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

Luxury Plan: Byodoin Temple, Illuminations, & Tea Ceremony

Organized by JTB Byodoin
Byodo-in Temple: Special Light-up & Night Tea Ceremony  6
Luxury Plan: Byodoin Temple, Illuminations, & Tea Ceremony 1
Luxury Plan: Byodoin Temple, Illuminations, & Tea Ceremony 2
Show all photos
Luxury Plan: Byodoin Temple, Illuminations, & Tea Ceremony 4
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.

What You Get

Exclusive access to Byodoin Temple
Phoenix Hall (Hou-ou-do) illumination
Entry to The Museum Hoshokan
Transportation to & from the experience location

Good To Know

  • 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

Meeting Point and Meeting Time

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

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 a Date
Date
June
2025
SuMoTuWeThFrSa
1234567
891011121314
15161718192021
22232425262728
293012345
Time
Photo of nav copy 3
Select Time
Time
from
$42.90
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
Geisha Show & Lunch in Gion (Kyoto) 4
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$128.34
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
Matcha & Kyoto Tea Ceremony in a Traditional Japanese Home 3
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$57.20
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
(4)
Photo of heartV2
Tea Ceremony Near Kiyomizudera Temple (Kyoto) 1
Dining Experiences
KYOTO
Table-Style Tea Ceremony in 150 Years Old Townhouse in Ninenzaka, Kyoto

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$47.19
Photo of heartV2
Premium Japanese BBQ dinner course 1
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$143
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