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.

Experiences eBook

Hokyoji Temple - Special Private Tour for Autumn

Dates: November 22th (Sat) to December 15th (Mon)
Time: 3pm – approx. 5pm
Number of Participants: One group per day, limited to 2 to 8 participants. *Available for groups of two or more.
Price: ¥30,000 per person (13 years and older)

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.

Private Early Morning Tour of the World Heritage Site Kiyomizu-dera

Time: 6:30am to 8:30am
Number of Participants: One group per day, on a first-come, first-served basis.
*Maximum of 4 participants per group
Price: JPY 400,000 per group (tax included)

Join an exclusive early morning tour of Kyoto’s UNESCO World Heritage Site, Kiyomizu-dera, led by steward and priest Shoin Onishi. Explore the temple before public hours, including a rare visit to the Hozoden—normally closed to visitors—to view treasured Buddhist statues and cultural artifacts. Amidst the stillness of dawn and cherry blossoms, experience a deeply personal and reflective journey unlike any other.

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: JPY3,500 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.