Kyoto: Journey to Manpuku-ji, Uji’s Best-Kept Secret
Step off the beaten path and into a piece of living history. Unlike typical temple visits in Kyoto packed with tourists, this guided tour takes you to Manpuku-ji, a hidden Zen temple that most travelers miss. With its rare Chinese-style architecture, quiet atmosphere, and rich backstory, this experience offers a deeper, more personal look into Japan’s cultural fusion with China during the Edo period.
Led by a knowledgeable local guide, you’ll uncover fascinating stories behind the temple’s design, its founder Ingen Ryuki, and the Obaku Zen school. As you stroll through peaceful courtyards and unique wooden halls, you’ll feel transported—far from the crowds and deep into another time.
Whether you’re a history lover, architecture enthusiast, or simply seeking a calm and authentic moment in Japan, this tour promises something different—and unforgettable.
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Kyoto: Journey to Manpuku-ji, Uji’s Best-Kept Secret
What's included in Kyoto: Journey to Manpuku-ji, Uji’s Best-Kept Secret
(Subject to Option Inclusions)Itinerary
Just a short ride from Kyoto, Manpuku-ji is a serene and little-known Zen temple in Uji. Founded in 1661 by Chinese monk Ingen Ryuki, it blends Japanese and Ming dynasty Chinese architecture in a way rarely seen in Japan. The peaceful grounds, vivid vermilion gates, and expressive Buddhist statues offer a quiet, cultural escape from the crowds. Located just minutes from Obaku Station, it’s an ideal stop for travelers seeking authenticity, history, and calm.
Inclusions
- Experience Chinese-Japanese fusion architecture
- Admire the Tenno-den Hall and Shakyamuni Buddha statue
- guided tour
- Visit to Manpuku-ji Temple
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Meet
Pickup and Dropoff
You will make your own way to the meeting points
Meeting Points
- Please meet at the ticket gate of Ōbaku Station. Your guide will be waiting for you holding a yellow sign. For exact location details, please refer to the map.
End Points
- Manpuku-ji is easily accessible, with both a train station and a bus stop nearby. Traveling to the temple is simple and convenient, whether you're coming from Kyoto, Nara, or central Uji.
