[New Activity] Stay in Higashiyama during autumn and experience the tranquility of Kyoto. Two private cultural experiences.
As the heat gradually eases from September, the trees of Higashiyama begin to change color in autumn, leading into the tranquility of December. During this beautiful time of seasonal transition, why not take the opportunity to not only "see" Kyoto but also slowly engage with the culture and aesthetic sensibilities that have been passed down in the region?
At The Villa Nene-no-Michi Kazeno Heritage, we have newly prepared two private activities that will deepen your enjoyment of your stay in Kyoto.
These include a private visit to a normally closed temple for Zen meditation, and learning about traditional lacquer art with a lacquer artist invited to your villa. It is an experience that allows you to step away from the hustle and bustle of Higashiyama and face Kyoto in your own time.
"Zazen Experience" to calm the mind at the private temple "Gesshin-in"
The temple Gesshin-in in Higashiyama, which is usually not open to the public. You will have a special opportunity to enter the main hall, which has a history of being a base for the patriots who left the Shinsengumi during the late Edo period, and learn the posture, breathing techniques, and philosophy of Zen from a monk.
The experience is completely private. You can spend time in the quiet main hall without being with other customers, listening to the sounds of the wind and the garden, and your own breathing.
Especially recommended is mid to late November when the entire Higashiyama area reaches its peak autumn foliage. The garden of Gesshin-in is also wrapped in autumn colors, allowing you to sit quietly in a landscape unique to this season.
This is a different way to enjoy autumn in Higashiyama compared to the famous autumn foliage spots in Kyoto.
Zen Meditation at the Private Temple Gesshin-in
Price: 15,000 yen (tax included) / person
Duration: Approximately 60 minutes
[View details of the experience]
Authentic Kintsugi Experience
with an Internationally Acclaimed Lacquer Artist
The traditional Japanese technique "Kintsugi" connects broken or chipped pottery with authentic lacquer, leaving the traces as a new beautiful "landscape".
We welcome Miho Hioki, a lacquer artist from "Atelier hifumi" based in Kyoto, who is active both domestically and internationally, to teach the Kintsugi technique using traditional authentic lacquer.
There is no need to go out again for the experience, as the instructor will visit the Nene no Michi Bettei where you are staying. In a private space, you can engage with your pottery at your own pace while touching upon the aesthetic of finding beauty even in "wounds and imperfections" that has been passed down in Japan.
Spending time immersed in handwork in a warm indoor setting from autumn to early winter is one way to enjoy a day in Kyoto.
Authentic Kintsugi Experience with an Internationally Acclaimed Lacquer Artist
Price: 35,000 yen (tax included) / person
Duration: Approximately 120 minutes
[View experience details]
I stayed in Higashiyama.
Experience Kyoto in depth
After walking through the autumn-colored Higashiyama, take your time to engage in handcrafts at the villa.
One morning, visit a temple that is usually not open to the public and sit quietly in the main hall.
Not only is it enjoyable to visit famous spots one after another, but being in one place and taking the time to experience the local culture is a unique pleasure of staying in Kyoto.
From September to December, please consider adding a private cultural experience unique to The Villa Nene-no-Michi Kazeno Heritage to your stay in Kyoto.
*Each activity requires a reservation upon request. We will confirm the availability for your desired date and time.