Free tour
Shinto Splendor in Sakamoto: Hiyoshi-Taisha and Its Heritage
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Guru: Paul
Registered on 15 January 2026
Greetings! I am a long-term resident of Kansai where I have experience of living and working in Hyogo, Kyoto, Nagasaki, Osaka, and now Shiga. In my free time I enjoy exploring Japan's remaining pre-modern buildings and the associated scenic foothills, groves, and forests into which they are nestled. Moreover, behind each carefully curated snap on social media, there is a hidden story waiting to be told, if only one is prepared to listen. I have written and published on the Western "experience" in Japan during the closing years of the Tokugawa Shogunate, and I am further researching Japan's "Christian Century" (c.1550-c.1640). I believe that being able to tell a story helps make that social media snap not only a beautiful photograph but also a memorable occasion.
So, should you join my tour I hope that, in addition to taking some splendid photos to add to your collection, you will be able to impress your friends back home with your knowledge of why your album is a little bit special. Finally, please join me in sampling tea and scrumptious local confectionery.
Free reservation and cancellation
Pay-what-you-want tour, no set price, reservation and cancellation are free
Tour description
This walking tour begins at JR Hieizan Sakamoto station, 20 minutes from Kyoto station via the JR Kosei Line. From there, we will explore the cultural and architectural highlights of Sakamoto, a town at one time serving Enryaku-ji on Mt. Hiei.
Our first stop will be Daijinmon Jinja, a quaint roadside shrine where we will familiarize ourselves with some of the common features of Shinto shrines in preparation for Hiyoshi-Taisha.
Next, we will walk up the main street of Sakamoto. Along the way, we will view the Anōzumi stone walls, built by the Anō-shū stonemasons using a dry-stacking technique notable for its sturdiness.
After that we will visit Hiyoshi-Taisha, where the shrine complex contains forty individual shrines: seven major shrines and thirty-three lesser shrines. You will be able to appreciate the key features of Shinto shrine architecture.
The tour concludes with a visit to the gardens of the former Chikurin-in, a former lodging for monks. Guests will have the option of indulging in tea and traditional Japanese sweets while enjoying a splendid view of the gardens.
*As of typing, admission to Hiyoshi-Taisha is ¥500 and Chikurin-In ¥330 (per adult).
Highlights
What will we see on this tour?
Meeting point:
Punto de encuentro
I shall be waiting outside the ticket gates of JR Hiezan-Sakamoto station and carrying a "GuruWalk" placard.
1
Outside visit
Daigodo Shrine
2
Outside visit
Hieizan Shogen Temple
Buddhist Temple chosen to contrast with the Shinto shrines.
3
Outside visit
Anozumi Stacked Stone Walls
How much does this tour cost?
Free tours don't have a fixed price. At the end, each person contributes to the guide the amount they consider fair based on their satisfaction. As a guideline, Guruwalk recommends between €15 and $50 per participant.
Who is this tour for?
Accessibility
Not suitable for people with reduced mobility.
Groups
Does not accept large group bookings.
Pets
Not suitable for bringing pets.
What should I know?
Minimum attendees
Requires a minimum of 2 people to conduct the tour.
Additional costs
The tour requires payment for entries or additional expenses.
Free cancellation
If you cannot attend the tour, please cancel the reservation, otherwise the guide will be waiting for you.
Payment methods
Cash payment only.
Shinto Splendor in Sakamoto: Hiyoshi-Taisha and Its Heritage
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