08:00 Osaka
Pick-up and drop-off package: 8:00 AM Nihonbashi Exit 2 (Namba Shinsaibashi area)
To welcome our distinguished guests, please note that late arrivals will not be accommodated. We recommend arriving at the meeting point 10 minutes before departure.
9:00 Kyoto
▼Katsuo-ji - A place to pray for victory and good luck (approx. 1 hour 20 minutes, at your own expense)
Mountain Gate & Purification Bridge
The boundary gate [Sanmon] leading to the precincts of Katsuo-ji and the [Purification Bridge] that dispels misfortune
One of the highlights of Katsuo-ji is its majestic vermilion mountain gate standing quietly, adorned with a plaque bearing its former name "Shōō-ji." The awe-inspiring moment comes as you pass through this solemn gate and encounter the "Bridge of Purification." Walking across the bridge, pilgrims are enveloped in cleansing mist sprayed from the lake, allowing them to bathe in purity and ward off misfortune.
The highlight of Katsuo-ji is undoubtedly the countless Daruma dolls scattered throughout the mountains and valleys. After passing through the temple gate and crossing the purification bridge, you'll soon encounter the Daruma doll offering shelves upon entering the temple grounds.
The Main Hall where sutras are chanted 365 days a year without interruption
After passing the Daruma doll offering shelf and walking upwards, you will arrive at the "Main Hall" which enshrines the principal image of Katsuo-ji, the Eleven-faced Thousand-armed Avalokiteshvara.
Mou Cai Tian & Duobao Pagoda
12:00 PM Kyoto
Kyoto Gassho Village - Miyama Thatched Village (approx. 45 minutes, free time available)
"Kayabuki no Sato" in Miyama, along with Shirakawa-go in Gifu Prefecture and Ouchi-juku in Fukushima Prefecture, is known as one of Japan's three major remaining thatched-roof villages. Currently, there are about 50 buildings in Kayabuki no Sato Kitamura, with approximately 40 thatched-roof houses (most of which are residences), and it was designated as an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings in 1993. Compared to Shirakawa-go's gassho-zukuri village, "Kayabuki no Sato" in Miyama has a more secluded, fairy-tale-like atmosphere. The tranquil, silent village with rows of thatched-roof houses evokes a sense of stepping back into Japan's Edo period.
The most beautiful photo spot ahead - the little red mailbox
The thatched-roof house at the front makes a perfect focal point when photographed with the row of thatched roofs behind it—absolutely stunning! Don't miss the bright red vintage mailbox at the entrance, a signature landmark of Kayabuki no Sato in Miyama. Also, take a closer look at the thatched roofs: the crisscrossed wooden beams reinforcing the structure are called "chigi," while the long horizontal timber placed atop the row of crossbeams is called "yukiwari," designed to ease snow accumulation. The ingenuity of the ancients is truly admirable!
Don't miss the delicious Mỹ Sơn milk and Mỹ Sơn ice cream
At "Cafe Gallery Saika," you can enjoy Miyama milk ice cream while admiring the beautiful scenery. Then visit the "Miyama Folk Museum," which displays traditional Japanese household items and allows you to explore the interior architecture of the thatched-roof houses in Miyama's Kita Village. It's highly recommended to go inside for a visit!
14:20 Arashiyama
Arashiyama - Strolling across Togetsukyo Bridge amidst the swaying bamboo shadows, enjoying the breathtaking scenery of Arashiyama in all seasons (approximately 2 hours, free time available)
Togetsukyo Bridge - A Century-Old Kyoto Landscape Painting
The iconic landmark of Arashiyama! Togetsukyo Bridge spans the Katsura River, offering stunning views year-round: cherry blossoms in spring, lush greenery in summer, vibrant maple leaves in fall, and snowy scenes in winter—every angle looks like a scene from a Japanese drama. Its poetic name, meaning "the moon crossing the bridge as if passing over," adds to its charm.
Bamboo Forest Path - Step into Nature, Purify Your Soul
The Sagano Bamboo Forest is located in Arashiyama. The bamboo path stretches about 500 meters, and you can reach the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove by walking from the Nonomiya Shrine towards the Ōkōchi Sansō Villa.
Walking through the bamboo forest, you can hear the heavenly sound of wind rustling through the bamboo leaves, a melody that has been recognized as one of Japan's 100 Soundscapes worth preserving.
Yuzen's Light Forest - An Art Installation Immersed in a Japanese-style Dreamscape
Beautiful kimono fabrics transform into a forest of light! "Yuzen's Luminous Forest" at Kyoto's Arashiyama Station features 600 illuminated pillars creating a stunning light path.
Composed of 600 light pillars dyed with Kyo-yuzen patterns, this installation creates vibrant artistic photos even during daytime. Visitors can also see "Dragon's Atago Pond," featuring a station guardian dragon inspired by Tenryu-ji Temple's emblem.
Nonomiya Shrine - A serene matchmaking sanctuary deep in the bamboo forest, a hidden energy field along the bamboo grove path
If you take a stroll along the bamboo forest path in Arashiyama, you'll come across a serene and ancient small shrine along the way—that is Nomiya Shrine. Renowned for prayers related to good relationships, academic success, and safe childbirth, it's one of Kyoto's spiritual power spots for matchmaking.
Tianlongsi
A renowned temple of the Soto Zen sect and one of the most important ancient temples in Arashiyama, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors can enjoy cherry blossoms in spring and vibrant maple leaves in autumn, with each season offering unique scenery. The temple is famous for its "Sogenchi Teien" garden, a classic example of Japanese stroll gardens with a central pond, considered a masterpiece of Japanese garden design.
Return at 16:30
