Dark Kyoto Tour

The yang of the bright and beautiful side of the city's 1200 year history is paralleled by the yin of the macabre, the bizarre and the bloody aspects of the story of Japan's old capital. Starting at Yasaka Shrine we will weave our way south through the back streets of Gion to Kiyomizu Temple, then descending through the Toribeno cemetery, one of the oldest and largest burial grounds dating back to the founding of the city. We pass through the shrine for cutting off bad relationships, stop by a 500 year old haunted candy shop, peek at the well that is said to have been used as a portal to the underworld by a famed Japanese sorcerer, and visit 'the hill of ears' monument.

Although the 'dark' will be highlighted in this experience, I also aim to impart an understanding of Japanese religious and cultural beliefs, and you will end the day with a more intimate understanding of Kyoto and a more balanced and realistic view of one of the world’s most fascinating cultures.

Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product

Stop At: Yasaka Shrine, 625 Giommachi Kitagawa, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto 605-0073 Kyoto Prefecture

Yasaka Shrine played an important role the attempts to ward off a plague that had befallen the city in the 9th century CE.

Duration: 15 minutes

Stop At: Gion, Kyoto 605-0074 Kyoto Prefecture

The back streets of the Gion District are home to many haunting tales.

Duration: 30 minutes

Stop At: Kennin-ji Temple, 584 Yamatooji Yojo-sagaru Komatsucho, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto 605-0933 Kyoto Prefecture

Kennin-ji Temple is the oldest Zen temple in Japan.

Duration: 15 minutes

Stop At: Kiyomizu-dera Temple, 1-294 Kiyomizu, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto 605-0862 Kyoto Prefecture

Kiyomizu Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, but is also known locally for it's dark history.

Duration: 30 minutes

Stop At: Toyokuni Shrine, 530 Yamato Oji Dori Shomen Chayacho, Higashiyama-Ku, Kyoto 605-0931 Kyoto Prefecture

This is where the shogun Hideyoshi is enshrined.

Duration: 10 minutes