THE JUNEI HOTEL KYOTO | Experiences

Order Made Total Reservation

At the hotelFrom 2 to 45 persons

By booking out all eight rooms at THE JUNEI HOTEL Kyoto Imperial Palace West or all eleven rooms at THE JUNEI HOTEL Kyoto, you can enjoy a grand sense of space and hospitality in perfect privacy. Booking is possible for up to 39 or 45 people, so this option is well suited for family reunions, alumni gatherings, company socials, family trips abroad, and other adult group stays.

In order to accommodate your stay, we accept consultations starting one year in advance.
When booking a Total Reservation we must stop accepting reservations for that time period, so please have your group representative contact us at your earliest convenience.

Ochaya-asobi with Maiko-san

At the hotel

There are five 'Hanamachi' Geisha districts in Kyoto, collectively known as the "Gokagai": Gion Kobu, Gion Higashi, Miyagawacho, Kamishichiken, and Pontocho. With this optional plan, the Hanamachi entertainment quarters will send a Maiko-san to the hotel, where you can chat, appreciate her dancing, take pictures with her, and experience Kyoto’s ‘Ochaya-asobi’ games and pastimes all in the comfort of your hotel room. Although many Maiko-san customarily turn away first-time customers, this is a great chance to have your first Ochaya-asobi.

How to reserve

• Please reserve by phone and inform us which day during your stay you would like the Maiko-san to come.
• Please understand that according to Hanamachi rules, no cancelations are allowed after booking confirmation. Even if you cancel your stay at the hotel, there are no refunds for any reason after confirmed booking.
• The 2 hour and 30 minute allotment includes the Maiko-san’s transportation time between the hotel and her respective Hanamachi.
• The Maiko-san’s transportation expenses will be a separate fee.
• Between 3:00pm and 6:00pm, transportation is included in THE JUNEI HOTEL’s Special Price.

Make a reservation　＞

In-Room Private Tea Ceremony

At the hotel

With this plan, you can experience a tea ceremony right on the tatami of your guest room. In the traditional practice of the tea ceremony, you not only learn about the correct method of preparing the tea, but also get in touch with the depth of Japanese culture through calligraphy, flower arranging, ceramics, and hanging scrolls. It's a striking opportunity to appreciate the wonder of Japan.

How to reserve

A private lesson with a certified tea ceremony instructor To reserve, please call or email us to let us know what date you would like this experience.
This opportunity is available to anyone, including tea ceremony beginners and guests from abroad. Please do not hesitate to contact the front desk if you are interested.

Please note:
Payment is due in advance of your stay, or upon check-in.

Make a reservation　＞

Carve a Moment In Time with Your Perfect Shot

Up to 20 participants

The moments you spend with your loved ones are treasures that glimmer in your heart for years to come. To make memories that will last forever, we are pleased to arrange a personal photographer to accompany you at your preferred time and location to do a beautiful photoshoot. The data will be sent to you at a later date as an album of your cherished travel moments.

How to reserve

Make a reservation　＞

Learn True Kyoto Kaiseki Cooking Techniques with a Head Chef

For 2 to 4 participants

Niku Kappou Futago is the restaurant attached to THE JUNEI HOTEL Kyoto, and head chef Mr. Inata Shinya is former head chef of one of Kyoto's world-renown Kyoto Kaiseki (haute cuisine) restaurants. This is your chance to take a Kyoto Kaiseki cooking class, from the basics of Japanese cooking techniques to high level hospitality cuisine. This is also an opportunity to appreciate how Japan expresses the four seasons through food in the special attention paid to seasonal presentation and ingredients, so you can enjoy the same class with different menus throughout the year.

How to reserve

Make a reservation　＞

"Yumekorozome" Dyeing Workshop

Up to 9 participants

Throughout Japanese history, garments made with this“illusionary dye” used to only be worn by the emperor until master craftsman Mr. Okuda Yusai unlocked its secrets. Visit his workshop in Arashiyama and learn how to make your own completely unique dyed piece which changes color in sunlight.

How to reserve

Make a reservation　＞

Cleanse Your Spirit With Meditation and
Copying Sutras

Up to 10 participants

Under the guidance of the chief priest, be mindful of the moment in seated meditation, and search for enlightenment within yourself. Listen to a sermon and realign your spirit, quiet your heart, and change the way you look at the world.

