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Japan Attractions

Temple of the Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji)

Kinkaku-ji is a Zen Buddhist Temple in Kyoto. Its top two floors are completely covered in gold leaf. This was formerly a villa known as Rokuonji which was in 1408 after the death of the owner Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, converted to a Zen Temple.
During its history the temple burned down severa...

Kinkaku-ji is a Zen Buddhist Temple in Kyoto. Its top two floors are completely covered in gold leaf. This was formerly a villa known as Rokuonji which was in 1408 after the death of the owner Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, converted to a Zen Temple.
During its history the temple burned down several times, and the present structure was rebuilt in 1955. Although the temple has several valuable and interesting statues, the inside of the temple is closed for the public. Visitors can enjoy in the view on the Temple from its beautiful garden where one can also sit in the Sekkatei Teahouse. There is also Fudo Hall which houses a statue of Fudo Myoo, the protector of Buddhism and one of the Five Wisdom Kings.

Engaku-ji Temple (Zuirokuzan Engaku Kōshō Zenji)

A Chinese Zen monk founded the Engaku-ji Temple in the late 13th century. Today this temple has become one of the most important Zen Buddhist temple complexes in Japan. There are 18 temples on the grounds of this complex.
It was built to pay respect to the Japanese and Mongolian soldiers ...

A Chinese Zen monk founded the Engaku-ji Temple in the late 13th century. Today this temple has become one of the most important Zen Buddhist temple complexes in Japan. There are 18 temples on the grounds of this complex.
It was built to pay respect to the Japanese and Mongolian soldiers that died in battles. The main hall of the temple, Butsuden, displays a wooden statue of Shaka Buddha. The Sheridan Hall is special for the enshrined tooth of Buddha.
The Temple and its surroundings are especially beautiful in autumn when the trees show their beautiful colors.

Tsurugaoka Hachiman-gū Shrine

Tsurugaoka Hachiman-gū Shrine is the most important Shinto shrine in Kamakura. It was founded in the 11th century by Minamoto Yoriyoshi, and Minamoto Yoritomo moved it to its current position in the late 12th century. The shrine is dedicated to Hachiman, the god patron of samurai and of the Minam...

Tsurugaoka Hachiman-gū Shrine is the most important Shinto shrine in Kamakura. It was founded in the 11th century by Minamoto Yoriyoshi, and Minamoto Yoritomo moved it to its current position in the late 12th century. The shrine is dedicated to Hachiman, the god patron of samurai and of the Minamoto family. The shrine grounds are entered through torii, a Shinto gate after which there are two flat and one arched bridge over Genpei ponds, ´Genpei-ike´.
There are several other sub-shrines included in the Tsurugaoka complex. The Junior shrine, Wakamiya, the Senior shrine, Hongū, and the Maruyama Inari shrine. Kamukara Museum of National Treasure, Museum of Modern Art, Maiden pavilion are also included in the temple complex, and they often they often host different events, dances and music performances.

Top Japan Tours

$45 Per Day

The Alternative Fushimi Inari Walking Tour

The Fushimi-Inari Shrine is more than its famous tunnels of vermillion-red torii gates. Dive deep into the world of Inari with this 3.5-hour narrated walking tour about dragons, political resistance, and the story behind Japan’s most successful religious franchise.

Guided by a Singaporean living in Fushimi.

Did you know
  • Fushimi-Inari is the only shrine complex in Japan where there are more private shrines (a whooping 10,000!) than official shrines
  • Some fox statues have special bibs – you’ll have to look carefully – and they are all put up by devotees, not the shrine itself
  • You can send postcards to Oseki-san, a god on Inariyama, to ask for deliverance from severe coughs and breathing difficulties
This tour:
  • Is held in English
  • Runs daily except Tuesdays from 8:30am – 12:00 noon
  • An intimate experience: Up to 8 travelers per group
  • Takes 3.5 hours with short breaks in between
The route:
  • Departs from the big torii gate at the entrance
  • Goes off the beaten track: visit private shrines not on the official map
  • Takes you to the top for an scenic view of southern Kyoto City
  • Brings you on a closer look at craftsmens’ shrines and healing shrines
You’ll learn about:
  • The Hindu and Buddhist origins of some of the symbols
  • Mystical practices and folk beliefs not written about in the official narrative
  • The portrayal of the shrine in anime and pop culture
Location(s)
Japan
Kyoto
Duration
1 to 4 hours
$55 Per Day

