Kyoto: Hosen-in Temple, Sanzen-in Temple, Chicken Hot Pot Meal

Explore the serene beauty of Kyoto's hidden gems on this immersive tour to Ohara. Enjoy a multi-course meal in a historic building, a hidden restaurant typically frequented only by locals. Departing from Kyoto in the morning, relax in a deluxe bus that feels like business class on an airplane, offering a selection of complimentary drinks (sake/soft drinks) and snacks. Visit the tranquil Hosen-in Temple to savor matcha tea and sweets in a historical setting, and uncover the story behind the 'bloody ceiling.' Enjoy a tranquil stroll in the beautiful moss garden at Sanzen-in Temple. Experience a delightful lunch at Nomura Sanso, a Japanese restaurant surrounded by a garden, where locally sourced ingredients come together in exquisite dishes. Return to Kyoto Station with your deluxe bus. - Deluxe bus transportation from Kyoto to Ohara and back - Multi-curse gourmet meal in a 100-year-old architectural masterpiece - Matcha and sweets in Hosen-in Temple - Sanzen-in Temple moss garden

1. 1

   Hosenin

   40 min

   At Hosen-in Temple, you will enjoy the soothing view of a centuries-old tree from a tatami-matted, open room while being served matcha tea and sweets. This temple is renowned for its stunning gardens and rich history. Founded in the early 11th century, it originally served as a lodging for monks. The temple grounds feature a magnificent 700-year-old pine tree and a "bloody ceiling" made from the floorboards of Fushimi Castle, commemorating the deaths of soldiers during a famous battle.

2. 2

   Sanzen-in Temple

   40 min

   Sanzen-in Temple was originally founded as a hermitage by the famous Buddhist monk, Saicho (767-822). The temple is known as a 'Monzeki Temple', meaning a temple where members of the imperial family have served in the priesthood throughout its history. The main attraction here is the wonderful moss-covered garden. Visitors can walk through the moss garden and enjoy a tranquil atmosphere. There are many amusing stone statues that peek out from the moss.

3. 3

   Stop 3

   1.5 hours

   Enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant in Ohara called Nomura Sanso. The restaurant was completed in 1987, after approximately 10 years of work by the father of the current owner, who handled the architecture, and a landscape gardener. The building is surrounded by a Japanese garden, visible from every room of this structure. The restaurant has many selected art pieces and boasts a beautiful veranda overlooking the garden and golden folding screens; it is curated in every detail. The food is also meticulously prepared, using locally sourced vegetables to create Japanese cuisine that blends modern elements. Among their specialties are the famous chicken hotpot and fresh vegetable dishes. It's worth noting that reservations for this local restaurant are often difficult to obtain.

• Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
• Please arrive 10 minutes before departure.
• If you are late for the tour start time, you will not be able to join the tour midway.
• We only serve alcoholic drinks for travelers 20 years old and above. Minor travelers below 20 years old will be served non-alcoholic drinks.
• This one-day tour will require walking and standing. We recommend wearing comfortable shoes.

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