How to reserve

Make a reservation　＞

An Extra Special Visit to Midera Sennyuji

For 2-8 participants

Take a special tour around Sennyuji Temple with a monk as your guide. Unlike the areas of Sennyuji which are usually open to the public, this is a special 2-hour look into the areas usually unseen, including the reliquary hall, the Reimei-den Hall, cultural experiences, and the monk's explanations all the way along so that you can more deeply appreciate the wonders of Sennyuji Temple. As it is a small private tour, you can take your time to make it a special visit to a very special temple.

How to reserve

Make a reservation　＞

Kyoto Wagashi Workshop

Up to 10 participants

High-grade fresh Japanese confections are a type of wagashi (traditional Japanese sweet) crafted into artful, seasonal motifs, and this is your opportunity to make a few yourself. The master wagashi craftsman will teach you to make three different kinds. You can choose one to enjoy at the end of the class with a cup of matcha, and take the others with you as a Kyoto souvenir on your journey.

How to reserve

Make a reservation　＞

Learn to use the Icchin Pottery Technique at Koshungama Kiln

For 2 to 4 participants

Third generation master of the Koshungama Kiln and "Master Craftsman of the Future" as declared by Kyoto Traditional Industries Mr. Takashima will teach you how to apply the delicate "icchin" ceramic technique in an auspicious "Shippo" ("Seven Treasures") pattern.
Each room at THE JUNEI HOTEL Kyoto has original white porcelain pieces with a delicate lace-like texture applied in the "icchin" technique, so that you may enjoy the feel of these beautiful pieces in your own hand. When visiting the kiln, you can enjoy recreating the effect yourself. As your creations will require firing, your finished work will be shipped directly to your home at a later date.

How to reserve

Make a reservation　＞

Kuwahara-Senkei School Ikebana Lesson:
The First Steps of Flower Arranging

Up to 10 participants

The Kuwahara-Senkei School is a famous school of flower arranging which has existed since the early Edo period. The approach of this school is intellectual, as well as free and easy. This is a classroom where you can learn from the upcoming head of the school, but it's a relaxed atmosphere where you can learn the basics of flower arranging to add an extra touch to your everyday life.

How to reserve

Make a reservation　＞

Make Kyoto's True Rice Koji

For 2 to 10 participants

Koji (rice malt) is an absolute necessity in Japanese cuisine as a starter for everything from sake to miso to soy sauce. It is said to have been first created in Kyoto, and "Hishiroku Moyashi" has been in operation for over 360 years and is the only Kyoto producer still in operation. Learn directly from the president of the company, Mr. Sukeno Akihiko, about the basics of rice malt production and then try it out for yourself. You'll get to use a koji-buta (a wooden vessel which you'll use to grow koji), feel the heat of the growing koji mold, and then take home your finished koji for a variety of culinary and health uses.

How to reserve

Make a reservation　＞

Silk Kimono Rental for Strolling in Kyoto

Shimogyo-ku District

Ladies, how would you like to experience some “honmamon” (true Kyoto style) sightseeing in a kimono? Kimono rental company Kyobana provides high quality silk kimono in adult women's sizes for reasonable rental prices. While Kyobana is happy to do the dressing-up for you, interested participants may also take part in a kimono dressing class, to learn the basics and helpful pointers for how to put on the garment yourself. When you are beautifully ready, we will happily provide you with an easily walkable sightseeing route.

How to reserve

• Please make cancellations via phone call by at least 5:00pm the day in advance. Any cancellations after this time incur a fee of 2,000 JPY per participant.
• For same-day or next day use, please make reservations via phone call.

Make a reservation　＞

Dress Yourself in the Finest Luxury,
Dye of the Sun

For 2-8 participants

The emperors of Japan have historically worn formal outfits made with "Korozen," which is also called "illusionary dye." Master dyer Mr. Okuda Yusai has unlocked the secrets of this dye and reproduced its effects. You too can own an ensemble made with this "dye of the sun" by meeting with Mr. Yusai in his Arashiyama villa to discuss your haute couture order, and enjoy an entirely unique outfit in Japanese or Western style. Items available for custom order range from kimono to Western style fashions to small accessories.
Arashiyama Yusai-tei is a private salon open by invitation only, and once you are there, you can select from top-quality goods ready for purchase or discuss your custom order. After discussing your vision, measurements will be taken, and later on upon completion, your unique-in-all-the-world purchase will be shipped to you directly.

