地 The Earth Element [ Kyoto ] Private Tour
地 The Earth Element [ Kyoto ] Private Tour
In traditional Japanese esoteric thought, particularly in Onmyōdō and Esoteric Buddhism (Mikkyō), the Five Elements (五大, godai) are: earth (the first element), water, fire, wind, and void.
This private tour is dedicated for the first element:
地 (chi) – Earth
This is an elemental journey through Kyoto — a deep immersion into Japan’s foundational layer, earth, where the square symbolizes stability, solidity, and grounding energy. Visit ancient temples, serene forests, and sacred grounds rooted in the nurturing and enduring power of earth — each embodying strength, patience, and connection to the physical world.
Earth is the first element because it forms the stable base — the unshakable ground that supports all life and growth. It represents permanence, reliability, and the solid foundation from which all transformation begins.
What It Means
In this context, Earth symbolizes:
Stability – a firm foundation for body and mind
Nourishment – supporting growth and sustenance
Patience – enduring through time with quiet strength
Grounding – connection to the present moment and physical reality
Security – a sense of safety and belonging
If you’d like to purchase all the 5 Elements Tours, email us and we will send you a 20% discount code to use at checkout.
Tour Summary
⚲ Location: Kyoto
↻ Duration: 6 hours
⇒ Meeting Time: 11 am
⌕ Meeting Location: Your hotel lobby. The guide will contact you to confirm the exact location.
⇐ Drop-off Time: 5 pm
⌕ Drop-off Location: Last destination
⚐ Language: English
Note: No other tourists will be joining your tour, making it an exclusive and personalized experience.
Tour Details
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….. 1. Tōfuku-ji Hojo Gardens · 45 minutes
Main Earth Elements: Moss
Tōfuku-ji Hojo Gardens, with their soft moss carpets and carefully placed wooden elements, embody Earth’s enduring stability and quiet strength. The moss, slowly cultivated over decades, and the warm wood structures create a grounded, meditative space that nurtures patience, calm, and a deep connection to the natural world.
….. 2. Tōfuku-ji’s Tsutenkyo Bridge & Kaisando Hall · 60 minutes
Main Earth Elements: Lush & Wood
Tōfuku-ji’s Tsutenkyo Bridge and Kaisando Hall are enveloped in lush greenery and framed by warm wooden architecture, creating a serene, grounding atmosphere. The natural wood and verdant surroundings evoke Earth’s stability and patience, inviting visitors to slow down and connect with the present moment. Walking across the bridge or pausing in the hall, you experience a tangible sense of rootedness, nourishment, and enduring calm.
….. Commute . 40 minutes
….. 3. Kyoto Imperial Palace & Park · 90 minutes
Main Earth Elements: Pebbles & Stone
Kyoto Imperial Palace sits at the heart of Kyoto, surrounded by expansive gardens and stone walls that embody stability and permanence. Its carefully laid-out courtyards and buildings reflect centuries of meticulous planning, symbolizing the grounding and enduring power of Earth. Walking through the palace grounds, you feel a sense of order, security, and connection to the physical world — a living testament to the foundation that supports both life and culture.
….. Commute . 45 minutes
….. 4. Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) Grounds · 60 minutes
Main Earth Elements: Gold
Kinkaku-ji’s iconic golden exterior is surrounded by tranquil gardens, ponds, and carefully placed rocks. The pavilion embodies Earth’s stability and permanence, its enduring beauty and structural precision reflecting centuries of craftsmanship and grounded presence. Walking through the grounds, visitors feel a sense of security, nourishment, and enduring calm, connecting to the physical and cultural foundations of Kyoto.
….. Commute . 10 minutes
….. 5. Ryoin-ji Temple · 90 minutes
Main Earth Elements: Rocks
Ryoan-ji’s Zen rock garden is a meditation on Earth’s patience and stability. The fifteen carefully arranged stones within the raked gravel evoke mountains and islands, symbolizing permanence amidst impermanence. Sitting before the garden, one senses grounding, endurance, and quiet strength, as the subtle placement of each stone invites contemplation and deep connection with the natural world.
Ryoan-ji’s pond hints at the second element; Water.
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✔ Dedicated, multilingual, professional local tour guide’s time and expertise (for 6 hours), along with their personal expenses.
✔ All Entrance Fees: All entrance fees for the listed attractions are fully included in the tour, ensuring a seamless and worry-free experience for our guests.
✔ Stovenirs: A unique souvenir for each guest on the tour (see section below).
✔ Customizable Itinerary: Flexibility to tailor the tour according to your preferences and interests.
✔ Personal Support: If customers who book contact us with any questions about their Japan trip, we will respond promptly.
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✖ Meal Costs: Participants are responsible for their own meals (e.g., lunch).
✖ Transportation Costs: Participants handle their own transportation costs (public or private).
Note: For those who booked the 'Luxury Wand' asset, everything mentioned above is fully covered, including private transportation.
More about the 'Luxury Wand' here.
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Stovenirs = Souvenirs + Stories.
贈り物の背後には、心のこもった物語が広がっています。
(Okurimono no haigo ni wa, kokoro no komotta monogatari ga hirogatteimasu.)
Translation: "Behind every gift, there is an heartfelt story unfolding."
For direct bookings made through our website, every guest will receive a special "stovenir" during the tour—a thoughtfully chosen souvenir accompanied by a captivating story about Japan, shared by your guide.
These stovenirs are designed to enrich your experience, making your tour not just memorable but deeply meaningful.
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1. Confirmation Email: You will receive a confirmation email within 24 hours of booking.
2. Resources: We will email you "Preparing for Your Japan Trip" and "Japan Secrets" digital guides to help you make the most of your experience.
3. Personalized Contact: Your guides will reach out to you three times (via email or Whatsapp):
a… 2-4 weeks before your tour.
b… again the day before your tour with them.
c… and finally at the meeting point on the day of the tour.
4. Support: We will follow up with you to ensure everything is going smoothly and offer support if any issues arise.
You may have more inquiries. Why not explore our Frequently Asked Questions section?