Experiences

This autumn, HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO presents a rare opportunity to explore three UNESCO World Heritage temples—renowned for their autumn foliage—through an exclusive private tour limited to one group per day.
With privileged access to normally restricted areas and the chance to engage directly with temple custodians, guests will gain a deeper appreciation of the faith, spirit, and aesthetic traditions preserved for centuries. Away from daytime crowds, discover these temples in their most authentic form—serene, radiant, and unforgettable.

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Nestled in a tranquil corner of Kyoto’s historic Nishijin district, Hokyoji Temple is a nunnery that is usually closed to the public. Known for its beautiful autumn foliage, it features the vibrant contrast between the Irohamomiji maples in front of the main hall and the lush moss, as well as the autumn leaves that adorn the Tsurukame Garden, associated with Princess Wakamiya.

This is one of the most beautiful places to witness the peak of autumn foliage—exclusively reserved for a single group each day during the season’s most vibrant moment. During this private tour, you will have the opportunity to visit the main hall, listen to a sermon by the nuns, and engage in a meditation experience while gazing at the garden. Additionally, you can appreciate a magnificent collection of artworks, including Autumn Grasses by Kano Tan'yu, sliding door paintings such as Grapes and Deer by the Japanese painter Kawamata Yukikazu, and Puppy in Cedar Door Painting by Maruyama Okyo, a painter with strong ties to our hotel.

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We are delighted to offer a limited-time Kuchikiri Matcha experience in celebration of our 5th anniversary. Known as the “New Year of Tea,” Kuchikiri marks the opening of tea jars in autumn, after tea leaves harvested in spring have been carefully matured for six months. This refined matcha, once cherished by Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu, is celebrated for its rich and elegant flavor.
Guests can also enjoy a tasting of our original matcha, ENISHI, alongside this special Kuchikiri Matcha, accompanied by confections crafted by our pastry chef—an exclusive chanoyu experience unique to HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO.

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.