[京都] 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.

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.