Kyoto Brighton Hotel’s
original activities
to explore a special Kyoto
Recommended Activities
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Spring Private Tours Program
Morning Tours Special early entry to Kyoto’s famous temples with beautiful Cherry Blossoms (Sakura)Concept If you would like to enjoy the beautiful cherry blossoms (Sakura) in peace, here is the answer for you. This special plan will take you to temples and gardens famous with cherry blossoms (Sakura), privately reserved just for Kyoto Brighton Hotel. You can enter each site before the gates open to the public, enjoy strolling the gardens, and take photos in the peaceful atmosphere. Also enjoy our delicious breakfast after returning to the hotel. Don’t miss the opportunity to join one of the most special and popular activities with us.
Tour Date Spring 2026 Details Coming Soon
The peaceful moment
Gardens are usually designed to be enjoyed from a seated position. With the limited number of participants, the quiet atmosphere will allow you to relax in the true way.
Enjoy the Cherry Blossoms (Sakura) at Different Temples
We will take you to different temples each day, during the period. Why not join the tour every morning during your stay, and enjoy each atmosphere?
Breakfast (Japanese set menu or Western buffet)
After returning to the hotel, breakfast will be waiting for you. The end of the relaxing morning tour will add you the energy to start the day.
Previous day Check-in 7:00~7:30 Departure from hotel (by van type taxi) 7:30〜9:00 Arrival at each temple and garden
Explore the beautiful garden9:00 Departure from each temple and garden (by van type taxi) 9:30 Arrival at hotel, breakfast (Japanese set menu or Western buffet) -
Spring Private Tours Program
Night Tour at Kiyomizu-dera Kiyomizu-dera (UNESCO World Heritage Site) Enjoy a spectacular night view with beautiful Cherry Blossoms (Sakura) at one of the most famous World Heritage sites.Concept A luxurious way to enjoy a spectacular night view of a World Heritage site - we will show you to a private evening tour at Kiyomizu-dera Temple. 50 participants can join the tour, privately reserved just for Kyoto Brighton Hotel. After enjoying dinner at one of our four restaurants, we will take you to the only-one special tour, where you can print the beautifully illuminated cherry blossoms both in your minds and in your cameras.
Tour Date Spring 2026 Details Coming Soon
Enjoy the Spectacular Night View
The temple offers a stunning cityscape of Kyoto, especially beautiful in the evening. Don’t miss the chance to reach the outstanding panoramic view of the city.
Make the most of it
Being one of the most famous World Heritage sites in Kyoto, the temple is usually full with people while open to the public. This small group private tour will allow you to enjoy its atmosphere in peace.
Informative talks by a famous monk
Participants will first enter a special room that is usually not accessible, whare a famous monk from Kiyomizu-dera Temple will talk about Kannon and Kiyomizu-dera Temple in an easy-to-understand manner. (in Japanase)
Pickup and drop-off from the hotel
There is no need to worry about the transport. The tour will pick you up from the hotel, attended by the hotel staff.
Enjoy the Culinary Brighton
Menus are supervised by our award-winning Executive Chef, renowned for numerous accolades. Please choose your preferred dinner from our exquisite in-house restaurants.
Relaxing time back in your room
Our guest rooms are spacious with plenty of space. Relax in your room until the next day, where there is no need to rush for check-out until noon.
15:00 Check-in 17:00 Dinner at hotel (to be chosen from one of our in-house restaurants) 19:15 Departure from hotel (by van type taxi) 19:45 Arrival at Kiyomizu-dera Temple
Explore the night view with beautiful cherry blossoms21:00 Departure from Kiyomizu-dera Temple (by van type taxi) 21:30 Back to hotel -
Spring Private Tours Program
Night Tour at Ninnaji Temple (UNESCO World Heritage Site)Concept Ninnaji Temple is a Buddhist temple in north-west Kyoto that is deeply related with the Imperial Family of Japan. The temple is especially famous for its Omuro Sakura cherry trees which are the latest blooming cherries in the whole of Kyoto city. This spring, 30 participants can join our special tour, privately reserved just for Kyoto Brighton Hotel.
Tour Date Spring 2026 Details Coming Soon
Kondo (National Treasure / Usually not open to public)
The Kondo (Main Hall) was originally on the grounds of the Imperial Palace in central Kyoto, donated to the temple in the 1600s.
Nio-mon Gate(Important Cultural Property)
Guarded by the two otherworldly, wrestler-like Kongo-rikishi statues, the gate is one of the three most famous of the numerous temple entrance gates in Kyoto.
Goten Palace(Registered Tangible Cultural Property)
Built in the style of an imperial palace, the highlight is the Goten, the former residence of the head priest in the southwestern corner of the temple complex.
Omuro Sakura (Cherry Blossoms)
The temple is especially famous for its Omuro Sakura cherry trees which are the latest blooming cherries in the whole of Kyoto city.
Enjoy the Culinary Brighton
Menus are supervised by our award-winning Executive Chef, renowned for numerous accolades. Please choose your preferred dinner from our exquisite in-house restaurants.
Relaxing time in your room
Our guest rooms are spacious with plenty of space. Relax in your room until the next day, , where there is no need to rush for check-out until noon.
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Gozan Okuribi (Daimonji Bonfire)
Summer Special: Dinner & Rooftop Viewing PlanConcept Gozan Okuribi, also known as the Daimonji Bonfire, is one of Kyoto's most symbolic summer sacred rituals, illuminating the night sky in a spectacular fashion. On August 16th only, our hotel offers an exclusive plan allowing guests to ascend to our rooftop for an unparalleled view of this magnificent ceremony. Spend a truly unforgettable evening experiencing this once-a-year sacred event.
