Peasant to Ruler: Rise & Fall of the Man Who Built Kyoto

・From peasant to ruler. Delve into Japan's greatest success story at Toyokuni Shrine, where he is enshrined.

・Unravel the connections between Kyoto of the past and the city today through 400-year-old folding screen paintings preserved in the Treasure Museum.

・Located near Kyoto Station yet away from the tourist hustle and bustle, spend a rewarding time interpreting your own Kyoto through in-depth conversations with your guide.

・(Full Plan Only) Follow the traces of a changing era, witnessing how Tokugawa Ieyasu overthrew the Toyotomi clan and laid the foundations for a new age, gradually erasing the marks of the former rulers.

・(Full Plan Only) Visit Chishaku-in, where two temples with opposite histories came together: one destroyed by Toyotomi Hideyoshi, the other built for his late son. Among the red and white plum blossoms and serene gardens, feel the strange twists of history and the quiet solitude of a great ruler.

【Important Notes for Participants】
・Restrooms: Please note that there are no restrooms within the shrine grounds. Your guide can direct you to nearby public facilities upon request.

◎ English-speaking local guide
◎ Admission fee for Toyokuni Shrine
◎ Admission fee for Chishaku-in Temple
× Transportation costs

[Basic Plan] Toyokuni Shrine & Historical Exploration (Approx. 1 Hour)

Unravel the story of Hideyoshi, the "most successful figure of the Warring States period" who laid the foundations of modern Kyoto. You will explore his legacy through the shrine’s architecture and artifacts in the Treasure Museum with a knowledgeable local guide. This one-hour mini-tour is the perfect way to make the most of your time before hotel check-in, offering a stimulating and intellectually engaging experience.

14:00 Meet at Toyokuni Shrine & Worship

14:20 Visit to the Treasure Museum (View items associated with Hideyoshi and folding screen paintings commemorating the seventh anniversary of his death)

15:00 End of the tour


[Full Plan] Toyokuni Shrine & Chishaku-in Temple (Approx. 2 hours)

In addition to the content of the [Basic Plan], this tour includes a visit to Chishaku-in Temple, where two temples with opposing fates come together, the one burned by Hideyoshi and the one he built for his son. Over the course of two hours, embark on a deeper journey through the layers of changing eras and feel the quiet solitude of a ruler who shaped history.

14:00 Meet at Toyokuni Shrine & Worship

14:20 Visit to the Treasure Museum (View items associated with Hideyoshi and folding screen paintings commemorating the seventh anniversary of his death)

15:00 Walk to Chishaku-in Temple

15:10 Explore Chishaku-in Temple (including the gardens)

15:50 End of the tour (We will also guide you to the red and white plum blossoms, a beautiful feature unique to this season.)

・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 due to traffic or other unforeseen conditions.
・Survey responses or reviews may be shared on our website or social 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.