Discover the serene beauty of Arashiyama and explore the world of ancient Japanese culture on a private walking tour of the renowned Tale of Genji.
Led by a knowledgeable local guide, this immersive experience takes you off the beaten path to explore historical sites, nature shrines, and moss gardens.
Marvel at national treasures and step into the shoes of a prince or princess while exploring the old imperial palace.
Indulge in optional local Japanese sweets and gain a deeper understanding of this captivating region.
Good To Know
- The tour duration is 4 hours, including travel and walking time.
- The tour visits places mentioned in The Tale of Genji and explores a quiet and historical local area.
- Participants will have the opportunity to experience ancient nature shrines and admire a national treasure, the Gautama Buddha Statue.
- The tour highlights include immersing in the serene atmosphere of ancient nature shrines, exploring moss gardens, discovering historical crafts, and stepping into an old imperial palace.
Important Information
Important information regarding the Quiet Arashiyama – Private Walking Tour of the Tale of Genji includes:
- The duration of the tour is 4 hours, which includes travel and walking time.
- It is recommended to wear comfortable shoes as you will be walking throughout the tour.
- Shoes must be taken off to enter Seiryoji-temple and Daikakuji Temple.
- The tour has a free cancellation policy, allowing you to cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
- This tour provides a unique opportunity to experience the world of The Tale of Genji by visiting places mentioned in the story, away from the crowds, and with a local guide.
Tour Duration and Itinerary
The tour duration for the Quiet Arashiyama – Private Walking Tour of the Tale of Genji is 4 hours, including travel and walking time.
This carefully curated tour takes you on a journey through the world of The Tale of Genji, visiting places mentioned in the story. As you explore the quiet and historical local area with your local guide, you will have the opportunity to experience nature shrines from the ancient era, admire a national treasure of Gautama Buddha Statue, and learn about the beauty of a 1300-year-old Japanese garden.
Comfortable shoes are recommended for this tour, as you will be walking for the duration of the experience. It’s also important to note that shoes must be taken off to enter Seiryoji-temple and Daikakuji Temple, adding a sense of reverence to the visit.
Get ready to explore the world of The Tale of Genji and discover the hidden gems of Arashiyama.
Highlights of the Tour
Continuing the exploration of the Quiet Arashiyama – Private Walking Tour of the Tale of Genji, the highlights of this immersive experience showcase the beauty of ancient nature shrines, stunning national treasures, and the enchanting allure of a 1300-year-old Japanese garden.
Here are the top three highlights of the tour:
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Experience nature shrines from the ancient era and moss garden: Enjoy the serene atmosphere of ancient nature shrines, where you can connect with the spiritual essence of Japan’s past. Explore the moss garden, with its vibrant shades of green, and feel the tranquility wash over you.
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Enjoy seeing national treasures of Gautama Buddha Statue and historical crafts: Get a glimpse of Japan’s rich cultural heritage by marveling at the Gautama Buddha Statue, a national treasure that embodies the country’s religious and artistic traditions. Discover historical crafts that reflect the skill and craftsmanship of generations past.
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Experience an old imperial palace and one of the oldest artificial Japanese gardens: Step into the world of The Tale of Genji as you visit an old imperial palace, where you can imagine what it was like to be a princess or prince. Finally, be captivated by the mesmerizing beauty of a 1300-year-old Japanese garden, its meticulously designed features evoking a sense of harmony and tranquility.
These highlights provide a truly immersive experience, allowing you to explore the rich history and culture of Japan’s historical sites.
Full Description of the Tour
This section provides a rundown of the Quiet Arashiyama – Private Walking Tour of the Tale of Genji, highlighting its key features and immersive experience.
Led by a knowledgeable local guide, this tour takes you through the quiet and historical local area, away from the crowds, allowing you to explore at your own pace.
As you walk through the picturesque Arashiyama district, you will visit historical landmarks mentioned in The Tale of Genji, enjoying the world of this classic Japanese novel. The tour includes visits to ancient shrines, a national treasure Gautama Buddha Statue, and an old imperial palace.
You will also have the opportunity to experience one of the oldest Japanese gardens and indulge in local Japanese sweets if you choose.
This tour provides a deeper understanding of Japanese culture and history through the lens of The Tale of Genji.
Inclusions
The Quiet Arashiyama – Private Walking Tour of the Tale of Genji includes a range of inclusions to enhance your experience and provide a deeper understanding of Japanese culture. Here are three of the inclusions that you can expect:
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Guiding: You will have a knowledgeable local guide who will accompany you throughout the tour, providing insights and explanations about the places you visit. They will share fascinating stories and historical facts about The Tale of Genji, enriching your understanding of this famous literary work.