How to reserve

Make a reservation　＞

Dynastic "Sanga Celebration" Ceremony at
Midera Sennyuji Temple

For up to 2 participants

"San" is the counting of age and "ga" is praying for longevity, so a "Sanga" ceremony is performed starting at age 40 and every 10 years after that to celebrate and pray for a long life. Sennyuji Temple, revered as the imperial family temple and thereby also known respectfully as Midera, is a place where you can wear Heian period courtly robes such as 12-layered Juni-hitoe to mark your own Sanga Ceremony in the elegant dynastic style. This is a solemn celebration available to men, women, and couples; it takes place in the reliquary hall in front of the principal Shingon sect relics which date back to the Three Kingdoms period of China, which have been honored by successive generations of emperors. There is no where else in Japan to perform the ceremony quite like this, under the Elder High Priest and before such precious relics.

How to reserve

Make a reservation　＞

Carve a Moment In Time with Your Perfect Shot

Up to 20 participants

The moments you spend with your loved ones are treasures that glimmer in your heart for years to come. To make memories that will last forever, we are pleased to arrange a personal photographer to accompany you at your preferred time and location to do a beautiful photoshoot. The data will be sent to you at a later date as an album of your cherished travel moments.

How to reserve

Make a reservation　＞

Rent an Elegant Villa Overlooking Hidden
Arashiyama Scenery

For 2-8 participants

Arashiyama Yusai-tei was built 150 years ago in the Meiji period, on the same site as Emperors Go-Saga and Kameyama's secluded villa which existed 800 years ago. It was a pleasurable getaway for many Heian period nobles, so the beauty of Arashiyama's seasons was captured by many popular poems of the time. The iconic collection of poems "Ogura Hyakunin Isshu" was also compiled nearby. Arashiyama Yusai-tei is one of the greatest places to appreciate the changing seasons, as well as the beauty of a Kyoto style space, and you can rent it for private use. Please enjoy the Arashiyama scenery as a backdrop for your elegant receptions, banquets, and other functions. You can also mark your special occasion by wearing an "iro-uchikake" bridal kimono, with none other like it in the world.

How to reserve

Make a reservation　＞

Helicopter Tour

Fushimi JPD KyotoFor up to 3 participants

If it's always been your dream to get the best view of the old city of Kyoto from up in the skies, we're happy to help you make that dream a reality. It's an experience like no other on the ground, giving you a view of UNESCO World Heritage sites scattered throughout Kyoto's grid-like streets and along the glistening Kamo River. In one 30-minute loop, you can see Arashiyama, the Hozugawa River, the Golden Pavilion, Nijo-jo Castle, Kiyomizudera Temple, Kyoto Station, and other major sites. Consider this moving experience as the perfect surprise for your special occasion!

How to reserve

• Participation fees include rider liability insurance.
• Reservations required at least one day in advance.
• Price does not include transportation to Fushimi JPD Heliport

Make a reservation　＞

Katsura Imperial Villa and

Byodoin Temple Tour

For up to 8 participants

With this plan, you can take a day trip to Katsura Imperial Villa, which is so popular that it can be difficult to book a visit, and Uji Byodoin Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Katsura Imperial Villa, built for Toshihito Shinno in the early Edo period, was praised by German architect Bruno Taut as so beautiful that it will make people cry. As the most famous Japanese garden, it is like all the beauty of Japan condensed into one villa, with the Katsura River flowing to the east and an elegant atmosphere reminiscent of the Heian era.
Next, head to Uji, which is famous for being the setting of a few chapters of the "The Tale of Genji." Byodoin Temple was built encompassing the most fervent wishes to enter the Buddhist Pure Land, and it's said that anyone will believe in paradise upon viewing the Phoenix Hall, which is also featured on the 10 yen coin. Together with its reflection in the surrounding pond, it's a breathtaking sight.

How to reserve

• Reservations must be made at least one day in advance.
• When making your reservation, please contact us the participants names and dates of birth.
• Price includes private vehicle transportation to Katsura Imperial Villa

Make a reservation　＞

Amanohashidate Sand Bar & Ine Fishing
Village Daytrip

For up to 8 participants

On this daytrip, we take you to two spots famous landscapes, Amanohashidate and Ine Fishing Village.
Declared one of the Top 3 Scenic Spots in Japan, Amanohashidate, "The Bridge to the Heavens", has crisp and clean scenery and is said to be an island where gods descended.
Ine Fishing Village has been declared a conservation district for important traditional architecture for its hundreds of years of Ine "funaya" houses. These houses have a boat garage as the first floor and living quarters on the second floor, so from the ocean, they appear to be built on the very surface of the water. It's often been called a Venice of Japan.

