Enter the Unseen: A VIP Monk-Guided Experience at Kiyomizu-dera
Description
We aim to transform your travel experience from ordinary sightseeing to meaningful encounters. Undoubtedly, you'll have the chance to cherish precious moments that go beyond typical visits to famous tourist spots. During this tour, you will engage in a dialogue with Mr. Shoin Onishi in the Jojuin Garden of Kiyomizu-dera Temple, which is normally a private area. Through conversations with selected individuals, you can uncover the essence of Kyoto. Furthermore, you will have the opportunity to explore several usually non-public areas at Kiyomizu-dera, such as the West Gate, accompanied by the temple's monk. For each segment of the journey, a professional interpreter guide will accompany you, and a private taxi will provide transfers from your accommodation.
Tour Options
Itinerary
We will pick you up by taxi at your accommodation and head to the experience location.
At Kiyomizu-dera, founded about 1250 years ago, you will visit several areas normally closed to the public, such as the West Gate, and learn about the temple with Rev. Shoin Onishi (a monk from Kiyomizu-dera) in a briefing for approximately one hour. You’ll then engage in a one-hour dialogue with him in the beautiful Jōju-in Garden, which is usually a private area.
We will take you by taxi from the experience location to your accommodation.
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
Your English-speaking guide will meet you in the lobby of your accommodation before the start time. Please provide specific details about your accommodation after making the reservation, as we will address any concerns individually.
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Participants must be at least 18 years old (Children 12-18 years old may participate if accompanied by a parent or guardian)
Reviews(2)
This experience was truly the highlight of our trip to Japan. It was an incredible honor to have met our new favorite Monk, Onishi Shoin. His wisdom and presence left a lasting impact on my husband and I. We were deeply moved by the opportunity to spend time with such a remarkable happy soul and to have him share his temple, knowledge, spirituality, life experiences, childhood memories, and philosophy of living with love and kindness. It was a truly enriching and unforgettable experience for our lifes that we will cherish forever. 🇲🇽, 🇯🇵& 🐾 Thank you Onishi 🙏
Amairani san, Serigio san, thank you so much for your sencere, heartfelt review. We are really glad to hear it was your highlight of your trip in Japan, and we hope you will always remember this day in your beautiful heart. Also, we'd love to thank you for sharing your life during the tour as well. We will never forget. Thank you so much.
The monk guide is a fascinating man who took us into several places that regular visitors were not allowed to go into like a storehouse with lots of priceless cultural items and a peaceful garden where there was a private chat. He had lots of interesting perspectives and was happy to discuss anything about his life. It starts very early (6am) but it's worth it to avoid the tourists and the car they send to the hotel helps a lot.
