Kyoto: Quiet Arashiyama and Sagano Temples Guided Tour

Discover the serene, nature-rich environment of Arashiyama and Sagano on a guided walking tour. Avoid the crowds and immerse yourself in the peaceful atmosphere of the area.

More than just experiencing its natural beauty, the tour is crafted to allow participants to feel the breath of history through their own senses. As you explore the distinct atmosphere and unique stories of each temple, you’ll feel like a traveler bridging the past and present.

For example I intoroduce two temple's background tragedy history
1. “Giou”-ji Temple
It was built in the 12th century, in the Heian period.
“Giou” means a woman's name.
This small temple is known as the stage of women's sorrows..
The main star is “Giou”.
“Giou” was a dancer in this period.
She was favored by “Taira no Kiyomori”, former Shogun in the Heian Period.
“Taira no Kiyomori” (1118-1181) was shogun at that time.
He loved “Giou” very much at first.
But he moved his heart to another woman, “Butsugozen”
“Giou” was driven away by him
“Giou” finally became a nun with his sister and his mother and lived here in her rest life.
“Giou”--an
“Giou” lived this small house “Giou”-An..
Finally, “Butsugozen” ,her rival woman also was thrown away by Kiyomori and became a nun, and lived together this house.
Then, Four women practiced Buddhism.
All visitors can remember this tragedy at that time.

2. Adashino Nenbutsu-ji Temple
It was built in the 13century in Kamakura period
"Adashno" means "vain field".or heartless field.
This temple also has tragic story.
.Honen monk
This temple's founder was Honen (1133-1212)
He taught nenbutu, people chant the sutra
Muen Botoke
It means these dead and their spirits having no relatives to pray.
Temple gatherd these kinds of born and enshrined.
This area used to be thrown away dead bodies.
People called here heartless field
This temple has almost 8,000 stone statues of Buddha
They were dug up and collected
Sentou Kuyo
It means enshrined forever
Every year in August, thousands of candles are lit and offerings flowers
Through the guide’s narrative-style explanations and hands-on experiences, the tour draws out the "serenity," "inspiration," and "wisdom" that each temple has to offer. Sagano and Arashiyama are not just tourist destinations. They are extraordinary places where the lives, faith, and culture of those who lived in the past are deeply ingrained.

3. Saga Toriimoto town
Along the street on the way to another temple,old town is is well preserved. farmhouses and machiya houses are very well mixed and constitute of historical landscape in suburb of Kyoto Rakugai.

By joining this tour, you will not only gain a multi-faceted appreciation of the historical charm of this area but also find an opportunity to reflect on your own life in the present day.