How to reserve

Make a reservation　＞

Breeze through Kyoto on a Rickshaw Ride

up to 2 participants

Enjoy your travels and sightseeing with the most heartfelt hospitality on an Ebisu-ya rickshaw tour. After departing from the entrance of THE JUNEI HOTEL Kyoto, feel the breeze as you experience the sights of Kyoto's Higashiyama townscape. It is also possible to begin your tour from other sightseeing locations and then arrive at THE JUNEI HOTEL Kyoto in style.

How to reserve

Make a reservation　＞

Riverside Meal in Kibune and Hozugawa
River Boat Ride

Up to 8 participants

When it comes to summer in Kyoto, the quintessential thing to do is dine at "kawadoko" riverside seating in Kibune. The top-class restaurant with the most expansive seating built over the river is Kibune Beniya, where you can feel the wind and coolness coming off the river, and enjoy a temperature of around 10 degrees Celcius cooler than in Kyoto's city center. The natural cooling effects of nature are even better than air conditioning, and you can also appreciate nature's abundance in Kibune's seasonal freshwater trout and local vegetables in a Kyoto style Kaiseki meal.
After breakfast in Kibune, travel out to Kameoka City to begin your 16km boat ride on the Hozugawa River into the Sagano area of Kyoto. This boat ride has gained fame around the world and is typically ridden by over 300,000 guests a year. Have a wonderful time enjoying nature in any season!

How to reserve

Make a reservation　＞

Take an Impactful Tour of Kyoto's Gardens with Garden Designer Ms. Ugaya Yuri

For 2 to 5 participants

With but one stone representing anything from mountains to gods, a garden represents an entire tiny universe, thereby the Japanese garden is unparalleled around the world. Within these gardens there are many hidden tricks used to condense a range of thought and beauty into a diminutive world, and garden designer Mr. Ugaya Yuri will be your guide to help you see Kyoto's gardens with fresh eyes for these points.

How to reserve

Make a reservation　＞

Visit to a Private Kyoto Bamboo Grove and Bamboo Tokkuri Sake Bottle Workshop

Up to 4 participants

As purveyors of the profound charms of bamboo craftsmanship, Takesada Shoten has maintained a private bamboo grove for about 140 years in the Arashiyama Sagano area. You can start your experience with a tour of the bamboo grove with the workers there to guide you, and then under their tutelage, you can make your own Tokkuri sake bottle and Ochoko sake cups. Since items made with green bamboo tend to change color quickly, it carries a nuance of having been specially prepared for the guest who uses it, thereby making its use appropriate for top-tier hospitality. Furthermore, if you serve fresh sake in green bamboo, it will absorb its fragrance, making for an even tastier experience. Please be sure to enjoy some Japanese sake in your handcrafted works on the day you make them.

How to reserve

Make a reservation　＞

Garden for Private Use, Hakuryuen:
A secret Paradise with a View of Mt. Kurama

For 2 to 10 participants

Located just in front of Mt. Kurama lies the Ninose village, and the garden which seems to float at the foothills of Mt. An'yoji, Hakuryuen. While this location has long been considered sacred grounds, the land was purchased in 1962 by the founder of Aono Co., Ltd, Mr. Shoichi Aono, and in 1963, he constructed a torii gate and shrine for the gods Shirahige Daijin and Hachidai Ryu'o. This was the beginning of Hakuryuen, a garden which borrows from both gods' names.
Currently, it is only open to the public in spring and autumn, but you can privately enjoy hosting an event in this garden and all the nature that surrounds it.

How to reserve

Make a reservation　＞

Visit the Power Spots of Kyoto

For up to 2 participants

Whether you're looking for luck in love, business, safety and wellbeing for your family, avoiding illness, or passing a big test, your guide will choose a route based on the luck you're looking for and will take you to the strongest Power Spots around Kyoto. The ancient capital is an excellent place to reexamine yourself, get a fresh start, and power yourself up for the year ahead.

How to reserve

Make a reservation　＞

JUNEI Experience - LIVE E-Commerce

The JUNEI Experience is the first service of its kind in Japan, connecting you online with local producers, artists, and master craftsmen. Rather than simply being a method of purchasing products, we connect you online with the artisans to speak in real time and consult about your made-to-order product requests, ensuring a totally original product, uniquely yours.

