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Luxury Plan: Byodoin Temple, Illuminations, & Tea Ceremony

Organized by JTB Byodoin
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Highlights
Experience Details
Experience Location
Duration
2 hours
Number of Guests
1 - 5 guests
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)

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.

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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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Please note that the time is in Japan Standard Time.
Free cancellation (48 hours notice)
For each guest that attends this experience, byFood will donate
10 meals
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