水 The Water Element [ Kyoto ] Private Tour
水 The Water Element [ Kyoto ] Private Tour
In traditional Japanese esoteric thought, particularly in Onmyōdō and Esoteric Buddhism (Mikkyō), the Five Elements (五大, godai) are: earth, water (the second element), fire, wind, and void.
This private tour is dedicated for the second element:
水 (sui) – Water
This is an elemental journey through Kyoto — an immersion into Japan’s second layer, water, where the downward-flowing triangle symbolizes receptivity, depth, and emotional clarity. Visit tranquil springs, sacred wells, and temple gardens shaped by water’s gentle power — each reflecting the beauty of adaptation, intuition, and stillness.
Water is the second element because it follows Earth — shifting from solidity to movement. Where Earth grounds, Water flows — responding, absorbing, and guiding change through softness rather than force.
What It Means
In this context, Water symbolizes:
Adaptability – finding strength in fluidity
Cleansing – spiritual and emotional purification
Intuition – connection to inner truth and feeling
Calm – relief from intensity and overthinking
Flow – moving with, not against, life’s rhythms
Tour Summary
⚲ Location: Kyoto
↻ Duration: 6 hours
⇒ Meeting Time: 11 am
⌕ Meeting Location: Your hotel lobby. The guide will contact you to confirm the exact location.
⇐ Drop-off Time: 5 pm
⌕ Drop-off Location: Last destination
⚐ Language: English
Note: No other tourists will be joining your tour, making it an exclusive and personalized experience.
Tour Details
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….. 1. Sanjo River View . 20 minutes
What stories does the Sanjo River View tell as you gaze upon its timeless beauty, blending nature and history in the heart of Kyoto? The view from the Sanjo River is a contemplation of time itself, a subtle reminder of how nature and civilization perpetually overlap. As the river gently flows beneath ancient bridges and modern architecture, one is struck by the quiet contrast between the ageless water and the bustling world that surrounds it.
….. 2. Kennin-ji Main Garden · 30 minutes
The main garden of Kennin-ji features meticulously raked circular patterns in the gravel, symbolizing the flow of water and the harmony of the universe. Each circle invites quiet contemplation, reflecting the Zen philosophy of impermanence, unity, and the endless potential of the void.…. Commute . 20 minutes
….. 3. Kamogawa Delta . 30 minutes
The confluence of the Kamogawa and Takano rivers has long been a place of gathering, reflection, and rootedness. Stepping stones stretch across the shallow waters, connecting both banks as families, students, and travelers pause to rest. It is Kyoto’s living heartbeat — a grounding place where earth meets water, offering security, belonging, and the steady comfort of the land beneath your feet.
…. Commute . 20 minutes
….. 4. Walk Above Water Channel Bridge —from Keage Incline . 60 minutes
This 19th-century aqueduct was constructed to channel water to the nearby Keage Incline, once used to transport boats. Its graceful Roman-style arches create a striking visual contrast against the surrounding Japanese landscape, blending strength and elegance. Walking above the flowing water below, you can feel the calm and continuity of water’s movement—its adaptability, patience, and life-giving energy—making it a serene and highly photogenic stop.
….. 5. Nanzenji Complex's Tanju-An Garden . 30 minutes
What stories of Zen philosophy and artistry await you in the serene corners of Tanju-An Garden at the Nanzenji Complex? Tanju-An Garden embodies the very essence of Japanese Zen aesthetics, where the meticulous placement of stones, moss, and quiet pathways invites a contemplative silence, offering visitors a chance to reflect deeply on the harmony between nature and the spiritual.
…. Commute . 35 minutes
….. 6. Kiyomizu-dera Temple . 60 minutes
In Kyoto, there's an old saying, "Why don't you jump from Kiyomizu?" It's a local variation of the more common phrase "Take a leap of faith." Historically, the saying originated from a tradition where people believed that if someone survived a leap from the Kiyomizu-dera temple stage, their wish would come true.
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✔ Dedicated, multilingual, professional local tour guide’s time and expertise (for 6 hours), along with their personal expenses.
✔ All Entrance Fees: All entrance fees for the listed attractions are fully included in the tour, ensuring a seamless and worry-free experience for our guests.
✔ Stovenirs: A unique souvenir for each guest on the tour (see section below).
✔ Customizable Itinerary: Flexibility to tailor the tour according to your preferences and interests.
✔ Personal Support: If customers who book contact us with any questions about their Japan trip, we will respond promptly.
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✖ Meal Costs: Participants are responsible for their own meals (e.g., lunch).
✖ Transportation Costs: Participants handle their own transportation costs (public or private).
Note: For those who booked the 'Luxury Wand' asset, everything mentioned above is fully covered, including private transportation.
More about the 'Luxury Wand' here.
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Stovenirs = Souvenirs + Stories.
贈り物の背後には、心のこもった物語が広がっています。
(Okurimono no haigo ni wa, kokoro no komotta monogatari ga hirogatteimasu.)
Translation: "Behind every gift, there is an heartfelt story unfolding."
For direct bookings made through our website, every guest will receive a special "stovenir" during the tour—a thoughtfully chosen souvenir accompanied by a captivating story about Japan, shared by your guide.
These stovenirs are designed to enrich your experience, making your tour not just memorable but deeply meaningful.
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1. Confirmation Email: You will receive a confirmation email within 24 hours of booking.
2. Resources: We will email you "Preparing for Your Japan Trip" and "Japan Secrets" digital guides to help you make the most of your experience.
3. Personalized Contact: Your guides will reach out to you three times (via email or Whatsapp):
a… 2-4 weeks before your tour.
b… again the day before your tour with them.
c… and finally at the meeting point on the day of the tour.
4. Support: We will follow up with you to ensure everything is going smoothly and offer support if any issues arise.
You may have more inquiries. Why not explore our Frequently Asked Questions section?