Kyoto Artisan Day
A private day for two to four guests, spent with the people and places behind Kyoto’s crafts. It moves at an unhurried pace, from a weaving studio in the morning to tea in the late afternoon, and leaves the evening free.
- Area
- Kyoto
- Length
- One day, about 9:00 to 17:30
- Group
- Two to four guests, private
This is a sample. We adapt it to your guests, the season and each host’s availability, and confirm every element before travel.
The day
Collection from the hotel
A private car with a driver collects your guests from their hotel in Kyoto. An English-speaking guide stays with them through the day.
A weaving studio in Nishijin
Nishijin, Kyoto’s silk-weaving quarter, takes its name from the western army’s camp in the Ōnin War (1467–77). Guests watch a weaver at the loom, then try weaving themselves.
A Zen temple and zazen
A Zen temple visited by special arrangement. The priest talks with guests about the temple, then leads a short session of zazen, seated meditation.
Kaiseki lunch in a private room
Lunch in a private room at a ryotei, a traditional Japanese restaurant. Kaiseki is a meal of small courses that follow the season.
Pottery or gold leaf
Guests make a piece of their own with a Kyo-yaki potter or a gold-leaf artisan. Finished pieces are shipped to them after the trip, as pottery needs time to dry and be fired.
Tea
The day closes with a private tea ceremony: a bowl of matcha and a seasonal sweet, prepared in front of your guests.
Return to the hotel
The car takes your guests back to their hotel. The evening is left free.
Adapting the day
A lighter day
Keep the weaving, the temple and lunch, and leave the afternoon open.
The craft
Pottery or gold leaf, chosen for your guests’ interests.
A longer stay
Add a night at a ryokan in Kyoto, or continue to Nara the next day.
Notes for planners
- Hosts
- The studios, temple and restaurant are chosen for each request and confirmed for your dates.
- Group size
- Two to four guests, private. Larger groups are discussed request by request.
- Photography
- Each host has its own rules. We confirm them before travel.
- Weather
- Most of the day is spent indoors. If rain affects the temple visit, we propose an alternative in advance.
- Shoes and seating
- Shoes come off at the temple and in the tea room, and zazen and tea are done sitting on the floor. Tell us about any mobility needs and we will ask the hosts about chairs.
- Season
- Kyoto is busiest in spring and autumn. For those months, send requests early so hosts can be held.
- Rates
- Quoted for each request, by group size, season and hosts.
Plan this day for your clients
Send us your dates, group size and a little about your guests. We will reply by email.