[New Activities] Three Private Cultural Experiences to Deeply Enjoy Kyoto from Autumn to Early Winter.
From September to December, Kyoto gradually changes its expression from the early autumn that feels the remnants of summer, to the season of colorful foliage, and then to the clear air of early winter.
Not only visiting temples and famous sites, but also incorporating time to quietly face oneself while touching the culture that lives in Kyoto during the journey. At The Villa Higashiyama Roji Kazeno Heritage, we have newly prepared three private activities for you to enjoy your stay in Kyoto.
Zen meditation at a temple that is usually not open to the public, a banquet with geisha and maiko invited to your villa, and learning kintsugi with real lacquer directly from a lacquer artist. Each of these offers a Kyoto experience that is different from the typical tourist activities, exclusively for our guests.
"Zazen Experience" to calm the mind at the private temple "Gesshin-in"
The private temple "Gesshin-in" located in Higashiyama, Kyoto, is usually not open to the public.
Specially reserved for you, the main hall has a history of being a base for the samurai who left the Shinsengumi during the late Edo period, where you will learn the posture, breathing, and philosophy of Zen meditation under the guidance of a monk.
Because this is a completely private experience without other customers, you can distance yourself from the noise outside and face yourself in silence.
We especially recommend this during mid to late November when Higashiyama is enveloped in autumn leaves. The trees in the Gesshin-in garden also change color, allowing you to enjoy a special moment of Zen meditation amidst the autumn scenery and tranquility.
Zen Meditation at the Private Temple Gesshin-in
Price: 15,000 yen (tax included) / person
Duration: Approximately 60 minutes
[View details of the experience]
Enjoying in a private villa
"Dance and entertainment by geisha"
The culture of the flower districts that you want to experience at least once, especially since you have come to Kyoto.
In this experience, you will visit the Higashiyama alley where active geiko and maiko stay, and enjoy their performances of dance, shamisen, and traditional games right in front of you.
The stage for the banquet is a private villa that you can rent exclusively. Instead of going to a restaurant or tea house, welcoming geiko and maiko to the place where you are relaxing allows you to enjoy the night in Kyoto with just your family and friends without worrying about the surroundings.
We can also prepare kyo-ryori catering upon request.
Enjoy "Dance and Traditional Games by Geiko and Maiko" in a Private Villa
Price: 135,000 yen (tax included) per group
Duration: Approximately 90 minutes
※ We can also arrange catering separately.
[View details of the experience]
Authentic Kintsugi Experience
with an Internationally Acclaimed Lacquer Artist
Kintsugi, which accepts the scars of broken vessels not as flaws to be hidden, but as part of the time that the vessel has endured, transforming them into new beauty.
We welcome Miho Hioki, a lacquer artist from "Atelier hifumi" based in Kyoto, to teach us Kintsugi using traditional urushi lacquer.
This is a completely private experience where the instructor visits the villa where they are staying. Instead of going somewhere to learn during your travels, you can slowly engage with the vessel in front of you and the craftsmanship in the quiet residence of Higashiyama.
It is also recommended for autumn afternoons or days when you want to spend quietly at the villa.
Authentic Kintsugi Experience with an Internationally Acclaimed Lacquer Artist
Price: 35,000 yen (tax included) / person
Duration: Approximately 120 minutes
[View experience details]
From autumn to early winter.
Experience Kyoto like never before by staying in a villa.
Strolling through the famous autumn foliage spots and enjoying the seasonal Kyoto. Then, after returning to the villa, a time to welcome the culture of Kyoto itself into your own private space.
Alternatively, visiting temples that are usually inaccessible and taking time to calm your mind in silence.
How about adding a Kyoto experience that you can’t encounter just by sightseeing during your stay? From September to December, please enjoy a private cultural experience unique to The Villa Higashiyama Roji Kazeno Heritage.
*Each activity requires a reservation request. We will confirm the availability for your desired date and time.