple, the tour continues on to the iconic Kiyomizu Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site perched atop a verdant hillside and offering panoramic vistas of the ancient city of Kyoto. This historic wooden temple is renowned for its breathtaking main hall, which is built without the use of nails and juts out over the hillside.

Visitors can explore the temple’s beautiful gardens, which feature cherry blossoms in spring and vibrant fall foliage.

Three highlights of Kiyomizu Temple include:

1. Witnessing the stunning views from the temple’s balcony, which provide a sweeping panorama of Kyoto.

2. Seeing the Otowa Waterfall, whose waters are believed to have healing powers.

3. Walking along the Jishu Shrine, a shrine dedicated to the god of love and matchmaking.

Additional Tour Information

The tour is subject to confirmation within 48 hours, contingent upon availability. The transportation used may vary based on the size of the group. Participants should possess a moderate level of physical fitness, as the tour is not wheelchair accessible. Groups are capped at a maximum of 40 travelers.

The tour offers a variety of additional details that guests should be aware of:

Confirmation	Accessibility	Group Size
Within 48 hours	Not wheelchair accessible	Maximum 40 travelers
Subject to availability	Moderate physical fitness required	–
–	–	–

These considerations ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for all participants exploring the cultural and religious wonders of Kyoto.

Confirmation and Accessibility

Confirming availability and determining accessibility are essential aspects of the Kyoto Afternoon Tour. Participants must receive confirmation within 48 hours, subject to the tour’s availability, before their scheduled departure.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, requiring a moderate level of physical fitness from attendees.

The tour’s accessibility considerations include:

1. The itinerary involves walking through various temples, shrines, and scenic gardens, which may have uneven terrain or stairs.
2. Participants must be able to navigate these environments and maintain a steady pace throughout the 4-hour guided tour.
3. Individuals with mobility challenges or other physical limitations may find the tour challenging and should consider their personal fitness levels before booking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Customize the Tour to Visit Other Sites?

The tour can be customized to visit other sites, though additional fees may apply. Travelers should inquire with the tour operator about modifying the itinerary to include other Kyoto landmarks of interest.

Is Photography Allowed at All the Temples and Shrines?

Photography is generally allowed at the temples and shrines, but visitors should be respectful and avoid flash photography. Some sites may have restrictions, so it’s best to follow the guidance of the tour guide.

Are There Any Restrictions on Attire for the Tour?

There are generally no strict dress code requirements for visiting temples and shrines in Japan. However, modest and respectful attire is encouraged, avoiding revealing or overly casual clothing. Visitors should avoid wearing hats, shorts, or tank tops.

Can I Leave the Tour Group at Any Time During the Day?

Participants are generally expected to remain with the tour group throughout the day. Leaving the group at any time would not be recommended, as it could disrupt the tour’s schedule and logistics. The guide’s supervision is an important part of the experience.

Will There Be an Opportunity to Purchase Souvenirs Along the Way?

The tour includes stops at several popular cultural and religious sites, so there will likely be opportunities for participants to browse and purchase souvenirs along the way. However, the specific schedule and available shopping time may vary.

Recap

The Kyoto Afternoon Tour offers an immersive and convenient way to explore the city’s renowned religious and cultural sites.

Visitors can marvel at the iconic Fushimiinari Taisha Shrine, the 1,001 Buddhist statues of Sanjusangendo Temple, and the stunning views from Kiyomizu Temple.

With a licensed guide, admission fees, and transportation included, the tour provides a comprehensive and hassle-free experience to explore Kyoto’s rich heritage.