• "Beyond sightseeing—A journey of thought, dialogue, and rediscovery."
• This unique tour is led by a nationally licensed guide who is also a trained philosophy researcher. Along the way, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of Zen Buddhism and a broad spectrum of Japanese intellectual and spiritual traditions—from ancient thought to modern philosophy.
• Unlike typical guided tours, this experience offers an intellectually engaging journey through contemplation and meaningful dialogue. Together—guide and guest—we explore the deeper meaning behind Kyoto’s landscapes, using philosophical inquiry to uncover layers of cultural and historical insight.
• Expect eye-opening conversations and new perspectives that may stay with you long after the tour ends—enriching not only your travel experience, but perhaps even your personal or professional life.
• Shall we walk, think, and rediscover Kyoto—through the lens of philosophy?

Question: What is the "Pure Land," one of the most significant ideas in the Japanese Buddhism tradition? Place to find the Japanese "Pure Land" Buddhist Philosophy: This temple is located about 10 minutes walk from Kyoto Station and it is a head temple of one of the Japanese Pure Land Buddhism groups. Pure Land Buddhist philosophy has played a major role in Japanese intellectual and social life in history although it is less famous in the West than the Zen philosophy's influence on Japanese culture. In contrast to Zen Buddhism, which was popular among the upper classes, Pure Land Buddhism was popular among the common people. It has unique ideas of the heaven, eschatology, and salvation of sin-bearing people. That is why, Karl Barth described it as the paganism that most closely resembles Christianity.