Kyoto — Ancient Japan

Overview

Key Features

1. Kinkaku-ji — One of the most recognizable symbols of Japan. The gilded pavilion is reflected in the pond, harmoniously blending with the surrounding landscape—a remarkable masterpiece of garden art.
2. Daitoku-ji — A temple revered by the tea ceremony master Sen no Rikyu. At Zuiho-in, admire the garden by Mirei Shigemori and immerse yourself in the tranquility created by Zen aesthetics and the Way of Tea.
3. Garden of Painting — A masterpiece of contemporary architecture designed by Tadao Ando. Encounter Monet’s “Water Lilies” and Michelangelo’s “Last Judgment” amid the sounds of water and light.
4. Tea ceremony — The perfect experience in Kyoto, embodying the spirit of "ichigo ichie," perfected by tea master Sen no Rikyu. Enjoy the beauty of each gesture in the tea preparation, the etiquette of tranquility, and the sincere connection between host and guest.
5. Kennin-ji — The oldest Zen temple in Kyoto. The national treasure “Wind and Thunder Gods” by Tawaraya Sotatsu and the ceiling painting “Two Dragons” by Junsaku Koizumi are masterpieces, while the karesansui-style garden creates a space reminiscent of an art museum.
6. Gion — The most famous geisha district in Japan. Traditional teahouses, narrow alleys, lanterns, and historic architecture—immerse yourself in the refined atmosphere of a quarter that has existed since the Edo period.

Itinerary

Day 1 — Kyoto — The Aesthetics of Ancient Japan

Exclusive Experience in Kyoto

• 10:00 Departure from the hotel in Kyoto
  After meeting your guide, your personal driver will pick you up from the hotel in a comfortable car. Enjoy views of Kyoto's cityscapes from the window on your way to the Golden Pavilion.
• 10:30 Kinkaku-ji — The Golden Pavilion
  Your introduction to Kyoto begins with a visit to one of Japan’s most iconic landmarks — Kinkaku-ji (Rokuon-ji). The gilded Shariden Pavilion is reflected in the waters of Kyoko-chi Pond, blending serenely with the surrounding landscape. The gardens are considered one of the finest examples of harmony in Japanese landscape art.
• 11:30 Daitoku-ji Zuiho-in — Karesansui by Mirei Shigemori
  The next destination is Daitoku-ji, quietly nestled in Murasakino, Kyoto. This Zen Buddhist temple is closely connected with the tea tradition. Known as the “tea sanctuary of Daitoku-ji,” it features numerous tea rooms, and the family temple of the Sen lineage is also located on its grounds. At Zuiho-in Temple, you can admire the karesansui garden “Dokuzatei,” created by the renowned Showa-era garden designer Mirei Shigemori, and experience the refined harmony born of Zen and the art of tea.
• 12:30 Kyoto Prefectural Garden of Fine Arts
  After strolling through Kyoto’s historic gardens, visit the world’s first open-air painting garden, designed by architect Tadao Ando. In a space woven from concrete and water, you can admire masterpieces from around the world—such as Monet’s “Water Lilies,” Michelangelo’s “The Last Judgment,” and the legendary “Chōjū-giga”—all recreated on ceramic panels.
• 13:00 Lunch
  A moment to savor Kyoto’s seasonal cuisine.
  At guests’ request, we arrange reservations at the city’s finest restaurants: exquisite kaiseki cuisine, traditional Kyoto yudofu (tofu), authentic dishes in historic machiya, and other gastronomic experiences in the ambiance of old Kyoto.
• 14:30 Tea ceremony experience
  Immerse yourself in the world of “Zen and the Way of Tea”
  Savor the spirit of “ichigo-ichie,” embodied in a single cup, and the tranquil beauty created by gestures and space—a moment of encountering the very essence of the tea ceremony.
• 15:30 Kennin-ji Temple
  Kennin-ji, the oldest Zen temple in Kyoto, rises quietly beside Gion. Founded in 1202 by Zen master Eisai, this renowned Rinzai school temple houses national treasures such as Tawaraya Sotatsu’s “Wind and Thunder Gods,” Koizumi Junsaku’s ceiling painting “Twin Dragons” in the Dharma Hall, and three unique karesansui (dry landscape) gardens. Enjoy a museum-like space where masterpieces and Zen gardens intertwine.
• 16:30 Gion — The Timeless Charm of Old Kyoto
  The tour concludes with a walk through Gion, Japan’s most famous geisha district. Traditional teahouses, narrow alleys, lanterns, and historic architecture create the refined atmosphere of this area, which has flourished since the Edo period. As dusk falls, the charm of old Kyoto is felt especially vividly.
• 17:00 Hidden Alleys of Kyoto — Return to the Hotel
  Return to the hotel in Kyoto along quiet streets known only to locals, away from the usual tourist routes.

Practical Information

Start time / Duration

10:00 / 7 hours

Included in the price

・Transfer by private car
・Escort and services of a professional guide
・Private tea ceremony and entrance tickets