Kyoto is one of Japan’s best cities to visit, but with all the great shrines and temples it can be a bit confusing. Which ones are best? How do I find out about the histories and beliefs behind them? There are so many ways in which a volunteer travel guide can help. Sakura Volunteer GuideContinue reading “Free Tour Guides in Kyoto”
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Top 5 Free Tour Guide Services in Japan
Just about to book that expensive tour guide to show you around Japan? No need! There are hundreds of FREE volunteer guides in Japan. Here are our top groups and organisations: Goodwill Guides The official, national organisation for free guides in Japan. The volunteers are Japanese people who want use their foreign language skills toContinue reading “Top 5 Free Tour Guide Services in Japan”
Daikaku-ji Temple
Daikaku-ji (大覚寺) is a quiet temple in northern Kyoto. Not many people come here compared to others in Kyoto, and while it won’t blow you away it is a great contrast to others. Budget travel tips Just behind Daikaku-ji Temple is the free Gosha-myojin Shrine (五社明神), which is shown above. Take a right before the entrance, thenContinue reading “Daikaku-ji Temple”
Sanjusangendo Temple
Sanjusangendo Temple (三十三間堂) is a completely breathtaking temple containing one thousand life-size, golden Kannon statues. This place really has to be seen to be believed, and of course photos are prohibited! Budget travel tips If you don’t have a Kyoto bus pass, you can walk here (see below). Come early to avoid the tour buses.Continue reading “Sanjusangendo Temple”
Toji Temple
Toji Temple (東寺) is one of the two ‘guardian temples’ that was built when Japan’s capital was moved from Nara to Kyoto. Toji translates as ‘east temple’. It is a World Heritage listed Buddhist temple, famous for its grand 5 story, 54.8 m high pagoda, which is the highest wooden tower in Japan. Budget travel tips Walk to the temple from Kyoto stationContinue reading “Toji Temple”
Kansai-Hiroshima Area Pass
The Kansai-Hiroshima Area Pass allows unlimited travel on JR (national rail) trains for 5 days within Kansai and southern Chugoku, from Miyajima in the west to Nara in the east. This includes the use of trains to major cities such as Hiroshima, Himeji, Kyoto, Osaka and Kobe. What does it cost? 5 days: Adults 13,000 yen (about $105/€95),Continue reading “Kansai-Hiroshima Area Pass”
Kansai Thru Pass
The Kansai Thru Pass is a super cheap way to explore the Kansai region. It allows unlimited travel on non-JR trains, buses and subway trains within the free area stretching from Himeji in the west to Nara, Kyoto in the east and south to Koyasan. It also comes with discounts to 350 tourist attractions, restaurants and hotels along theContinue reading “Kansai Thru Pass”
Kansai WIDE Area Pass
The Kansai WIDE Pass allows unlimited travel on all JR (national rail) trains for 5 days, within the free area stretching from Okayama in the west to beyond Nara in the east. This includes the use of Shinkansen (bullet) trains and limited express trains to major cities such as Kyoto, Osaka and Kobe. The pass has a much widerContinue reading “Kansai WIDE Area Pass”
Kansai Area Pass
The Kansai Area Pass is an interesting pass for exploring the Kansai region. It allows unlimited travel on JR (national rail) trains, within the free area stretching from Himeji in the west to Nara in the east. This includes the use of trains to major cities such as Kyoto, Osaka and Kobe. What does it cost? 1 day:Continue reading “Kansai Area Pass”
Uji
Uji (宇治) is a popular tourist spot known for it’s many centuries old shrines and temples, 2 of which are listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites. While it is famous for these sites, Uji has also been blessed with amazing nature and is a good place to come for an easy walk or hike. BudgetContinue reading “Uji”
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