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World Heritage Premium Plan: Byodoin Temple & Tea Ceremony

Organized by JTB Byodoin
Premium Tea Ceremony & Cha-Kaiseki at Byodoin Temple (Kyoto) 5
Premium Tea Ceremony & Cha-Kaiseki at Byodoin Temple (Kyoto) 6
World Heritage Premium Plan: Byodoin Temple & Tea Ceremony 1
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Premium Tea Ceremony & Cha-Kaiseki at Byodoin Temple (Kyoto) 7
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Summary
Highlights
Experience Details
Experience Location
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Duration
5.5 hours
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Number of Guests
1 - 20 guests
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Accessibility
Family-friendly
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Language
English

Gain exclusive access to the Byodoin Temple (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) grounds. This VIP tour includes an English guide, an elegant kaiseki dinner, a traditional tea ceremony, & more.

Highlights

  • Exclusive access to Byodo-in Temple (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), Yorinan Shoin, and other historic sites

  • Access is limited to 20 people a day, making this an intimate experience that you can enjoy among a small group

  • VIP treatment including a specially guided tour and an English-speaking interpreter

  • A traditional tea ceremony experience & a luxurious Kyo-kaiseki meal

  • An Imperial Court music and dance performance (Gagaku)

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For each guest that attends this experience, byFood will donate
10 meals

Experience Details

Byodoin Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a testament to Japan’s rich cultural heritage and spiritual significance. Nestled amidst the picturesque landscape of Uji City in Kyoto.


This exclusive experience is limited to 20 guests per day and is only available across 4 days from the 18th to the 21st of October 2023. Guests will have access to historical sites and receive VIP treatment as the Chief Priest of Byodoin Temple leads a guided tour of the grounds. An English-speaking interpreter will accompany guests and participate in a traditional Kyo-kaiseki, including a selection of high-quality Japanese teas, an Imperial Court dance and musical performance, and more. This is a complete sensory experience and a chance to take home a piece of history.


We pride ourselves on providing unique, authentic, and memorable experiences to people in Japan, but this one is particularly special for a few reasons.


Exclusive access: Various historic areas within the Byodoin Temple grounds.

Historical significance: Byodoin Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and several sites within the grounds are considered national treasures.

Limited availability: This experience is limited to 20 guests per day and is only available across 4 days from the 18th to the 21st of October 2023.

VIP treatment: Guests will be accompanied by a professional English-speaking guide.

Activate your senses: This experience will activate all 5 senses, including an elegant Kyo-kaiseki dinner and a premium Japanese tea ceremony at Byodoin Temple’s Touka Tea House.


Exclusive access and experiences include:

Yorinan Shoin

Phoenix Hall (Hou-ou-do)

Hoshokan Museum

Japanese Imperial Court music and dance (Gagaku) performance

Temple Garden illumination

A tea ceremony and meal (Kyo-kaiseki) at Touka Tea House

Nodate (tea ceremony in the field)

Inclusions

  • English-speaking guide

  • A premium Japanese tea ceremony

  • Food/drinks included: An elegant Kyo-kaiseki dinner, drinks served during the dinner, matcha served during the tea ceremony

  • Entry to the temple grounds

Exclusions

  • Transportation to and from the destination

Meeting Point and Meeting Time

  • Please arrive at South Gate of Byodo-in at 15:55

Remarks

  • Group tour but private dining experience (dedicated table)

  • Experience duration is approximately 5.5 hours

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

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

  • Tea and kaiseki dishes contain high levels of caffeine; if you have a condition that makes it difficult for you to sleep, please be aware of this before registering

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.

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Free cancellation (48 hours notice)
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For each guest that attends this experience, byFood will donate
10 meals
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