Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Our first stop of the tour is the celebrated Kiyomizu-dera Temple. Built atop a cliff, Kiyomizu-dera is best known for its stage, which juts out as a large terrace off the mountainside. From this stage, you can see vast panoramic views of Kyoto and breathtaking sights of the many cherry and maple trees changing colors on the mountains. The temple, which means “Temple of Pure Water” in Japanese, sits beside a waterfall from which divine water is said to gush. This water, it is said, is believed to have sacred properties that will help you succeed in life. Kiyomizu-dera is so iconic in Japan that it has inspired a phrase: "To jump off the Kiyomizu-dera stage," which means to take on a challenge at great risk. The temple has a history going back to the 8th century, and it is Kyoto’s most visited UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Following the temple, you will explore the traditional streets and alleys that make up the Higashiyama District. Located on the lower slopes of the Higashiyama mountains, it is this area where most of Kyoto’s traditional machiya buildings can be found. Lining the area’s streets are cafes, restaurants, stores, galleries and teahouses, some of which can trace their histories back hundreds of years. As part of the tour, your guide will introduce you to some of this area’s store owners and merchants, who will teach you some of the secrets of their specific trades. Due to its location, a great many of the stores in Higashiyama specialize in traditional crafts, particularly pottery and textile products. Kiyomizu-yaki, a unique style of Japanese ceramics, is the most famous of these products, and there are many stores and galleries showcasing the intricate procedures followed to make these beautiful pieces. Many porcelain, Japanese hand towel and incense stores can also be found in the area.