Exclusive Morning: Daitokuji Samurai Highlights (90min)

Escape the city bustle in Murasakino, Kyoto's serene northern district. Here stands Daitokuji, a monumental Zen complex rebuilt by powerful Sengoku-period warlords after being devastated by war.

Sub-temples built by these warlords as if to carve their legacies into history... Tea rooms and gardens that carry on the spirit of the great master Sen no Rikyu... This intersection of powerful samurai history and the delicate culture of tea is the true allure of Daitokuji.

Our journey begins at Daisen-in, which features Japan’s oldest surviving entrance. The main hall has stood for over 500 years, overlooking a Dry Landscape Garden (karesansui) wrapped in profound silence. Feel the stillness of its dignified, unchangeable beauty.

After immersing yourself in the deep history of Daitokuji, we will walk through the approach of "Imamiya Shrine," worshipped since the Heian period, to visit a 400-year-old established teahouse. Here, we will enjoy the famous "Aburi-mochi."

Enjoy a fulfilling moment savoring both the "Spirit of Zen" and "Daily Life of Kyoto" in a short time.

Daitokuji is a major Zen temple complex with over 20 sub-temples. We will visit Daisen-in, home to Japan’s oldest surviving entrance and alcove (National Treasures).

Since its founding in 1509, it has preserved its original appearance for over 500 years. The highlight is the dry landscape garden (karesansui), a masterpiece of the Muromachi period. In a compact space of just 100 square meters, the world of "ink wash painting" is expressed three-dimensionally. The flow begins at the waterfall in the northeast, overcomes obstacles to become a great river, and finally pours into the vast ocean.Crafted entirely from rocks and sand, this dramatic scene is often interpreted as a metaphor for the journey of life.We invite you to reflect on your own life journey while viewing it in the winter silence.

Just beyond Daitokuji lies "Imamiya Shrine," where a deity of health and longevity has been enshrined for over 1,000 years. Along the approach to this shrine, which has long been loved by locals as a guardian against plagues, sits "Honke Nemoto Kazariya," a teahouse that has welcomed worshippers for 400 years.

Step into a living piece of Kyoto's daily life, where the flavor has been passed down from parent to child for generations.

The famous "Aburi-mochi" are small rice cakes, perfectly grilled over fine Bincho charcoal and coated in a secret house sauce. The taste is an addictive blend of sweet sugar and savory white miso, creating a rich, salty-sweet perfection. Conclude your tour with this warming, rustic treat at the shrine gate, complemented by the fragrant aroma of charcoal and a cup of hot tea.

◎ English-speaking local guide
◎ Admission fees for Daitokuji (Daisen-in)
◎ Cost at "Aburi-mochi Honke Nemoto Kazariya"
×Transportation costs

10:00 Meeting at Daitokuji Main Gate (So-mon)

10:15 Daitokuji: Daisen-in

11:05 Imamiya Shrine Aburi-Mochi at Kazariya

11:30 Tour ends / Individual Departure

・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.
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・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.