Tea ceremony in the garden

Private garden visit after closing, guided tour with the gardener, a tea ceremony and an evening tour of the historic residence.

Duration: 2 hours
Location: Kyoto
Capacity: from 1 to 6 guests
From: On request

About This Experience

After the garden closes to visitors, it opens exclusively for you.

This masterpiece of Meiji-era Japanese garden art was created by one of the greatest masters of landscape design. Against the backdrop of the Higashiyama mountains, a stream flows, fed by the waters of the Lake Biwa canal, while over fifty species of moss create a unique landscape that changes with each season.

In the quiet of the evening garden, you will be accompanied by the gardener responsible for its preservation and care. During your walk, he will share the history, design, and vision behind this remarkable space.

A special part of the evening will be a bowl of tea prepared by an experienced master in a teahouse overlooking the garden, which is usually closed to visitors. Accompanied by the sound of flowing water and seasonal Japanese sweets, the tea reveals the atmosphere of the place with particular subtlety.

You will also have access to the historical part of the Western-style residence, associated with important events in the formation of modern Japan. An evening tour of its interiors offers a glimpse into the era in which the face of the modern country was shaped.

Highlights

Exclusive access to national scenic landmarks — Private visit after the garden closes. Enjoy picturesque views, the murmur of the stream, and the beauty of mosses in the tranquil evening atmosphere.
In a tearoom designed in the style of the famous "Enan" — Enjoy a cup of tea in a Meiji-era tea room built according to the principles of the Yabunouchi-ryu school—one of the oldest traditions of Japanese tea art.
Reception hall — In 1903, the western reception hall, where diplomatic policy between Japan and Russia was determined, will be specially opened for evening visits.

Options

Evening private garden visit (garden tour with the gardener / tea ceremony --- matcha and seasonal Japanese sweets in the tea room) On request
Tea ceremony in the Enan tea house (Authentic tea ceremony in the recreated Enan tea house of the Yabunouchi-ryu school / Garden walk and special visit to the western part of the historic residence included) On request
Private use of the entire residence (Exclusive access to all areas of the residence, including the garden and tea pavilion / Full tea ceremony and kaiseki dinner can be arranged) On request

Practical Information

Included in the price: Exclusive access to the garden after visiting hours
Accompaniment by the head gardener
Personal interpreter — expert in Japanese tea culture
Tea ceremony — Matcha prepared by a master and seasonal wagashi
Evening private visit to the historic western wing of the residence
Cancellation Policy: - 11 days before the date: 30% of the cost
- 4 days before the date: 50%
- 2 days before the date: 100%
Not included / Upon request: ・Transportation expenses (transfers arranged upon request)
・Kimono dressing and professional photography (upon request)
Bookings and Requests: Advance reservation is required. We recommend booking at least one month in advance. Takes place even in case of rain.
Clothing and footwear: Our staff will advise you on appropriate footwear and clothing for the garden and tea room. Please refrain from using perfume and bright accessories.
Notes: Photography requires advance reservation. To protect cultural assets, the number of visitors and usage areas are limited. Heating in the Western-style building is restricted during the winter season.