Where Past Meets Present in Kyoto: Walking the Legacy of Toyotomi Hideyoshi with a Local Expert.

Did you know that just a short distance from Kyoto Station lies an area where the dramatic story of Japan's great unifier, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, comes to life?

This tour is a deep dive into the history of the 'most successful figure of Japan's Warring States period.' Together with a guide who knows the local area inside out, you will uncover the connections between the past and the present.

Hideyoshi rose from a humble peasant to the supreme ruler of Japan. Hidden behind his success, however, were his unique charisma that captured the hearts of his masters, and his deep cultural appreciation for the "Way of Tea. The opulent "Momoyama Culture" he created is a symbol of both his personality and his power. This tour shines a light on the heritage he left behind in Kyoto.

Guided by a history expert, you will unravel the hidden stories behind each site—from the sentiments embedded in magnificent historical architecture to unique artifacts sleeping in the treasure museum.

"What if, within the familiar scenery of Kyoto, there are actual remnants from Hideyoshi's era...?" Such surprising discoveries are sure to stimulate your intellectual curiosity. This is not mere sightseeing. We promise an intellectual experience where you will discover stories not found in any guidebook.

This is a shrine that deifies Toyotomi Hideyoshi, who rose from peasant origins to become the ruler of all Japan, as a kami (a god).While there are other shrines in Japan dedicated to great historical figures, Hideyoshi's case is exceptionally rare, and indeed highly unusual on a global scale. It is extremely uncommon for someone to be deified at their own request and subsequently enshrined by a direct imperial decree from the Emperor.

It is also popularly known for its blessings of career advancement and good relationships (matchmaking). Located near the Kyoto National Museum and Sanjusangendo, it is also within a 20-minute walk from the famous Kiyomizu-dera Temple. Its convenient location near Kyoto Station makes it easy to stop by between visiting other sightseeing spots.

Here, you will view valuable items associated with Hideyoshi, including the National Treasure ""Karamon"" Gate, constructed over 400 years ago, and the ""Toyokuni Festival Screen"" housed in the Treasure Museum.

We will visit a confectionery shop housed in a traditional "Kyo-machiya" townhouse built over 150 years ago (during the late Edo period). The traditional architecture creates an atmosphere that strongly retains the spirit of that era.

In this historic space, you will enjoy seasonal fresh sweets (namagashi) and matcha green tea with your guide.

"Wagashi" (Japanese sweets) developed alongside the culture of "Tea Ceremony." And it was Hideyoshi who played a major role in perfecting that tea culture. As you taste these beautiful sweets, often called "edible art," you will experience how the culture he loved still lives on in the daily life of modern Kyoto.

Please note: Due to the building's historical design as a traditional Kyo-machiya, please be aware that the walkways are narrow and the stairs to the upper floors/seating may be quite steep.

Chishaku-in Temple is the main headquarters of Shingon Buddhism, one of Japan's major schools of Esoteric Buddhism.
This place, with its solemn atmosphere, also has a deep connection to Hideyoshi.

This site was originally the location of "Shoun-ji," a temple Hideyoshi built to mourn the loss of his beloved son, Tsurumatsu, who died at the tender age of three.

On this tour, we will walk through a garden said to retain its original form from the Shoun-ji era.This garden is said to be modeled after 'Mount Lu' (Rozan), a famous mountain in China renowned since ancient times for its scenic beauty, and it is designated as one of Japan's 'Places of Scenic Beauty' (Meishō). Here, you can feel the spirit of the "Momoyama Culture"—a style of grandeur and scale favored by Hideyoshi.

◎ English-speaking local guide
◎ Admission fee for Toyokuni Shrine
◎ Admission fee for Chishakuin Temple
× Meal costs
× Transportation costs

13:00
Meet at Toyokuni Shrine / Worship

13:30
Visit the Treasure Museum (View items related to Hideyoshi / Folding screens)

14:30
Break at Shichijo Kanshundo (Enjoy Japanese sweets)

15:30
Walk to Chishakuin Temple

15:40
Visit Chishakuin Temple (Garden viewing)

16:10 - 16:30
Tour ends

・Your reservation will be confirmed upon a reply from Sharing Kyoto.
・Please book at least 2 days in advance so that we can build the best experience for you.
・Applicants must be at least 18 years old to apply. Minors must obtain the consent of a parent or guardian before applying. Elementary school children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
・The experience may be canceled or postponed at short notice, or the content may be changed due to traffic conditions, etc.
・We may share your responses to surveys and reviews on our social networking sites and media.

・Free of charge for cancellations up to 3 days prior to the tour date, 100% for cancellations 2 days or less prior to the tour date.
・Special Cases (Natural disaster, virus, etc.): Full refund.
・Transaction fees for refunds in the event of cancellation will be borne by the customer.
・Please contact us if you will be more than 5 minutes late. If you are late without notice, we may have to treat your booking as a cancellation. Please be aware of this policy.