Kyoto’s Timeless Elegance

Arrive in Kyoto and begin your journey in Japan’s cultural capital. After checking in, spend the afternoon at leisure, exploring the city at your own pace before joining a Dinner with Maiko in the evening, a special cultural experience that pairs a traditional meal with a rare glimpse into the refined world of geiko and maiko, one of Kyoto’s most distinctive living traditions.

Begin at Kinkaku-ji, the famous Golden Pavilion, its gilded form beautifully mirrored on the pond before it and recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Continue to Nishiki Market, Kyoto’s best-known food market, wandering stalls that reveal the distinctive flavours of the Kansai region. In the afternoon, dress in kimono for a traditional tea ceremony, a quiet ritual that captures the spirit of the city, before visiting Kiyomizu-dera, the celebrated hillside temple whose wooden terrace has watched over Kyoto for centuries.

Spend the day in Arashiyama, a district known for its tranquil natural surroundings and unhurried pace. Wander the soaring stalks of Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, one of Kyoto’s most iconic sights, before visiting Tenryu-ji Temple, an important historic site within the district. Board the Sagano Scenic Railway, tracing the beautiful landscapes of the Hozugawa Valley to Kameoka, then return by boat on the Hozu River, drifting back to Arashiyama for a different perspective on Kyoto’s natural beauty.

Spend a full day in Uji, a town defined by its long-standing green tea tradition and peaceful riverside atmosphere. Begin at Byodoin Temple, one of Uji’s most symbolic landmarks, renowned for its Phoenix Hall and elegant Heian-style garden, before crossing the historic Uji Bridge, a site of deep historical significance and one of the town’s enduring symbols. Afterwards, take part in a tea brewing experience, gaining deeper insight into the craft that has shaped Uji’s identity for generations.

After breakfast, enjoy some final moments at leisure before departing Kyoto and continuing your onward journey.