Luxury Plan: Byodoin Temple, Illuminations, & Tea Ceremony
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)
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 2 days before the experience start time to receive a full refund minus a 3.2% transaction fee.
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.
| Su | Mo | Tu | We | Th | Fr | Sa |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | 31 | 1 | 2 |
| 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 |
| 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 |
| 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 |
| 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 |
10 meals
Experience ancient Kyoto and indulge in its cuisine in Nishijin Lifestyle Museum Tondaya, a 140-year-old townhouse designated as a tangible cultural property of the city. Enjoy a guided tour followed by a traditional kaiseki meal by candlelight.
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.
Join Hiroshi–your spirited guide–for an izakaya, street food, & nightlife adventure in Kyoto! Explore key areas like the downtown district & Gion, visit local izakayas & drinking dens, & make lifelong memories along the way. Flexible itinerary!
Join a local guide as you stroll the cobbled streets of Gion and the Pontocho alley, and take in the atmosphere and local culture and history. After exploring, sit down to an elegant, multi-course kaiseki dinner.