Serene Zen Gardens and the Oldest Sweets in Kyoto

Kyoto’s rich cultural heritage is on full display in its serene Zen gardens and iconic confectioneries. Visitors can enjoy the tranquil beauty of the Daitoku-ji Temple complex, marveling at the intricate design and spiritual symbolism of the gardens. After this serene experience, they can indulge in the delicate mochi treat, aburimochi, at the renowned Ichimonjiya Wasuke shop, learning about Kyoto’s culinary traditions. This tour offers a harmonious blend of Zen Buddhism, centuries-old craftsmanship, and a glimpse into Japan’s captivating cultural heritage. For those seeking a truly immersive experience, the secrets of Kyoto’s past await discovery.

Key Points

• This 2.5-hour guided tour explores Kyoto’s renowned zen gardens, offering the opportunity to savor the oldest sweets in the city.
• The tour starts at Kitaoji Station with a 10-minute walk to Daitoku-ji Temple, and includes a tasting of famous aburimochi at Ichimonjiya Wasuke.
• Visitors will experience different zen and stone gardens, learn about Shinto shrine customs, and gain insights into the history, architecture, and spiritual symbolism of the temples.
• The tour is not suitable for those over 70 and requires appropriate travel insurance, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience.
• Inclusions cover an English-speaking guide, entrance fees, and the aburimochi tasting, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Overview of the Tour

This 2.5-hour guided tour provides visitors with a serene exploration of Kyoto’s renowned zen gardens and the opportunity to savor the oldest sweets in the city.

Starting from Kitaoji Station, the tour includes a 10-minute walk to the Daitoku-ji Temple, where visitors will enjoy a 70-minute guided tour.

They’ll then visit Ichimonjiya Wasuke to taste the famous aburimochi, the oldest sweets in Japan, before heading to the Imamiya-Jinja Shrine for a 20-minute guided tour.

The tour includes all entrance fees and the cost of the sweets tasting. It’s not suitable for those over 70, so travelers should ensure they’ve appropriate travel insurance before joining this immersive exploration of Kyoto’s serene zen gardens and traditional confections.

Itinerary and Highlights

The tour begins with a 10-minute walk from Kitaoji Station to the Daitoku-ji Temple, where visitors can explore the serene zen gardens during a 70-minute guided tour. After the temple visit, the group heads to Ichimonjiya Wasuke to taste the famous aburimochi, Japan’s oldest sweets, for 45 minutes. The final stop is the Imamiya-Jinja Shrine, where a 20-minute guided tour provides insight into Shinto shrine etiquette.

Stops	Duration
Daitoku-ji Temple	70 minutes
Ichimonjiya Wasuke	45 minutes
Imamiya-Jinja Shrine	20 minutes

The tour’s highlights include experiencing different zen and stone gardens, savoring the centuries-old aburimochi, and learning about Shinto shrine customs.

Starting Location and Transportation

The tour begins at Kitaoji Station, from where participants embark on a 10-minute walk to reach the Daitoku-ji Temple, the first stop on the itinerary.

This leisurely stroll provides an opportunity to take in the serene surroundings and set the tone for the zen-inspired experience ahead.

The guide will be on hand to ensure the group navigates the route smoothly and arrives at the temple ready to enjoy the tranquil atmosphere.

With the starting point conveniently located near public transportation, the tour is easily accessible for visitors to Kyoto, allowing them to seamlessly incorporate this cultural exploration into their overall travel plans.

Daitoku-ji Temple Guided Tour

Upon arriving at Daitoku-ji Temple, the group embarks on a guided tour lasting around 70 minutes, immersing participants in the serene ambiance of this renowned Zen Buddhist complex. The tour highlights the temple’s stunning gardens, each meticulously designed to evoke a sense of tranquility and reflection. Visitors learn about the history and significance of the various sub-temples, such as Daisen-in, Koto-in, and Ryogen-in, each with its unique architectural features and spiritual symbolism. The guide provides insights into the philosophical underpinnings of Zen Buddhism and how they are manifested in the temple’s design. This immersive experience offers a deep appreciation for the principles of simplicity, balance, and mindfulness that are central to the Zen tradition.