The Alternative Fushimi Inari Walking Tour

The Fushimi Inari Shrine is more than its famous tunnels of vermillion-red torii gates. Dive deep into the world of Inari with this 4-hour narrated walking tour about dragons, political resistance, and the story behind Japan’s most successful religious franchise.

Guided by a Singaporean living 5 minutes away from Fushimi Inari.

★★★★★ 5 star reviews on TripAdvisor.

Did you know

...Read more

The Fushimi Inari Shrine is more than its famous tunnels of vermillion-red torii gates. Dive deep into the world of Inari with this 4-hour narrated walking tour about dragons, political resistance, and the story behind Japan’s most successful religious franchise.

Guided by a Singaporean living 5 minutes away from Fushimi Inari.

★★★★★ 5 star reviews on TripAdvisor.

Did you know

  • You can send postcards to Oseki-san, a god on Mt Inari, to ask for deliverance from severe coughs and breathing difficulties
  • Fushimi-Inari is the only shrine complex in Japan where there are more private shrines (a whooping 10,000!) than official shrines
  • The real stars of Mt Inari are neither the torii gates nor the foxes—the hidden streams, waterfalls, and great cedar trees off the main trail are

This tour:

  • Is held in English
  • Runs daily except Tuesdays from 8:30am – 12:30pm
  • An intimate experience: Limited to 8 travelers per group
  • Takes 4 hours with multiple breaks in between

The route:

  • Departs from the big torii gate at the entrance
  • Goes off the beaten track: visit private shrines not on the official map
  • Brings you to a scenic view of southern Kyoto City
  • Give you on a closer look at healing shrines
  • Takes you on a hidden route to nearby Tofukuji Temple (optional entry to the Hojo costs ¥400). You will be guided to nearby Tofukuji Station after.

You’ll learn about:

  • The Hindu and Buddhist origins of some of the symbols
  • The Korean and Tang Dynasty Chinese influence on Mt Inari
  • Mystical practices and folk beliefs not written about in the official narrative
  • The Edo-era craze about foxes and Inari Shrines
  • The portrayal of the shrine in 19th century manga, and 21st century anime

The 30,000-strong Inari network of shrines is the largest in Japan. The Fushimi Inari is regarded as the head shrine for them all. But why did people flock to this 233-meter mountain in the first place? Let XJ take you on a tour through time and controversy in the Alternative Fushimi Inari Walking Tour.

Location(s)
Japan
Kyoto
Duration
1 to 4 hours
$3980 Per Day

Spiritual Japan Tour

This Spiritual Tour is open to anyone who has an interest in Zen, Zazen, Reiki, Yoga , Tai Chi or other spiritual directions....Read more

This Spiritual Tour is open to anyone who has an interest in Zen, Zazen, Reiki, Yoga , Tai Chi or other spiritual directions. Highlights: Discover reiki roots in Tokyo and Kyoto; Visit Mount Fuji, temples, shrines, tea ceremony, chanting and meditation, hot natural spa, Tokyo trendy spots, architecture and much more; Tai Chi / Qi gong workshop; Lecture about Zen; Reiki lecture by the Japanese Reiki Master; Have dinner in a traditional Japanese restaurant, in a temple, and in a traditional Japanese guest house (Ryokan). A night stay in a ryokan in Kamakura. You will experience Japan in a very special way! 

Location(s)
Kamakura
Tokyo
Kyoto
Japan
Duration
5 to 7 days
See More Tours