Mon–Fri 10:00–18:00 (JST)
Japan Tour
A Thousand Years, Deeply Known.
Kyoto Deep Culture
Overview
Tour Overview
Behind the tourist-facing Kyoto lies a millennium of living culture. Private access to hidden gardens, Uji's matcha farms, Nara's ancient shrines, and the monastic retreats of Mt. Koya. A journey that traces the very wellspring of Japanese civilisation.
*Indicative price for 2 guests, room only. Flights not included. Based on ¥150 = $1 USD
Highlights
Tour Highlights
Private Viewing of Hidden Gardens
Access temples and gardens normally closed to visitors, with personal commentary from head priests and garden masters. Includes Saiho-ji (Moss Temple) and Shugakuin Imperial Villa.
Private Tea Picking at a Uji Farm
Hand-pick the finest tencha leaves at an 800-year-old Uji tea estate. Learn to whisk matcha from the tea master themselves.
Early Morning Private Visit to Kasuga Taisha
Before the crowds arrive, walk among 3,000 stone lanterns in the mystical dawn light of Kasuga Grand Shrine. Guided by the shrine's own priest.
Temple Stay & Goma Fire Ceremony at Mt. Koya
Spend a night at a shukubo on the sacred mountain founded by Kukai. Join the morning sutra chanting and witness the powerful goma fire ritual.
Private Nishiki Market Food Tour
Navigate Kyoto's legendary 'Kitchen' with a culinary expert. Taste seasonal pickles, wagashi, tofu, and dashi — the building blocks of Kyoto cuisine.
Dawn Walk Through Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
Experience the bamboo grove in complete solitude before the crowds arrive. The early-morning light filtering through towering stalks creates an otherworldly atmosphere.
Itinerary
Sample Itinerary
Kyoto → Uji → Nara → Mt. Koya — 6 days / 5 nights
Arrive Kyoto
Private transfer to hotel. Afternoon in Higashiyama (Kiyomizu-dera, Ninenzaka, Sannenzaka). Evening kyo-ryori in Gion.
Kyoto
Private hidden garden viewing (morning). Afternoon Nishijin textile workshop and zazen meditation. Dinner: shojin ryori.
Kyoto → Uji
Train to Uji (30 min). Byodoin Phoenix Hall, then private tea-picking at a matcha farm. Uji River stroll.
Kyoto → Nara
Kintetsu to Nara. Early morning Kasuga Taisha private visit. Todai-ji Great Buddha Hall, Nara Park deer. Naramachi walk.
Nara → Mt. Koya
Private car to Mt. Koya. Walk the stone-paved Okunoin path, visit Danjo Garan. Check in to shukubo.
Mt. Koya / Departure
Join the 5:30 am morning service. Goma fire ceremony, then private car to Kansai Airport.
Experiences
Special Experiences
Zazen & Shojin Ryori
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Private Matcha Lesson
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Maiko Evening at an Ochaya
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Shakyo & Goma Ceremony
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Accommodations
Recommended Stays
Suiran, a Luxury Collection Hotel
Nestled beside Arashiyama's Togetsukyo Bridge. The sound of the Hozu River and the changing seasons of Arashiyama define your stay.
Nara Hotel
The 'State Guesthouse of Kansai', established in 1909. Einstein once slept here. Heritage and dignity in every detail.
Fukuchi-in (Mt. Koya Shukubo)
One of Mt. Koya's finest temple lodgings. Beautiful gardens, shojin ryori, and the morning devotional service make it extraordinary.
Trace the Wellspring of Japanese Culture
Your dedicated concierge will design a deep cultural journey through Kyoto, Nara, and Mt. Koya, tailored exclusively for you. Begin with a complimentary consultation.
Start Free Consultation →