Step into the serene world of Japanese Esoteric Buddhism with a rare, private experience at Sennyu-ji — the only Imperial Family temple in Japan. This exclusive opportunity includes participation in sacred rituals, cultural explanation by a monk, and access to undisclosed cultural treasures.
Are you Visiting Japan soon?
Let us make your trip effortless. From tickets and hotels to transport and local guides, we arrange everything for you or your group. Whether it’s a music festival in Tokyo or a business conference in Osaka, our custom travel service ensures you enjoy the event stress-free.
Contact Jasumo Now →Highlights
- Experience incense burning alongside Buddhist monk chants
- Witness a private sutra ceremony and scripture copying
- Learn about Shingon and Esoteric Buddhism with a monk and interpreter guide
- Explore sacred spaces normally closed to the public
Full Description
Start your morning with a peaceful and deeply cultural experience at Sennyu-ji Temple, a historic and spiritually significant site nestled in Kyoto’s Higashiyama Ward. This exclusive experience begins at 8:45 AM, with the tour commencing promptly at 9:00 AM and lasting approximately 3 hours.
Led by a Buddhist monk and a licensed interpreter guide, this tour grants access to areas and rituals not available to general visitors. Highlights include:
- Incense burning and sutra chanting at Yōkihi-kannon-do Hall
- Wish-making ritual, writing your hopes on ceremonial paper offered to Yōkihi Kannon
- Private viewing of Buddhist Hall artifacts, including the temple’s main deity
- Witnessing an exclusive monk-led ceremony with scripture recitation
- Scripture copying experience at the Shariden (a rarely opened cultural treasure)
- Stroll through the temple gardens to end the journey peacefully
Throughout the tour, participants will learn about the Shingon school of Esoteric Buddhism, a deeply philosophical and ritualistic branch of Japanese spirituality.
Itinerary
Starting location: Sennyu-ji Daimon
- Meet at 8:45 AM
- Yōkihi-kannon-do Hall (incense & chanting)
- Buddhist Hall (cultural artifact explanation)
- Monastic ritual performance
- Sutra copying experience at Shariden
- Garden viewing
- Tour concludes around 12:00 PM
Location:
Sennyuji Yamanouchicho, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0977, Japan
Pricing
From: ¥25,000 per person
Need Help Planning Your Japan Trip?
Want Jasumo to help you plan your trip to Japan?
We offer expert travel consultation for tourists looking to book events, shows, cruises, tours, cultural experiences, and more across Japan.
Let us take the stress out of planning—just reach out and tell us what you’re looking for!
Contact us at: https://jasumo.com/contact/
Includes
- Monastic guide fee
- Licensed interpreter guide fee
- Entrance fee
- Access to undisclosed cultural properties
- Incense ritual and sutra-copying experience
Meeting Point
Sennyu-ji Daimon Gate
Sennyuji Yamanouchicho, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0977, Japan
Reviews
“We were the first to try this activity and it didn’t disappoint! A rare chance to witness and participate in real Buddhist rituals. The monk and guide were incredibly knowledgeable and kind. The ceremony, chanting, and script-copying were deeply moving. One of the most memorable experiences of our trip!”
Planning a Group Trip to Japan?
From corporate teams to friends traveling together, we create tailor-made travel packages. Enjoy VIP access, curated itineraries, and full support from our local experts. Tell us your plans, and we’ll handle the rest.
Contact Jasumo Now →
Leave a Reply