You'll have the opportunity to delve into Japanese traditional culture and performing arts through various events at temples and other locations. The primary aim is to showcase Kyoto's temples to the public, inspiring future visits.
Enjoy a special viewing with priests at Kyoto's Sennyu-ji Temple, an undisclosed cultural treasure. Your journey begins at Daimon Gate, leading you to Yōkihi-kannon-do Hall. Here, you can experience the tranquillity of burning incense while listening to a Buddhist monk's sutra. As part of this tour, you're given the exclusive chance to write your wishes on special strips of paper, which will then be presented to Yōkihi-kannon.
Next, visit the Buddhist Hall where you'll learn about important cultural artefacts and the main deity. Witness a rarely seen ceremony performed by monks who recite scriptures and perform worship. You'll also have the opportunity to try your hand at copying Buddhist scriptures at the Shariden, an unpublished cultural treasure. Afterwards, take a moment to appreciate the beauty of the garden before concluding your tour. Throughout this journey, you'll gain insights into Esoteric Buddhism and Shingo Buddhism, distinctive aspects of Japanese Buddhism. This is particularly special as Sennyu-ji Temple is the only imperial family’s temple in Japan. All these experiences are guided by a monk and a licensed interpreter guide.
Guided tour