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Original Tour Booklet: You will receive a comprehensive tour booklet, approximately 15 pages long, which will serve as your guide during the tour. It will contain detailed information about the locations, as well as additional background on The Tale of Genji.
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Tickets for Cultural Sites: The tour includes tickets for two significant cultural sites, Daikakuji Temple and Seiryoji Temple. These temples offer a glimpse into Japan’s rich history and heritage. In addition, you will have the opportunity to see national treasures, such as the Gautama Buddha Statue, and explore historical crafts.
Enjoy the world of The Tale of Genji and gain a deeper appreciation for Japanese culture through this enriching tour. Optional introduction to local Japanese sweets is also available, allowing you to indulge in the flavors of Japan while exploring its historical sites.
Directions to the Tour Starting Point
To begin your Quiet Arashiyama – Private Walking Tour of the Tale of Genji, please follow these directions to reach the tour starting point.
The meeting point is at the entrance of Saga-Arashiyama Station. If you are coming from Kyoto Station, you can take the JR Sagano Line and get off at Saga-Arashiyama Station. The station is conveniently located and easily accessible by public transportation.
Once you arrive at the station, you will find the tour guide waiting for you at the entrance. Feel free to ask any questions or seek assistance from the guide.
From there, the guide will lead you to the first destination of the tour. Public transportation options are recommended for convenience and to avoid traffic congestion in the area.
Optional Addition: Introduction to Local Japanese Sweets
As part of the Quiet Arashiyama – Private Walking Tour of the Tale of Genji, you have the option to enhance your experience with an introduction to local Japanese sweets. Here are three reasons why you should consider this optional addition:
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Japanese sweets and their cultural significance: Japanese sweets, known as wagashi, are not just delicious treats but also carry deep cultural significance. They are often made with seasonal and regional ingredients, reflecting the changing seasons and celebrating the beauty of nature. By indulging in these sweets, you can gain a deeper understanding of Japanese culture and its emphasis on harmony, simplicity, and attention to detail.
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Exploring local cuisine in Arashiyama: Arashiyama is not only famous for its natural beauty and historical sites but also for its delectable local cuisine. By trying the local Japanese sweets, you can learn about the culinary delights of the area. From delicate matcha-flavored confections to traditional mochi, there is a wide variety of sweets to savor and enjoy.
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A unique and memorable experience: Adding an introduction to local Japanese sweets to your walking tour will make your experience in Arashiyama even more memorable. You will have the opportunity to taste and learn about traditional sweets that have been enjoyed for centuries. It’s a chance to indulge your taste buds while deepening your appreciation for the rich cultural heritage of Japan.
Don’t miss out on this optional addition to your Quiet Arashiyama tour. It’s a delightful way to explore the local cuisine and learn about the cultural significance of Japanese sweets.
Common questions
Are Meals Included in the Tour?
Meals are not included in the tour. However, there is an optional introduction to local Japanese sweets available. Please inform the tour guide of any dietary restrictions to ensure a comfortable experience.
Can Children Participate in the Tour?
Children of all ages can participate in the Quiet Arashiyama – Private Walking Tour of the Tale of Genji. The tour offers child-friendly activities and give you a deeper understanding of Japanese culture through The Tale of Genji.
Is Transportation Provided During the Tour?
Transportation details are not provided during the tour of Quiet Arashiyama – Private Walking Tour of the Tale of Genji. Participants are advised to make their own arrangements to reach the starting point and follow the tour itinerary accordingly.
Are There Any Specific Clothing Requirements for the Tour?
Comfortable shoes are recommended for the tour. Plus, participants must remove their shoes to enter Seiryoji-temple and Daikakuji Temple. There are no specific clothing requirements or dress code mentioned for the tour.
Can I Bring a Camera or Take Photos During the Tour?
Yes, you can bring a camera and take photos during the tour. However, please be mindful of any camera restrictions or photography etiquette that may be in place at specific locations visited during the tour.
The Sum Up
To sum it up, the private walking tour of the Tale of Genji in Arashiyama offers a unique and immersive experience into the world of ancient Japanese culture.
Led by a knowledgeable local guide, this tour allows you to explore historical sites, learn about serene natural beauty, and gain a deeper understanding of Japanese traditions.
With the optional addition of indulging in local Japanese sweets, this captivating and enriching journey promises to be a memorable experience.
