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Offered languages
- Japanese
- English
In this tour, you will visit Katsura Imperial Villa , unchanged for 400 years popular circular gardens, and experience a tea ceremony in a 100-year-old traditional Japanese house wearing an antique kimono.
◯Japanese aesthetic Katsura Imperial Villa
Katsura Imperial Villa was built in 1615 as an imperial villa with a circular garden and a tea ceremony house. Although it has undergone numerous renovations, it has remained almost completely unchanged over the past 400 years and can still be seen today. It is also famous that the world-renowned German architect Bruno Taut praised the beauty of the Katsura Imperial Villa. Visitors to this place will discover how important the Japanese sense of beauty and the tea ceremony were to the Japanese people.
◯We will take care of all the troublesome arrangements.
Only those who have permission to visit Katsura Imperial Villa are allowed to see the garden during limited hours. Only for customers who have chosen our plan, the owner will prepare the hard-to-obtain numbered admission tickets. In order to obtain them, you must be familiar with the rules of admission and apply for them. We will take care of this complicated work for you. Our store is located about 5 minutes by car from Katsura Imperial Villa, and we will pick you up and drop you off on the day of the tour. Also, please be assured that Tokusaburo, the owner of the store, will be responsible for accompanying you on the tour.
◯An antique kimono and a tea ceremony experience in a tranquil setting
After the visit, you will experience a tea ceremony in a 100-year-old traditional Japanese house. Due to our location near Katsura Imperial Villa, you will be able to enjoy the hospitality of the tea ceremony in a much quieter and calmer atmosphere than in the city. In this tea ceremony experience, you will wear a rare and valuable antique kimono from the early Showa period. The fourth generation owner will help you coordinate the kimono and our staff will dress you in it.
This is a unique experience where you can learn the tea ceremony while wearing a rare and valuable antique kimono.
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
Meet at Miyagawa Tokusaburo Shoten. By train Get off at Hankyu Katsura Station. 1 minute walk from East Exit. 10 minutes from Kawaramachi Station. 20 minutes from Kyoto Station. By TAXI, Please show the above address to the taxi driver. Come toward the east exit of Hankyu Katsura Station. 30 minutes from Kawaramachi 20 minutes from Kyoto Station
What to expect
- Owner will accompany you as a guide.
- English speaking service available.
- Experience an authentic tea ceremony in a 100-year-old traditional Japanese house
- Select and wear an antique kimono and obi under the advice of Tokusaburo Miyagawa, the fourth-generation owner of the store.
- Learn about kimono design and opportunities for wearing kimonos.
- Main sweets made by a local Japanese confectioner in Katsura, Kyoto and 2 cups of matcha tea will be served.
- Learn the proper way to drink and prepare matcha tea.
- Watch the owner's tea ceremony demonstration in a tranquil setting
Additional info
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Tags
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Rating
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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