Hello. I'm a retired teacher from Sydney Australia. The following are my sincere and honest comments about an event that will remain a pivotal milestone in my life, the unique experience of visiting the Sennyuji Temple in Kyoto that I took away from my October 2024 holiday in the Kansai region of Japan, an incredible experience unlike any other Japanese encounter that I'd experienced in 6 prior holidays in that uniquely cultured nation. I expected my time in Kyoto to immerse me in the awe of the culturally diverse world of Japanese architecture, cuisines and Temple based spirituality. Whilst those experiences indeed eventuated, the Sennyuji Temple was the surprise discovery that eclipsed all others I'd encountered in Japan. This hidden gem, the sole Temple of Shingan Buddhism in Japan, is unknown to visitors and Japanese alike because it has deliberately distanced itself from the often overburdened 'temple-trail' that is a common experience of visitors to Kyoto. I was somewhat overwhelmed by what presented itself to me upon my arrival, what seemed to me as a unique environmental, architectural and spiritual oasis nestled quietly in the dignity and the tranquility of the spacious forest on the perimeter of the bustling Kyoto cityscape. This clearly distinctive trait I was surprised to discover arises from the fact that, unlike other temples in Kyoto,  it is the Temple dedicated to and used by, the Japanese Emperor and His Royal Family. This no doubt added to the air of mystique that I felt as I fulfilled the program that I had arranged with the Temple prior to my visit. I was lucky enough to arrange a very private Sennyuji Temple tour with an accompanying friend, thus we were able to engage fully with the inspiring Monk who guided us and who conducted the unique Shongan Buddhist rituals that we had arranged at the time of the reservation. The nearly 3 hours private tour ended with the sense that I'd been in a place to experience an aspect of humanity and spirituality that I had never comprehended during my life, such that, even now at home in Sydney, the Sennyuji Temple in Kyoto influenced my life in a way beyond words. I sincerely recommend without any hesitation this Sennyuji Temple experience. Whatever the cost, your time there will be time well spent and what experiences you will take away with you will be priceless. If you've always wanted to experience a life event that will be something extraordinary in your life, arranging a personalised time to visit the Sennyuji Temple in Kyoto will fulfill that goal.