HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO: A Springtime Journey to the World Heritage Site, Kiyomizu-dera

Join Buddhist Monk Akinori Onishi on an Exclusive Early Morning Tour of the “Hidden World of Kiyomizu,” at Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Experience the Private Treasury Hall and Other Exclusive Areas in a Limited-Time Tour on March 26th (Tue), 30th (Sat), and April 3rd (Wed) 【Limited to One Group per Day】

Nestled in the heart of Kyoto, near the former imperial palace of Nijo Castle, lies the five-star HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO (Address: 284 Nijo Oil Koji-cho, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture). This hotel is hosting a private tour for a deep and personal exploration of the World Heritage site Kiyomizu-dera (officially Otowa-san Kiyomizu-dera). The tour, led by the temple’s current chief monk, Akinori Onishi, offers a unique opportunity to engage in profound conversations, discover the temple’s significant cultural treasures, and explore its hidden areas.

Boasting over 1,200 years of history and welcoming approximately 5 million visitors annually, Kiyomizu-dera is among Kyoto’s premier attractions. This special tour, exclusive to hotel guests, takes place in the early hours of spring mornings, offering a serene experience of the temple’s majestic atmosphere and the beauty of cherry blossoms in full bloom.

The tour is guided by Akinori Onishi, a monk from Kiyomizu-dera. He shares stories and wisdom, passed down through a millennium, while leading participants through normally restricted areas, including the temple’s National Treasure Main Hall.

Highlights of the tour include the Treasure Hall within the Great Lecture Hall, designated as an Important Cultural Property. This hall, usually closed to the public, houses invaluable cultural treasures and artifacts, including the oldest statue of Kannon in Kiyomizu-dera and the breathtaking gold-leafed statue of Bishamonten. This is a rare opportunity to witness these significant cultural assets, including colorful votive tablets.

The tour concludes with a private conversation with Monk Akinori Onishi at the normally off-limits Seiju-in, overlooking the exquisite “Moon Garden.” This encounter offers an invaluable experience, fostering a connection with someone you wouldn’t typically meet as a tourist. Alongside views of the Koudai-ji Mountain and a garden adorned with flowers and a pond, these tranquil moments promise to leave lasting memories, enriching your life for years to come.

“Otowa-san Kiyomizu-dera” Early Morning Private Tour Details

• Dates: Limited to three days: March 26, 2024 (Tue), March 30 (Sat), April 3 (Wed)
• Time: Approximately 6:00 AM to 9:00 AM
• Group Size: Limited to the first group per day, up to 4 people per group
• Price: ¥400,000 (tax included) for a group of 1 to 4 people
  • Accommodation fees are separate, includes round-trip transportation to Kiyomizu-dera

Tour Itinerary

Depart from the hotel (6:00) → Arrive at Kiyomizu-dera (6:30) → Important Cultural Property, the West Gate (usually not open to the public) → The Treasure Hall (usually not open to the public) → The National Treasure Main Hall → The Inner Sanctuary of the Main Hall (usually not open to the public) → The Inner Temple → Private conversation with a monk at Seiju-in (usually not open to the public) → Depart from Kiyomizu-dera (8:30) → Arrive back at the hotel (9:00)

• *Cancellations made after 7 days prior to the event will incur a 100% cancellation fee.
• *Participation in this tour is limited to individuals aged 13 and above.

About HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO

HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO was established on November 3, 2020, on the historic site of the Mitsui Honke family estate, which had stood for over 250 years near Nijo Castle.

The hotel features 160 meticulously crafted rooms, built with carefully selected natural materials and artisanal techniques. Guests can enjoy culinary delights at three exquisite restaurants & bars, featuring top-quality ingredients and the skills of exceptional chefs. Additionally, the hotel boasts a SPA area with a natural hot spring, among other diverse facilities.

In February 2023, HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO received the highest rating of “Five Stars” from the Forbes Travel Guide 2023, a prestigious American rating system for world-class hotels, restaurants, and spas. This marked the second consecutive year of achieving this honor, following the first year of operation in 2022, a first for any hotel in Japan.

Under the brand concept of “Embracing Japan’s Beauty,” the hotel cherishes the unique beauty of Japan seen in its traditional culture, architecture, craftsmanship, and cuisine, while offering all guests a special experience and relaxation.

Latest updates from HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO

Major Awards and Recognitions

• December 2023: Selected for “The Gold List 2024” as one of The Best Hotels and Resorts in the World by the American travel magazine “Condé Nast Traveler.”
• October 2023: Named in the top 10 hotels in Japan in the “2023 Readers’ Choice Awards” by “Condé Nast Traveler.”
• July 2023: Ranked as the top hotel in Japan in the “Top 100 Hotels in the World” by the major American travel magazine “Travel + Leisure.”
• February 2023: The “Thermal Spring SPA” received four stars in the Spa category of the “Forbes Travel Guide 2023.”
• February 2023: Continuously achieved the highest rating of five stars in the “Forbes Travel Guide 2023” Hotel category, following its first-ever award in its inaugural year in 2022, a historic first for a hotel in Japan.
• October 2021: Won the “2021 Good Design Award,” hosted by the Japan Institute of Design Promotion.
• July 2021: The hotel’s main entrance gate, “Kajii Miyamon,” was registered as a “Registered Tangible Cultural Property (Building).”