Goodwill Guide for Kamo
Our non-profit organization, "Furusato-annai Kamo" offers the free English-guided tour to world travelers
to sightsee the Kamo area which locates in Kizugawa city in southern Kyoto Prefecture, also very close to Nara city.
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Kamo, the Best little known area
Present-day idyllic Kamo was once the capital of Japan in the 8th century, and has many deep-rooted cultural treasures such as Buddha statues, temple buildings, Stone Buddhas and beautiful gardens. Why not visit Joruri-ji and Gansen-ji temples, and meet Stone Buddhas? The connecting path between these temples is tranquil and mysterious surrounded by deep mountains and many Stone Buddhas of the past. The area is comfortable and enjoyable for walking. We, local people, are ready to be your tour guide, and help you!
Joruri-ji Temple
Joruri-ji Temple was built in the 11th century, and named after the heavenly Lapis Lazuli World. The Nine-Amida Buddhas solemnly sit in a row in the Main Hall. The temple's ground is a Jodo-style garden based on the Buddhist philosophy. That is, the Three-Storied Pagoda stands in the sunrise east, and the Buddhas in the Main Hall in the sunset west. Over the central pond in-between, sun metaphorically travels from our birth and life, or “this shore” toward the afterlife Pure Land, or “the other shore.” The garden is a National Special Scenic Spot, and Nine-Amida Buddhas, Main Hall, and the Pagoda are National Treasures.
Gansen-ji Temple
Gansen-ji Temple was built 1,300 years ago by a powerful Emperor, Shomu. This temple is famous for its large statue of meditating Amida Buddha (built in 946 A.D.), a one-piece construction from a single tree. The Three-Storied Pagoda stands at a foot of a hill with full of blooming hydrangea in the season. Its apex is up close within hailing distance from the hilltop. And, don’t forget finding whimsical demons called Sumi-Oni under the eaves of pagoda. (Kids will love these gargoylish figures!)
Stone Buddhas
This carving of Amida Trinity in the photo can be found further down the path from Gansen-ji Temple. The central figure is the most loved Stone Buddha, as people call it Smiling Buddha, which was carved 700 years ago. A number of various Stone Buddhas scatter in a small Kamo valley called Tono, which is known as the “Village of Stone Buddhas.” Both you and your kids will be definitely charmed by these past people’s art.
▼ Recommendable route [ == by bus , … on foot (hiking) ]
JR Kamo Station == (15min) = Gansen-ji Temple … (1.5 hrs walk along the Path of Stone Buddhas) …
… Joruri-ji Temple == (15min) = JR Kamo Station (Total approx. 3 hours)
▼ Access to Kamo: Our tour starts at the JR Kamo station where we meet. There are direct rapid trains (Yamatoji Kaisoku) from Osaka to Kamo, just a one hour ride. Kyoto city is also close – rapid trains (Miyakoji Kaisoku) to Kizu, then minutes ride to Kamo. Nara is most convenient as of 14 minutes ride.
▼About the cost of our guide
1) The guide charge is FREE.
2) The necessary expenses to be paid by the guest: your admissions, your transportation fare and
your meal expenses during the tour.
3) The guide’s transportation fare during the tour (including reasonably from their home).
Note: Admissions for the guide is free. The price of the round-trip bus ticket is ￥400 per adult or ￥200 per child.
▼Important Notice: Furusato Kamo-Kizugawa is not responsible for any losses and damages
incurred when you are having our service.
▼Registration: If you agree the above conditions, please click the next button to register your tour online:
Register your guided tour for Kamo!