Experiences
As the imperial capital of Japan for over 1000 years, Kyoto is a profoundly rich locus of Japanese history and culture. As the birthplace of many cornerstones of Japanese culture, such as the Way of Tea, calligraphy and many other traditional arts, Kyoto continues to be the cultural heart of the country. Horseshoed by mountains, Kyoto is a sight to behold at any time of year, during any season. Kyoto is home to many UNESCO World Heritage sites and countless ancient temples and shrines. At HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO, we will put our heart into making your stay a memorable one, with opportunities and activities for guests to capture and experience the unique culture and history of the ancient capital.
<May 15, 2025> Aoi Matsuri Exclusive Viewing Experience (Limited to 20 Seats)
■ Date: May 15, 2025 (Thu)
■ Time: Around 10:00AM* Local gathering
■ Location: Special viewing seats near the Kenreimon Gate of the Kyoto Imperial Palace
■ Fee: 25,000 yen (per person, including tax and service charge) (For ages 4 and up)
* Live commentary in Japanese and English via earphone guide is included.
We're delighted to offer our guests at HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO an exclusive opportunity to witness the Aoi Matsuri—one of Kyoto’s grandest festivals—from prime viewing seats. Held before the Kenreimon Gate of the Kyoto Imperial Palace, this special experience invites you to immerse yourself in the elegance of the Heian period as the historic Roto no Gi procession unfolds before your eyes.
The Bespoke Aroma Experience
Date: May 21 & May 22, 2025 (Three sessions per day: 10:00 / 13:00 / 16:00)
Duration: Approximately 90 minutes
Venue : SHIKI-MO-MA
Capacity : Limited to 3 guests per day (1 guest per session / 3 sessions daily)
Price : JPY 88,000 per person
Includes:
・Personal consultation
・Custom-blended essential oil
・Crystal aroma diffuser
・Interpretation support (English–Japanese)
Aroma designer Tomoko Saito, the creator behind our hotel and SPA treatment fragrances, will guide you through a one-on-one session to craft a personalized aroma that will be uniquely yours. Through a dialogue with Saito, take a moment to reflect on yourself and create a scent that resonates with your current state of mind. (Exclusive to hotel guests or SPA treatment guests.)
TOKINOHA collaboration with HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO A Dialogue and Experience with a Master of the Kiyomizu Tradition of Ceramics
■Duration: Approximately 3 hours
■Price :
Custom-Made Course: JPY350,000 per group (1–4 guests)
Kintsugi Course: JPY250,000 per group (1–4 guests)
At TOKINOHA, the ceramic studio led by master craftsman Daisuke Shimizu, you’ll find pieces that redefine the concept of traditional Kiyomizu pottery. This tour offers a visit to the TOKINOHA Ceramic Studio, where guests can explore the workshop, shop for unique items, and consult directly with Mr. Kiyomizu to commission one-of-a-kind, custom-made pieces. Additionally, guests will also have the chance to try their hand at kintsugi, the Japanese art of mending pottery with gold and lacquer. This ancient craft, now admired for its sustainable values, allows you to repair and restore a unique piece of your own to take home.
Both experiences are exclusively available to guests of HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO.
*Please make reservations at least 7 days in advance.
Meditation YOGA in Private Onsen 150mins
■Price : JPY50,000 1～2 people
■YOGA 60mins / Private Onsen 90mins
In Meditation Yoga, you will relax your body with simple poses, focus on your inner senses through breathing, and deepen your meditation with the use of incense. After yoga, enjoy a private spa bath, healthy smoothies and vegan butter sandwiches.
HOSOO × HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO Private Kyoto Kimono Experience
■Price: One person: JPY150,000～ / Two persons: JPY250,000～
HOSOO was founded in 1688 in Nishijin, Kyoto. Nishijin is the name of an area in the old city of Kyoto, known for silk weaving and kimono-making. Nishijin textiles are called Nishijin-ori, a weaving tradition born in the ancient capital of Kyoto some 1,200 years ago, supported by the aristocracy, the warrior class and wealthy merchants. HOSOO is proud to be a part of the long and storied tradition of Nishijin-ori. The pursuit of overwhelming beauty and exceptional craftsmanship passed down through the generations is a hallmark of HOSOO textiles.
This package is an opportunity to partake in an exquisite experience that will add colour and splendour to your stay in Kyoto.
Experience Tranquility with a Bowl of Tea at CHAKYO
■Duration: approx. 25 minutes
■Price: JPY2,500 per person
The CHAKYO tea ceremony alcove at HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO is overseen by So’oku Sen, heir apparent to the position of iemoto or headmaster of Mushakouji Senke, one of the three Houses of Sen that descend from Sen Rikyu, considered the historical figure with the most profound influence on chanoyu, the Japanese Way of Tea. Our Ambassadors, who receive personal instruction from a Mushakouji Senke tea master, will perform a ryurei-style seated tea procedure at CHAKYO. You may be tired after your journey to the hotel - or maybe you just want to sit and talk about what you have experienced in Kyoto - either way, please take a moment for yourself and enjoy this authentic experience.
Transformative Morning Practice - Wellness Breathing
■Duration: approx. 40 min.
■Price: Complimentary for Our Guests
*This experience is suitable for guests aged 13 and older.
Join us for a wellness breathing session led by an instructor, beginners welcome. We will gather on the elegant wooden engawa garden-viewing corridor of the SHIKI-NO-MA room for an opportunity to be reinvigorated and energized as the morning sun warms the flora and fauna of our beautiful Japanese garden.
- * Once you have chosen an experience, we recommend making a reservation.
- * Currently, in order to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus, we are limiting participation numbers for some of the experiences.
- *Please note that all images shown are depictions.
