2025 ARTICLE
The Shinto Shrine GPS Mix-Up
A group of tourists visiting Kyoto wanted to experience a famous Shinto shrine tucked away in the hills. They relied heavily on their smartphones for directions.
Following the GPS, they ended up… in someone’s backyard.
Confused but polite, they apologized profusely to the elderly couple who appeared, explaining they were looking for the shrine.
The couple laughed heartily and said, “You’re very close! Just take a left at the stone lantern, then climb the hill—unless your phone prefers gardens over gods.”
Turns out, the GPS app had mapped the shrine’s location incorrectly, leading many visitors astray.
Word spread fast, and the locals started joking that the shrine was playing hide-and-seek with tourists, making them explore Kyoto’s beautiful backstreets and gardens instead.
Visitors who got lost discovered hidden gems off the beaten path, turning the GPS glitch into an accidental Kyoto adventure.
TEMPTED TO SEE JAPAN DIFFERENTLY?
This tour deliberately avoids the city’s famous sites, focusing instead on serene temples, hidden gardens, and secret streets rich with untold stories. With an expert guide to illuminate the lesser-known treasures, you’ll connect deeply with Kyoto’s essence—savoring its quiet beauty and discovering a side of the city that eludes the crowds.
The price listed below is per group, not per person.