| Minimum participant requirement | 20 travelers |
| Meal arrangement | Lunch included |
| Seasonal | Autumn Maple |
| Sightseeing type | Natural sights, Historic site tour |
Important Notes During Bus Tour
Please refrain from drinking alcohol on the bus.
Members of the odd-numbered group may need to share seats with other passengers on the bus.
As stipulated by Japanese law, please wear your seat belt on the tour bus.
Please remain seated and avoid walking while the tour bus is moving.
Seating on the bus is assigned by H.I.S staff. Please do not change your seat during the tour.
Please be punctual and arrive at the designated meeting place on time. The bus will depart on time and will not wait for latecomers.
Latecomers who wish to rejoin the group will be responsible for all transportation fees.
8.Please wear the sticker provided by the tour guide visibly.
Avoid sticking the sticker on leather goods, as it may leave marks.
Do not use the seat reclining function or adjust the seat settings.
Please set all electronic devices, including mobile phones and game consoles, to silent mode.
Talking on mobile phones and making video calls are prohibited on the tour bus.
Smoking is strictly prohibited on the tour bus.
Arrival times at each sightseeing spot may vary depending on traffic conditions.
The use of drones for filming or other purposes is prohibited during the tour.
Please do not use perfume, sprays, or change baby diapers on the bus, as it may disturb other passengers.
Manage your valuable belongings yourself.
After the tour, please take all your trash with you and do not leave any on the bus.
Ensure you do not forget or leave any personal belongings on the bus after the tour.
For fruit-picking tours, please note that fruit is to be consumed only on the farm. Bringing it home in your own bag is strictly prohibited.
If you fail to follow these regulations and cause a disturbance on the bus, you may be asked to leave the bus, even during the tour.
Genko-an Temple is a historic Soto Zen Buddhist temple, renowned for its distinctive 'Window of Enlightenment' (round window) and 'Window of Delusion' (square window), symbolizing Buddhist wisdom and life's suffering. The temple is surrounded by picturesque maple trees in autumn. It is also associated with historical stories of the 'blood ceiling,' attracting many visitors seeking to experience its profound cultural heritage.
The 'blood ceiling' at Genko-an Temple was relocated from Fushimi Castle in Kyoto. A fierce battle took place at Fushimi Castle on the eve of the Battle of Sekigahara in 1600, where Tokugawa's retainer Mototada Torii sacrificed himself to protect his lord. The castle floor was stained with the blood of the defeated samurai. Later, it was dismantled and moved to several temples as a 'blood ceiling' to commemorate the spirits of the deceased, serving as a reminder of the brutality of war.
In autumn, the tall maple trees lining the paths within Jyōshō-ji Temple turn vibrant shades of red, orange, and yellow, creating a mesmerizing tunnel of autumn foliage. Visitors can stroll through the tranquil atmosphere, enveloped by the poetic beauty of the fall leaves. The temple's Japanese garden complements the autumn maples, creating a harmonious and uniquely Zen autumn landscape.
Kōtoku-ji Temple is known as the residence of the artist Hon'ami Kōetsu, and its garden design skillfully blends natural beauty with artistic flair. In autumn, the temple's maple leaves paint the entire grounds in brilliant colors, especially along the approach path and around the tea houses, creating an exceptionally serene and elegant scene. The seven thatched-roof tea houses scattered throughout the temple add a unique charm to autumn leaf viewing.
Genko-an Temple's 'Window of Enlightenment' is round, symbolizing Zen enlightenment, cosmic unity, and selfless transcendence. The 'Window of Delusion,' on the other hand, is square, representing life's various troubles and confusions, such as birth, aging, sickness, and death, and the 'four sufferings' in Buddhism. The coexistence of these two windows serves as a reminder to seek wisdom and liberation through spiritual practice, holding profound philosophical meaning.
The maple leaves at Genko-an Temple, Jyōshō-ji Temple, and Kōtoku-ji Temple in Kyoto's Northern District typically reach their peak viewing period from mid-November to early December each year. During this time, the surrounding maple trees display their most brilliant red, orange, and yellow hues, creating breathtaking autumn scenery. It is recommended to check local fall foliage forecasts before your visit to ensure the best viewing experience.
The Kyoto-style lunch included in this Northern Kyoto autumn tour is characterized by its use of fresh, seasonal ingredients, prepared with delicate and refined cooking methods to present Kyoto's unique culinary experience. The meals typically emphasize the natural flavors and seasonality of the ingredients, paired with elegant presentation, allowing you to savor authentic Kyoto food culture, both visually and gastronomically, alongside your autumn foliage viewing.
The pound cake gifted on this Northern Kyoto autumn tour is supervised by 'Gion Sasaki,' a Michelin three-star restaurant, and is a representative work of their exquisite desserts. This pound cake is made with high-quality ingredients and meticulous craftsmanship, offering a moist texture and unique flavor. It brings Michelin-star dining standards to a souvenir, adding a luxurious taste memory to your journey.