Booking is currently not available for this experience. Please check back later.

Luxury Plan: Byodoin Temple, Illuminations, & Tea Ceremony

Organized by JTB Byodoin
Detail
Detail
Detail
Show all photos
Detail
Share
Photo of heartV2
Save
Photo of img box all
Show all photos
Summary
Highlights
Experience Details
Experience Location
Photo of exp duration
Duration
2 hours
Photo of exp guest
Number of Guests
1 - 5 guests
Photo of exp language
Language
English

Gain exclusive access to Byodoin Temple (UNESCO World Heritage Site) for a premium tea ceremony, Japanese Imperial Court music & dance (Gagaku) performances, illuminations, & more. 18-21 October.

Highlights

  • Exclusive access to Byodoin Temple (UNESCO World Heritage Site)

  • Phoenix Hall (Hou-ou-do) illumination

  • Entry to The Museum Hoshokan

  • A premium tea ceremony experience & high-quality Japanese tea-tasting

  • An Imperial Court music & dance performance (Gagaku)

Photo of group 14
For each guest that attends this experience, byFood will donate
10 meals

Experience Details

Byodoin Temple is a cherished UNESCO World Heritage Site visited by over 1 million people from Japan (and beyond) each year and a testament to Japan’s rich cultural heritage. This once-in-a-lifetime experience will give you, our guests, access to Byodoin Temple grounds for a special illumination experience and exclusive tea ceremony experience.


This special tour is limited to 40 guests per day and is only available across 4 days from the 18th to the 21st of October 2023. Participate in a traditional tea ceremony, including a selection of high-quality Japanese teas, enjoy an Imperial Court music and dance (Gagagaku) performance, and gain priority entrance to the evening illumination event and tour.


Included in this experience:

Phoenix Hall (Hou-ou-do) illumination

The Museum Hoshokan

Japanese Imperial Court music and dance (Gagaku) performance

A tea ceremony at Nakamura Tokichi Honten (Byodoin location)


The story of Byodoin Temple traces its roots back to the Heian period in the 10th century. Uji has a long history of being nestled amidst scenic mountains and rivers, making it a haven for aristocrats who built numerous villas in this area during the Heian period. Among them, Michinaga Fujiwara, a prominent political figure, owned a villa, and his son, Yorimichi Fujiwara, constructed Byodoin Temple. Despite the Fujiwara clan's decline, Uji gained renown for its tea production, fostering the growth of tea culture while preserving the legacy of Byodoin Temple through the ages.

Inclusions

  • Exclusive access to Byodoin Temple

  • Phoenix Hall (Hou-ou-do) illumination

  • Entry to The Museum Hoshokan

  • A premium tea ceremony experience & high-quality Japanese tea-tasting

  • An Imperial Court music & dance performance (Gagaku)

Exclusions

  • Transportation to & from the experience location

Meeting Point and Meeting Time

  • The meeting point is in front of 平等院正門/Byodoin Main Gate.

Remarks

  • Details are subject to change, images are for illustrative purposes only, & the event may be canceled due to unavoidable circumstances

  • Please inform us in advance if you have any food allergies (halal, vegan, etc.) so that we can consider them when serving food and drinks

  • Tea & kaiseki dishes contain high levels of caffeine; if you have issues with sleep/insomnia, please be aware of this

  • Note that the default experience is limited to 40 people per day & the option is limited to 760 people per day

Cancellation Policy

Cancel your booking at least 48 hours before the experience start time to receive a full refund minus a 3.2% transaction fee.

Read more

Experience Location

Featuring beautiful landscapes from mountain to sea, Kyoto Prefecture conveys traditional Japanese culture through its architecture and gardens, art and artisanal crafts, and delicious local cuisine made from regional produce.

Get Directions
Book This Experience
Select at least 1 guest
Photo of nav copy 3
Select Guest
Select at least 1 guest
Adult
(13 - 99)
0
Clear
Apply
Date
Photo of nav copy 3
Select Date
Date
April
2025
SuMoTuWeThFrSa
303112345
6789101112
13141516171819
20212223242526
27282930123
Time
Photo of nav copy 3
Select Time
Time
from
$42.09
per guest
Book Now
Photo of time lapse
Please note that the time is in Japan Standard Time.
Photo of transaction refund cashback
Free cancellation (48 hours notice)
Photo of arrow button down
Photo of group 14
For each guest that attends this experience, byFood will donate
10 meals
You may also be interested in these experiences
Dining Experiences
KYOTO
Geisha Show & Lunch in Gion (Kyoto)

Join Ken, a professional guide, to uncover Gion's history, culture, & landmarks during this walking tour. Experience a Japanese lunch (tempura, sushi, or karaage) & a captivating geisha show on this journey through Kyoto's historic district.

from$125.93
Photo of star fill v4
Photo of star fill v4
Photo of star fill v4
Photo of star fill v4
Photo of star fill v4
(11)
Photo of heartV2
Dining Experiences
KYOTO
Tea Ceremony, Matcha & Wagashi Making in a Kyoto Home

Join a tea ceremony experience in Kyoto! Learn about the history of Japanese tea, watch a ceremonial matcha demonstration, and make and enjoy matcha and traditional wagashi sweets. You’ll leave with newfound knowledge and unforgettable memories!

from$56.12
Photo of star fill v4
Photo of star fill v4
Photo of star fill v4
Photo of star fill v4
Photo of star fill v4
(3)
Photo of heartV2
Dining Experiences
KYOTO
Kyoto Tea Ceremony in a 150-Year-Old Higashiyama Townhouse

Experience the serenity of a Japanese tea ceremony and sample matcha and traditional confectioneries in this experience led by a tea instructor near Kyoto’s Kiyomizudera Temple in Ninenzaka.

from$24.55
Learn etiquette
Photo of heartV2
Dining Experiences
KYOTO
Wagyu Beef Yakiniku Dining with a Local Guide in Kyoto

Indulge in a variety of meat cuts and side dishes in this private Kyoto dining experience. You’ll visit a local restaurant tailored to your dietary needs, enjoy melt-in-your-mouth wagyu beef, and learn about Japanese culture from Hiroshi, your guide.

from$140.31
Photo of star fill v4
Photo of star fill v4
Photo of star fill v4
Photo of star fill v4
Photo of star fill v4
(2)
Private Experience
Photo of heartV2