Kyoto Philosophy Tour with Philosopher (Private/6.5 hour)
"Beyond sightseeing—A journey of thought, dialogue, and rediscovery."
This unique tour is led by a nationally licensed guide who is also a trained philosophy researcher. Along the way, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of Zen Buddhism and a broad spectrum of Japanese intellectual and spiritual traditions—from ancient thought to modern philosophy.
Unlike typical guided tours, this experience offers an intellectually engaging journey through contemplation and meaningful dialogue. Together—guide and guest—we explore the deeper meaning behind Kyoto’s landscapes, using philosophical inquiry to uncover layers of cultural and historical insight.
Expect eye-opening conversations and new perspectives that may stay with you long after the tour ends—enriching not only your travel experience, but perhaps even your personal or professional life.
Shall we walk, think, and rediscover Kyoto—through the lens of philosophy?
Options
Kyoto Philosophy Tour with Philosopher (Private)
Pickup included
What's included in Kyoto Philosophy Tour with Philosopher (Private/6.5 hour)
(Subject to Option Inclusions)Itinerary
Higashi Hongan-ji Temple
Question: What is the "Pure Land," one of the most significant ideas in the Japanese Buddhism tradition? Place to find the Japanese "Pure Land" Buddhist Philosophy: This temple is located about 10 minutes walk from Kyoto Station and it is a head temple of one of the Japanese Pure Land Buddhism groups. Pure Land Buddhist philosophy has played a major role in Japanese intellectual and social life in history although it is less famous in the West than the Zen philosophy's influence on Japanese culture. In contrast to Zen Buddhism, which was popular among the upper classes, Pure Land Buddhism was popular among the common people. It has unique ideas of the heaven, eschatology, and salvation of sin-bearing people. That is why, Karl Barth described it as the paganism that most closely resembles Christianity.
Question: What is Shintoism? Place to feel Japanese Shintoist "pantheism" philosophy: Yoshida Shrine is one of the oldest shrines in Kyoto, and until 150 years ago was also the site of government sanctioned headquarters of Japanese Shintoism although it is not so famous today. Japanese Shinto is generally associated with animism, however, Yoshida Shrine is known for having established a pantheistic Shinto philosophy that developed from animism, and is called the most philosophically sophisticated Shintoism among Japanese experts and researchers. Here is my favorite place and you can feel Shintoism teaching far deeper than in any other areas.
Question: What is a background of Japanese "simple is the best" philosophy? Place to find a charm of simpleness: This is a Zen temple and one of the world's cultural heritage sites in Kyoto. Built about 550 years ago, it is quite famous as the birthplace of the Japanese "simple is the best" culture. So, despite its name, the temple building is dark, not silver, though you can enjoy the depth of shabbiness that is a foundation of Japanese culture's preference for simplicity. After visiting this temple, you can enjoy lunch at this restaurant located along the approach to Ginkakuji Temple.
Inclusions
- Hotel pick-up
- Public transportation (bus & train) fees up to 1,100 yen per person (usually it costs 750-1,100JPY)
- Entrance Fees for Jisho-ji Temple, Sanmon Gate, Konchiin Temple
- Guide Fee
- All food and beverages are at your expense.
- Transportation fee if exceeding 1,100JPY
- Transportation Fees for anything other than buses & trains
- Entrance fees for any spots not mentioned in the original itinerary
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Of the remaining 2 hours and 45 minutes, 1 hour is alloted for a lunch break and the 1 hour and 45 minutes as time for backstreet walking around the spots and public transportation.
- The itinerary of this tour includes a two-story building with only stairs.
- The itinerary includes walking on the path for about one mile.
Meet
Pickup and Dropoff
You can choose to be picked up from a list of locations, or alternatively, have the choice to make your own way to the meeting points
Please arrive at the pick up point 15 minutes before departure time.
Additional Information
The guest will wait for you with a welcome name board and pokemon item. (If you do not find your place of stay, please contact me via message.)
Meeting / End Points
- The bus ticket office is located on the Kyoto Tower side (Karasumaguchi) of Kyoto Station. The guide will be waiting for you in front of its entrance door with a welcome name board and pokemon item.