A Medieval Temple Town Bordering One Of Japan’s Natural Wonders
The setting is a temple town called Sakamoto in neighboring Shiga prefecture. This is where monks would come down from Mt. Hiei to rest and recharge in-between long bouts of very intense training. You might think you would need to travel back 400 years to get to such a place, but actually it is only a 30 minute train ride from Kyoto Station. And hardly anyone comes here.
Sakamoto has very much retained the historic and agricultural landscape reminiscent of years past. As many visitors to Kyoto arrive expecting an ancient, traditional town they may be somewhat disappointed to see how modern and touristic it is becoming. You could say that coming to Sakamoto is your best chance to experience what Kyoto used to be.
We spend the morning weaving through the neighborhood streets visiting inconspicuous sites that are hardly apparent to the casual visitor. Entering into one of the most historically important shrines in Japan, we make our way up the mountain to a major power spot which overlooks Lake Biwa.
From here we will walk through a farming community to a temple complex with several picturesque gardens. We then head back to town through the old neighborhood and finish at a villa created in the Edo period for the tired monks. As the whole day is very much like a pilgrimage, this provides a great place for the rest afterwards as matcha and sweets are an option here. At the end of the day you will undoubtedly feel enriched and refreshed, much like the monks of Mt. Hiei of centuries past.
Itinerary:
Saikyoji, Farmland, Hiyoshi Taisha, Lunch, Shigain, Jigendo, Toshogu Jinja, and Kyu-Chikurinin
Length: 8 hours
Meeting Point: Yamashina Station
Sites Descriptions:
Guest Review: A Wonderful Experience
“I loved every moment of the Sakamoto tour. It was informative and engaging with constant interaction with us as travelers on this tour. It was a beautiful blend of Japanese culture and its connection with nature. The landscapes were stunning and was complemented by Andrew's expert insights. A beautiful experience.”
-Susan, USA, February 2020