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2026.01.27
Exclusive Spring Private Tour of UNESCO World Heritage Temples Ryoanji, Byodoin, Toji, and Kiyomizu-dera One Group Per Day ＜March 27th to April 5th, 2026＞
- Spring Ryoanji Temple Twilight Private Tour
- Spring Byodoin Temple Early Morning Private Tour
- Spring Toji Temple Night Private Tour
- Spring Kiyomizu-dera Temple Early Morning Private Tour
This spring, as Kyoto is gently blooming clouds of cherry blossoms, HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO presents its exclusive "Spring Private Tours" hosted at four UNESCO World Heritage temples.
Building on the success of last autumn’s highly acclaimed private tours at Byodoin Temple, Toji Temple (the head temple of Shingon Buddhism), and Kiyomizu-dera Temple, we are delighted to introduce a new and exceptional program this year at Ryoanji Temple. This new tour features a Zazen meditation experience at a temple renowned worldwide for its iconic Rock Garden, once admired by Queen Elizabeth II. Through this experience, we proudly invite guests into a moment of profound stillness and reflection. With this addition, HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO now curates bespoke private experiences at a total of four extraordinary temples.
Made possible through the close cooperation of each temple, these tours offer guests privileged access to areas normally closed to the public, taking place outside regular visiting hours. At HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO, we place deep importance on meaningful “dialogue” that transcends sightseeing alone, and each experience is thoughtfully limited to just one group per day. Through unhurried and intimate dialogue with resident monks, an encounter granted by rare exclusivity, guests are gently led to feel the faith, spirit, and refined aesthetics that have been quietly nurtured and handed down through centuries of devotion.
Spring Ryoanji Temple Twilight Private Tour
Ryoanji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is renowned for its Rock Garden, famously praised by Queen Elizabeth II. In spring, delicate crimson weeping cherry blossoms softly grace the stillness of stone, adding a fleeting bloom of color to this timeless landscape. This exclusive tour invites guests to reserve the Hojo (Abbot’s Quarters) veranda after the temple gates have closed. As twilight settles, a private Zazen meditation led by the head priest unfolds, enveloped in serenity. Facing the Rock Garden as the sky is gently washed in hues of cherry blossom pink, enjoy a luxurious moment of silence to reflect upon yourself. The experience also includes a special viewing of the ”Butsuden (Buddaha Hall)”, the "Zoroku-an" tea house, and temple artifacts, areas normally closed to the public and unveiled under the guidance of a curator. We invite you to spend a truly soul-cleansing moment.
Dates: April 2 (Thu) and April 3 (Fri), 2026 (2 days only)
Time: 4:15 pm to 6:15 pm (approximate duration)
Capacity: Limited to 1 group per day on a first-come, first-served basis *Maximum of 4 participants
Price: JPY 400,000 per group (up to 4 participants, tax included)
Spring Byodoin Temple Early Morning Private Tour
An early morning private tour unfolds at Byodoin Temple in spring. In the silence of the early morning, enjoy exclusive access to the breathtaking scenery of the Phoenix Hall and the cherry blossoms vividly mirrored in Aji-ike Pond. Bathed in the gentle light of the rising sun, the scene evokes the serene vision of the Buddhist Pure Land. After viewing the seated statue of Amida Nyorai Seated Statue within the hall, the tour continues to the "Yorin-an Shoin Study Jodoin Temple," an Important Cultural Property usually closed to the public. Through a dialogue with Chief Priest Monsho Kamii, we offer a rare moment to encounter the spirit and history of more than a thousand years.
Dates: April 1 (Wed) and April 3 (Fri), 2026 (2 days only)
Time: 7am to 9am (approximate duration)
Number of Participants: One group per day, on a first-come, first-served basis. *Maximum of 8participants per group
Price: JPY 400,000 per group (tax included, accommodation not included)
Spring Toji Temple Night Private Tour
Toji Temple (Kyo-o-gokoku-ji), a UNESCO World Heritage site, is among Kyoto’s most celebrated destinations for cherry blossoms. After the temple has closed to the public, guests are invited to a private viewing of the precincts, where nearly 200 cherry trees, including the rare "Fuji-zakura", softly bathe the night in blossom. Following an exclusive viewing of the fusuma paintings by Insho Domoto at the normally closed "Shoshibo", a resident monk guides guests onward to the National Treasure "Kondo Hall" and the interior of the first floor of the "Five-Storied Pagoda".Enjoy a spring evening of rare luxury, as historic architecture and luminous night cherry blossoms weave together an ethereal beauty, offering a moment of quiet solitude, as if the world existed only for you.
Dates: March 28 (Sat), March 29 (Sun), and March 30 (Mon), 2026 (3 days only)
Time: 9pm to 10:30pm (approximate duration)
Number of Participants: One group per day, on a first-come, first-served basis. *Maximum of 8participants per group
Price: JPY 400,000 per group (tax included, accommodation not included)
Spring Kiyomizu-dera Temple Early Morning Private Tour
HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO’s Signature Experience, the "Private Early Morning Tour of Kiyomizu-dera Temple." We are holding this special tour exclusively for our guests for just exclusively to our guests for just three days during the height of spring season. Wrapped in the silence of the early morning, guests will be guided by Rev. Shouin Onishi through the temple precincts, gaining privileged access to spaces normally closed to the public, including the inner sanctuary of the National Treasure" Hon do (Main Hall)" and the "Hozoden" Treasury.
Dates: March 27 (Fri), April 4 (Sat), and April 5 (Sun), 2026 (3 days only)
Time: 6:30am to 8:30am (approximate duration)
Number of Participants: One group per day, first-come basis (Maximum of 4 participants per group)
Price: JPY 400,000 per group (tax included, accommodation not included)
Please note that the above rates are exclusive of accommodation.
Program details are subject to change depending on circumstances on the day.
Please note that the blooming period of the cherry blossoms may vary depending on weather conditions.
Additional travel time is required to reach the temples. Please contact us regarding transportation arrangements.
Cancellations made within 7 days of the tour date will incur a 100% cancellation fee.
Participation is limited to guests aged 13 and above.
This tour is organized by Nishizawa Stay Co., Ltd.
For inquiries or reservations,
please contact: +81 75 468 3100 (Hotel Reception) or email.