At the JUNEI Experience, we believe that in order to truly feel the value of a product, one must not see it only as a simple object, but understand it in the context of the place where it was created and in speaking directly with the artisan. That’s why we created this platform to bring this added value to traditional products and connect artisans to customers around the world, as well as to promote and protect Japan’s traditional cultural arts.

How to reserve

Make a reservation　＞

"Yumekorozome" Dyeing Workshop

Up to 9 participants

Throughout Japanese history, garments made with this“illusionary dye” used to only be worn by the emperor until master craftsman Mr. Okuda Yusai unlocked its secrets.
Visit his workshop in Arashiyama and learn how to make your own completely unique dyed piece which changes color in sunlight.

How to reserve

Make a reservation　＞

Dress Yourself in the Finest Luxury,

Dye of the Sun

For 2-8 participants

The emperors of Japan have historically worn formal outfits made with "Korozen," which is also called "illusionary dye." Master dyer Mr. Okuda Yusai has unlocked the secrets of this dye and reproduced its effects. You too can own an ensemble made with this "dye of the sun" by meeting with Mr. Yusai in his Arashiyama villa to discuss your haute couture order, and enjoy an entirely unique outfit in Japanese or Western style. Items available for custom order range from kimono to Western style fashions to small accessories.
Arashiyama Yusai-tei is a private salon open by invitation only, and once you are there, you can select from top-quality goods ready for purchase or discuss your custom order. After discussing your vision, measurements will be taken, and later on upon completion, your unique-in-all-the-world purchase will be shipped to you directly.

How to reserve

Make a reservation　＞

Cleanse Your Spirit With Meditation and
Copying Sutras

Up to 10 participants

Under the guidance of the chief priest, be mindful of the moment in seated meditation, and search for enlightenment within yourself. Listen to a sermon and realign your spirit, quiet your heart, and change the way you look at the world.

How to reserve

Make a reservation　＞

An Extra Special Visit to Midera Sennyuji

For 2-8 participants

Take a special tour around Sennyuji Temple with a monk as your guide. Unlike the areas of Sennyuji which are usually open to the public, this is a special 2-hour look into the areas usually unseen, including the reliquary hall, the Reimei-den Hall, cultural experiences, and the monk's explanations all the way along so that you can more deeply appreciate the wonders of Sennyuji Temple. As it is a small private tour, you can take your time to make it a special visit to a very special temple.

How to reserve

Make a reservation　＞

Visit the Power Spots of Kyoto

For up to 2 participants

Whether you're looking for luck in love, business, safety and wellbeing for your family, avoiding illness, or passing a big test, your guide will choose a route based on the luck you're looking for and will take you to the strongest Power Spots around Kyoto. The ancient capital is an excellent place to reexamine yourself, get a fresh start, and power yourself up for the year ahead.

How to reserve

Make a reservation　＞

Learn to use the Icchin Pottery Technique
at Koshungama Kiln

For 2 to 4 participants

Third generation master of the Koshungama Kiln and "Master Craftsman of the Future" as declared by Kyoto Traditional Industries Mr. Takashima will teach you how to apply the delicate "icchin" ceramic technique in an auspicious "Shippo" ("Seven Treasures") pattern.
Each room at THE JUNEI HOTEL Kyoto has original white porcelain pieces with a delicate lace-like texture applied in the "icchin" technique, so that you may enjoy the feel of these beautiful pieces in your own hand. When visiting the kiln, you can enjoy recreating the effect yourself. As your creations will require firing, your finished work will be shipped directly to your home at a later date.

How to reserve

Make a reservation　＞

Learn True Kyoto Kaiseki Cooking Techniques with a Head Chef

For 2 to 4 participants

Niku Kappou Futago is the restaurant attached to THE JUNEI HOTEL Kyoto, and head chef Mr. Inata Shinya is former head chef of one of Kyoto's world-renown Kyoto Kaiseki (haute cuisine) restaurants. This is your chance to take a Kyoto Kaiseki cooking class, from the basics of Japanese cooking techniques to high level hospitality cuisine. This is also an opportunity to appreciate how Japan expresses the four seasons through food in the special attention paid to seasonal presentation and ingredients, so you can enjoy the same class with different menus throughout the year.

How to reserve

Make a reservation　＞