Sub-Temples	Architectural Features	Spiritual Symbolism
Daisen-in	Dry landscape garden	Meditation and contemplation
Koto-in	Shoin-style buildings	Harmony between nature and humanity
Ryogen-in	Moss garden	Tranquility and renewal

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Ichimonjiya Wasuke Food Tasting

After exploring the serene Zen gardens at Daitoku-ji Temple, the group makes its way to Ichimonjiya Wasuke, a renowned confectionery shop known for serving the oldest sweets in Kyoto.

Here, they’re given the chance to taste the famous aburimochi, a delicate mochi treat that’s been handcrafted using the same traditional methods for centuries. The guide explains the intricate process of making these delectable sweets, from the careful selection of the finest ingredients to the meticulous shaping and cooking techniques.

As the group savors the melt-in-your-mouth texture and subtle sweetness of the aburimochi, they gain a newfound appreciation for Kyoto’s rich culinary heritage.

Imamiya-Jinja Shrine Guided Tour

From Ichimonjiya Wasuke, the group then heads to the Imamiya-Jinja Shrine, where a guided tour awaits.

The guide provides an overview of Shinto shrine etiquette, explaining the proper way to approach and interact with the sacred space. Visitors learn to bow and clap their hands before the shrine, and are shown the offertory box where they can make a monetary contribution.

The guide also highlights the main features of the shrine, such as the ornate torii gate and the variety of Shinto deities represented.

Throughout the 20-minute tour, the guide encourages participants to reflect on the spiritual significance of the shrine and its role in Japanese culture.

Inclusions and Pricing

The tour package typically includes an English-speaking guide, entrance fees for the three temples visited, and a serving of aburimochi, the oldest traditional sweets in Kyoto.

The inclusions are:

1. English translation and guide fee
2. Entrance fees for Daitoku-ji Temple, Imamiya-Jinja Shrine, and two other temples (up to 2,000 yen value)
3. A serving of aburimochi, a delicious mochi with tea (600 yen value)
4. Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance

Travelers should bring enough cash in Japanese yen, as credit cards may not be widely accepted. Plus, overseas travel insurance is recommended, as the tour isn’t suitable for those over 70 years old.

Additional Considerations

Besides the inclusions, there are a few other important factors to consider when booking this tour.

Travelers should ensure they’ve adequate overseas travel insurance, as the tour isn’t recommended for those over 70 years old. Plus, it’s advisable to carry enough cash in Japanese yen, as credit cards may not be widely accepted at the various stops along the way.

While the tour promises a serene and immersive experience exploring Kyoto’s zen gardens and sampling its oldest sweets, it’s crucial to be prepared for the physical aspects of the itinerary. With a bit of planning, visitors can maximize their enjoyment of this unique cultural excursion.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Take Photos During the Guided Tours?

Yes, you can take photos during the guided tours. The tour information indicates that photography is allowed, so feel free to capture the serene zen gardens and oldest sweets in Kyoto to document your experience.

Is the Tour Available on Public Holidays?

The tour is generally available on public holidays, but it’s best to check with the tour operator for any schedule changes or closures on specific holidays. Confirmations may be required to ensure availability during public holiday periods.

Are Vegetarian/Vegan Food Options Available at the Tasting?

The tour doesn’t explicitly mention vegetarian or vegan options for the food tasting. However, it’s best to check with the tour provider if they can accommodate dietary restrictions, as traditional Japanese sweets may contain animal-derived ingredients.

Can I Purchase Additional Sweets at Ichimonjiya Wasuke?

Yes, visitors can purchase additional sweets at Ichimonjiya Wasuke beyond the included aburimochi tasting. The shop offers a variety of traditional Japanese confections that can be purchased to take home or enjoy on the tour.

Is There a Dress Code for the Temple and Shrine Visits?

There’s no strict dress code, but visitors should dress modestly and respectfully for the temple and shrine visits. Casual, conservative attire is recommended to be mindful of the sacred sites.

Recap

This guided tour offers a unique opportunity to take in the serene Zen gardens, savor the oldest sweets in Kyoto, and explore the rich cultural heritage of the city.

From the stunning Daitoku-ji Temple to the renowned Ichimonjiya Wasuke confectionery shop, and the Imamiya-Jinja Shrine, this experience showcases the harmony of Zen Buddhism, centuries-old craftsmanship, and Japan’s enduring cultural traditions.

You can check if your dates are available here: