Kyoto's Timeless Charm: Temples, Traditions, and Tranquility
Moderate Activity
Includes meal
Be sure to read the Special Notes further down this page for important requirements and restriction.
Your day begins with a scenic drive from the port, as you make your way into the heart of Kyoto, a city renowned for its cultural heritage and exquisite historical sites. Sit back and relax as you travel through picturesque landscapes, preparing for a day filled with unforgettable sights.
WHAT YOU WILL SEE:
Kiyomizu Temple
Your first stop is Kiyomizu Temple, one of Kyoto's most celebrated temples and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Situated on the lush hillside of Mount Otowa, this ancient temple offers breathtaking views of the city. Built in 778, the temple is a testament to Kyoto's rich history and enduring cultural legacy.
Explore the temple's iconic wooden stage, which juts out dramatically over the hillside and offers panoramic views, particularly stunning during spring cherry blossoms or the vibrant autumn foliage.
Handy Craft Center
After your visit to Kiyomizu Temple, head to the Kyoto Handy Craft Center. Kyoto Handicraft Center is a renowned destination for those seeking authentic Japanese craftsmanship and cultural experiences. Located in the heart of Kyoto, the center offers a wide array of traditional arts and crafts, including Kyo-yaki pottery, woodblock prints, cloisonné enamel, and textile works. Visitors can explore various shops showcasing high-quality handmade goods, perfect as unique souvenirs or gifts.
Ginkaku-ji Temple
Next, visit Ginkaku-ji, nestled at the foot of Kyoto's eastern mountains, this Zen temple is a masterpiece of simplicity and harmony. Built in the late 15th century by Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimasa, the temple reflects the understated elegance of Higashiyama culture, which emphasized aesthetic refinement and tranquility.
Walk through the temple's meticulously maintained gardens, featuring a reflective pond, stone paths, and the iconic dry sand garden known as the "Sea of Silver Sand." This raked sand design is a prime example of wabi-sabi, a Japanese aesthetic centered on imperfection and transience.
After a day filled with cultural and natural wonders, relax on the drive back to the port.
Schedule
Special Notes
The drive between Kobe and Kyoto is approximately 90-120 minutes each way. Passengers should expect traffic and delays.
This tour involves more than1.5Km walk over at Kiyomizu Temple and Ginkaku Temple so the guest need to expect long walking. Tour not recommended for guests with mobility difficulties or wheelchairs.
Please wear comfortable shoes and light clothing, bring water bottle and sunscreen.
At Kyoto Handicraft Center accepts credit card, US dollar, euro as well as local currency (Japanese yen). For duty free shopping, passport is needed to be present.
At other venues (Kinkaku-ji temple or other shops), they accept only local currency normally.
Tour order may vary.
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Moderate Activity
Includes meal
Be sure to read the Special Notes further down this page for important requirements and restriction.
Your day begins with a scenic drive from the port, as you make your way into the heart of Kyoto, a city renowned for its cultural heritage and exquisite historical sites. Sit back and relax as you travel through picturesque landscapes, preparing for a day filled with unforgettable sights.
WHAT YOU WILL SEE:
Kiyomizu Temple
Your first stop is Kiyomizu Temple, one of Kyoto's most celebrated temples and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Situated on the lush hillside of Mount Otowa, this ancient temple offers breathtaking views of the city. Built in 778, the temple is a testament to Kyoto's rich history and enduring cultural legacy.
Explore the temple's iconic wooden stage, which juts out dramatically over the hillside and offers panoramic views, particularly stunning during spring cherry blossoms or the vibrant autumn foliage.
Handy Craft Center
After your visit to Kiyomizu Temple, head to the Kyoto Handy Craft Center. Kyoto Handicraft Center is a renowned destination for those seeking authentic Japanese craftsmanship and cultural experiences. Located in the heart of Kyoto, the center offers a wide array of traditional arts and crafts, including Kyo-yaki pottery, woodblock prints, cloisonné enamel, and textile works. Visitors can explore various shops showcasing high-quality handmade goods, perfect as unique souvenirs or gifts.
Ginkaku-ji Temple
Next, visit Ginkaku-ji, nestled at the foot of Kyoto's eastern mountains, this Zen temple is a masterpiece of simplicity and harmony. Built in the late 15th century by Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimasa, the temple reflects the understated elegance of Higashiyama culture, which emphasized aesthetic refinement and tranquility.
Walk through the temple's meticulously maintained gardens, featuring a reflective pond, stone paths, and the iconic dry sand garden known as the "Sea of Silver Sand." This raked sand design is a prime example of wabi-sabi, a Japanese aesthetic centered on imperfection and transience.
After a day filled with cultural and natural wonders, relax on the drive back to the port.
Schedule
Special Notes
The drive between Kobe and Kyoto is approximately 90-120 minutes each way. Passengers should expect traffic and delays.
This tour involves more than1.5Km walk over at Kiyomizu Temple and Ginkaku Temple so the guest need to expect long walking. Tour not recommended for guests with mobility difficulties or wheelchairs.
Please wear comfortable shoes and light clothing, bring water bottle and sunscreen.
At Kyoto Handicraft Center accepts credit card, US dollar, euro as well as local currency (Japanese yen). For duty free shopping, passport is needed to be present.
At other venues (Kinkaku-ji temple or other shops), they accept only local currency normally.
Tour order may vary.