3 Hour Sennyuji Imperial Family Temple in Kyoto Tour

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3 hours (approximately)
Offered in: English

You will experience burning incense while listening to a Buddhist monk's sutra. Only participants of this tour will be asked to write their wishes on special strips of paper and deliver them to Yokihi-Kannon under the prayer of the monks.

At the main Buddhist hall, an important cultural asset, you will listen to explanations about Buddhist statues. You will also have the opportunity to see the service (a ceremony in which Buddhist monks read sutras and pray), which even Japanese people rarely have the chance to see.

Then, you will have the opportunity to visit Shariden (The hall that houses the bones of Buddha. It is unpublished cultural property .), where you will be able to try Shabutsu (Buddhist sutra copying) and view the garden.

This tour is very special because you will be able to hear directly from and experience together with a monk of the only imperial family temple in Japan. Please come and discover the profound history and culture of Kyoto!

What's Included

Monks' guide fee, interpreter guide fee, entrance fee, Shabutsu free

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

About 10 minutes walk from Sennyujimichi stop of Kyoto City Bus. About 10 minutes by cab from Kyoto Station

End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Itinerary

Duration: 3 hours (approximately)
  • 1

    Tour each hall and garden of Sennyu-ji Temple, the only imperial family temple in Japan, with an interpreter-guide while enjoying explanations and conversations with a monk. You will have a rare opportunity to observe a priest performing the service. On this tour, you will hear directly from a monk what esoteric Buddhism is, what Shingon is, and other interesting topics about Buddhism. *Yokihii-Kannon Hall Experience burning incense while listening to a Buddhist priest's sutra. Offer incense to Yokihi-Kannon under the prayer of monks. *Butsuden (Main hall / Important cultural property) Listen to explanations about the principal image and other Buddhist statues. *Shariden(The hall that houses the bones of Buddha. The cultural property not open to the public.) Try Shabutsu (copying Buddhist sutras) *View the garden Relax and take pictures while enjoying the natural beauty of the four seasons in a beautiful garden that has been admired by successive Emperors.

    3 hours • Admission ticket included

Additional info

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Supplied by 圓-en

Tags

Half-day Tours
Bus Tours
Cultural Tours
Historical Tours
Walking Tours
Religious Tours
Seasonal
Small Group
DSA non-compliant

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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