Details Coming Soon
At the Heart of Kyoto
Our hotel is ideally situated in Kamigyo-ku, a district rich in traditional culture and dotted with numerous historic landmarks. This central Kyoto location provides a prime vantage point, offering panoramic views of the Gozan mountains where the bonfires are lit.
Spectacular Views from Our Rooftop
From our exclusive hotel rooftop, you can enjoy views of almost all the Gozan Okuribi bonfires: "Right Daimonji," "Myoho," "Funagata" (Boat-shape), and "Left Daimonji."
Your Choice of Exquisite Dinners
Savor exquisite cuisine by our award-winning Executive Chef, honored with prestigious titles such as the "Order of the Sacred Treasure" and "Contemporary Master Craftsman." Special dinners are available at our various restaurants for your perfect culinary experience.
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Toraya Karyo Kyoto Ichijo "Morning Matcha Experience" Enjoy the Morning Japanese Garden View
Concept Toraya, a venerable Japanese confectionery shop, has been located west of the Imperial Palace (Gosho) since before 1628. This quiet and historic neighborhood is where the shop has long served the Imperial Palace. The garden, featuring an Inari shrine and an Edo-period storehouse, changes its expression with each season and has also been selected for the National Japanese Garden Ranking. We have prepared a special plan that allows you to experience wagashi (Japanese sweets) and matcha (green tea) in a private, spacious setting during the quiet pre-opening hours, all while overlooking this beautiful garden. Enjoy the traditional Japanese culture of tea ceremony and wagashi, and spend a profound moment unique to Kyoto.
Dates Every Friday from October 3, 2025
Exclusion Dates: January 2nd & 9th, 2026, and other closing daysPrice 5,000 JPY per person
*Exclusive for guests staying at Kyoto Brighton HotelWhat's Included - Matcha (green tea) and seasonal fresh wagashi at Toraya Karyo, a souvenir of Kyoto-limited Toraya yokan (sweet bean jelly), and consumption tax
Notes - This is an optional plan exclusive for guests staying at Kyoto Brighton Hotel. Please note that, depending on reservation status, you may be guided alongside other hotel guests.
- Reservations are accepted for 2 to 10 people.
- If you wish to participate, please inform the concierge by 15:00 the day before. Reservations are accepted starting one month in advance.
- For those who wish for a simple matcha whisking experience, you can enjoy it for approximately 30 minutes under the guidance of the staff (times may vary depending on reservation status). Kindly inform us when booking. No additional fee is required.
- Please enjoy your time at Karyo at a leisurely pace, aiming to depart around 10:30. After the 10:00 opening, general customers will start arriving.
- You can choose your preferred wagashi from several types on the day. As quantities are limited, the store may not be able to accommodate requests for the same item if multiple persons desire it.
- If you have any food allergies, please inform us when making your reservation.
A Moment to Experience Japanese Culture
At Toraya Karyo, approximately 600 books related to Japanese culture are freely available for browsing. The "Toraya Kyoto Gallery" also occasionally hosts exhibitions related to Kyoto.
The Beautiful Japanese Garden All to Yourself
Selected for the National Japanese Garden Ranking "Shiosai Project," you can enjoy sweets while gazing at the garden that changes its expression with each season.
Matcha Experience Exclusive to This Plan
For those who wish, a simple experience of whisking your own matcha under the guidance of the staff is also possible. This is a special opportunity not available during regular business hours.
9:25 Walk from the hotel
Staff will guide you to the store9:30 Arrive at Toraya Karyo
Enjoy matcha and wagashi in the quiet atmosphere10:30 Free to depart after the experience
Past Events
Autumn Private Tours Program
Night Tour at Ninnaji Temple (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
Following the success of this spring's event, we held our first autumn special program, offering small-group guided tours after public closing hours.
November 2025
Autumn Private Tours Program
Morning Tours
Special early entry to Kyoto’s famous temples and shrines with beautiful autumn leaves
Guests experienced a serene early morning, enjoying exclusive private access to one of Kyoto's famous autumn foliage spots before public opening hours, as part of our highly popular plan.
November 2025
Autumn Private Tours Program
Night Tour at Kiyomizu-dera Temple (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
Enjoy a spectacular night view with beautiful autumn leaves at one of the most famous World Heritage sites
Guests enjoyed a truly luxurious experience: exclusive private access to a World Heritage site for just 50 attendees, savoring the magnificent night view of Kyoto City.
December 2025
KAWADOKO & NORYO YUKA Riverside Dining Plan
Guests enjoyed Kawadoko dining amidst lush greenery and the river's gentle sound. They savored delicious summer dishes, experiencing Kyoto's natural coolness – a refreshing escape from air-conditioned interiors.
Summer 2025
Morning Zazen Experience at Tenryu-ji Temple (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
Participants enjoyed a special Zazen Meditation Experience at one of the most famous UNESCO World Heritage Sites, in front of the calm and quiet Sogenchi Teien (Sogen Pond Garden).
March 2025
Kabuki Performance at the Minamiza Theatre
March Program
First class seat ticket included
Guests enjoyed the special KABUKI performance at the Minamiza Theatre, from the first class seats.
March 2024
Kabuki Performance at the Minamiza Theatre
December Program
First class seat ticket included
Guests enjoyed the special KABUKI performance at the Minamiza Theatre, from the first class seats.
December 2023