World Heritage Premium Plan: Byodoin Temple & Tea Ceremony
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)
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.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 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 | 31 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
10 meals
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!
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.
Enjoy an accessible tea ceremony without having to sit on the floor. This tea ceremony is performed sitting at a table, perfect for those who have difficulty or pain siting on the floor. Experience includes matcha and Japanese sweets.
Enter a world of Japanese art, nature, history, culture, & tea. Join Junko Sophie Kakizaki – a respected tea ceremony master – for a small group Japanese tea ceremony at Hakusasonso Hashimoto Kansetsu Garden & Museum in Kyoto.