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Ohara is a mountainous area of rich nature about 20 km north of Kyoto Station.
It became famous 55 years ago for a song about a woman on a journey to heal a broken heart. Ohara is a region rich in history, with the tombs of emperors defeated in battle and a nunnery for a mother who lost a young emperor in the war.
On the other hand, it is also a place where Buddhist monks undergo rigorous ascetic training. Ohara still attracts many people today because of its quiet environment and mysterious charm that soothes the soul.

HIGHLIGHT

◆ Walk the serene halls and view the famous garden of Sanzenin Temple, a major temple in Ohara’s forested mountains
◆ Visit the tomb outskirts of the two defeated emperors who tried to overthrow the medieval samurai government
◆ Rest easy in peaceful Jikko-in Temple, where you can see a tranquil traditional garden from its tatami-matted main hall
◆ Explore Shorin-in Temple, home to a striking Amida Buddha statue and a significant location for Shomyo-style Buddhist chanting

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT

【Itinerary】JR Kyoto Station → Ohara → JR Kyoto Station

This tour will visit Sanzenin Temple, Ohara Mausoleum, Jikkoin Temple, and Shorinin Temple to learn more about the lives of ancient aristocrats and Buddhist monks who continued the practice of Japanese Buddhist chanting.

(1) Jakkoin Temple: Built by Prince Shotoku in 594, Jakkoin Temple was the site of a battle in the 11th century that divided the warriors in two; the Taira clan’s previous leader fell at Dannoura in Yamaguchi Prefecture, and the 6-year-old Emperor Antoku drowned in the ocean during the battle. His mother, Kenreimonin Tokuko (daughter of a Taira general), mourned for her family at Jakkoin, a nun temple.

(2) Sanzenin: This temple was founded in the 8th century and served as a center for Tendai shomyo (Tendai Buddhist chanting). The garden, which is said to represent the Pure Land, is beautiful with moss and can be enjoyed both sitting and walking around.

(3) Ohara Mausoleum: This is the tomb of Emperor Go-Toba, who challenged the Kamakura Shogunate, a samurai government, and was defeated.

(4) Shorinin Temple: Headquarters of the Tendai Shomyo Dojo. Even today, they still train for the shomyo (Buddhist chanting). This area is sandwiched between two rivers, the Lu River and the Ritsu River.

(5) Jikkoin Temple: A Tendai Shomyo dojo that was built as part of Shorinin Temple. Inside the building, instruments used in shomyo are on display. Visitors can also enjoy tea and sweets here.

More info

Meeting Place:
The meeting place for this tour is JR Kyoto Station's Rooftop Sky Garden.

Transportation:
We will take the bus to Ohara.

The tour route is as follows:
JR Kyoto Station Rooftop Sky Garden → Sanzenin Temple → Ohara-ryo Temple → Jikkoin Temple → Katsurinin Temple → JR Kyoto Station

The tour will end at JR Kyoto Station.

Want to experience more after this tour? We recommend the following:
W002: Kyoto’s Higashiyama: Tradition, Art & Religion Tour
W003: Gion Night Tour

Itinerary

JR Kyoto Station Rooftop Sky Garden → Sanzenin Temple → Ohara-ryo Temple → Jikkoin Temple → Katsurinin Temple → JR Kyoto Station

CANCELLATION POLICY

In the event of cancellation, the following fees will apply:
(1) 3-14 days prior to the program: 20% of the program fee
(2) 2 days prior to the program: 50% of the program fee
(3) One day before the program or on the day*: 100% of the program fee

*In the case of a no-show, a separate remittance fee will also be charged.

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