ACTIVITIES THAT OPEN THE DOOR TO TIMELESS KYOTO TRADITIONS

2 hours
JPY 13,000 per person

Kyo-Karakami (Kyoto Karakami) is a type of woodblock print which uses printing blocks hand-carved out of magnolia wood with traditional patterns passed down from ancient times. In this activity, you will print your own paper and postcards. Let’s enjoy making a washi paper along with the artist who created our beautiful fusuma sliding door and the woodblock ceiling in the hotel.

2 hours
JPY 15,000 per person
This activity is arranged upon request and subject to availability.

This activity takes place at Myokaku-ji Temple, where you can witness monks chanting to the accompaniment of Japanese drums. At the end of the chanting session, you will also learn how to play the drums. 

Complimentary
Number of person: 2
This activity is arranged upon request and subject to availability.

Let us take you on a fun-filled cycling adventure with a friend or loved one. Tandem biking along the riverside and visiting temples is just one more enjoyable way to see the real Kyoto.

2 hours
Complimentary
This activity is arranged upon request and subject to availability.

Have you ever wondered how the city of Kyoto looks from 500m above sea level? Come hike with us and find out! Leaving your footprints on the mountain will enliven the memory of your favorite moments in Japan. Spend some time amid Japan's natural beauty – it's sure to be a highlight of your vacation.

1.5 hours
6:30 a.m. - 8 a.m., 8:30 a.m. - 10 a.m.
Complimentary

With its calm streets, Kyoto is an ideal city to explore by bicycle. We offer sightseeing cycle tours to famous places such as Kiyomizu temple, Shimogamo shrine, Heian Jingu shrine, and Fushimi Inari shrine known for its thousands of torii gates. The tour is led by our Guest Activities team who can provide a unique insight into these historic sites.

1 hour
Complimentary
This activity is arranged upon request and subject to availability.

The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto contains around 400 works of contemporary art inspired by scenes from the Tale of Genji, the 1,000 year-old masterpiece considered to be the first Japanese novel. In this tour especially designed for art-lovers, our guide will introduce a selection of these artworks and explain their significance.

1 hour
JPY 10,000 per person
This activity is arranged upon request and subject to availability.

Immerse yourself in history as you stroll through the old streets of Kyoto dressed in a traditional kimono. As part of the experience we will be happy to help you to choose your favorite colors, patterns, and designs of kimono.

2.5 hours
For double occupancy: JPY 25,000 per person (Includes Kimono experience followed by ride on a rickshaw for an hour) *Please contact Guest Activities for single occupancy rates.　

This activity is arranged upon request and subject to availability.

Since the Meiji period in the late 1800s, the rickshaw has been used for transportation all over Japan. Today, you have the opportunity to travel through time and experience age-old traditions dressed in a kimono. We have chosen some attractive routes for you to ride a rickshaw through the most authentic and beautiful old streets of Kyoto. This complete experience will bring you memories for a lifetime.

1 hour
JPY 15,000 per person
This activity is arranged upon request and subject to availability.

In feudal times, samurai warriors practiced the performing art of kenbu (literally “sword dance”) to prepare themselves for battle. In this class you will learn basic kenbu moves with a real samurai sword and dressed in traditional costume. At the end of this activity, a stage performance by a kenbu master will make it a complete experience to remember.

1 hour
JPY 15,000 per person
This activity is arranged upon request and subject to availability.

The samurai armor (yoroi) and helmet (kabuto) are symbols of the legendary warrior class of feudal Japan. Come and feel the sensations that ancient Japanese warriors felt as they dressed for battle in their yoroi and kabuto. This unique experience will give you a vivid glimpse into Japan’s past and the unbeatable samurai spirit.

Temporarily unavailable.

2 hours
JPY 5,000 per person
This activity is arranged upon request and subject to availability.

Japanese Zen gardens combine the basic elements of moss, rocks and white stones to create a tranquil retreat for the mind, and represent the pure beauty of Japan's natural world. Discover the art of miniature Zen garden-making with our master gardener and let your creativity draw the lines of your own personal landscape.

1 hour
Complimentary
This activity is arranged upon request and subject to availability.

Furoshiki is a type of traditional Japanese wrapping cloth used to transport almost anything, from clothes and gifts to food and drink. This special class gives you the opportunity to learn the wrapping techniques required for this practical, fashionable and uniquely Japanese custom.

1 hour
Complimentary
This activity is arranged upon request and subject to availability.

Discover the unique Japanese art of paper folding, or origami. In this creative workshop you can learn how to create traditional designs such as paper cranes, or try fun alternatives like jumping frogs or Ninja throwing stars.

1 hour
Complimentary
This activity is arranged upon request and subject to availability.

What’s more fun than a balloon? How about a balloon shaped like a rabbit or a lion? Join this special balloon art class and learn how to make balloon animals and other great shapes with just a few twists and turns.

1 hour
JPY 5,000 per person
This activity is arranged upon request and subject to availability.

Exquisitely crafted wagashi sweets have been enjoyed in Japan since ancient times. In this workshop, Japanese sweets artisans will teach you the art of creating your own traditional Japanese confectionery, which you can enjoy with a cup of matcha tea.

1 hour
Complimentary
This activity is arranged upon request and subject to availability.

Seven Buddha statues are hiding somewhere in the hotel – and it’s up to you to find them, using the secret treasure map. Take part in our treasure hunt challenge and you’ll get a special gift of your own.

1.5 hours
Complimentary
7:30 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Life is full of discoveries, starting from the earliest years. At our special children’s evening program, we like to combine fun with valuable learning experiences. Enjoy a quiet dinner in one of our excellent restaurants and let us be the guardians of your little loved ones. This program is especially designed for children aged 4 to 12.

1.5 hours
JPY 5,000/person
This activity is arranged upon request and subject to availability.

This is the elegant, traditional fan-tossing game which originated in Kyoto during the Edo Era (17th – 19th century). It was popular among aristocrats and commoners alike. Despite its ancient roots, Tosenkyo transcends time, and still delights and enthralls participants to the present day. It is an elegant, cultured game that can be enjoyed by players young and old, female or male, and of all
nationalities. This activity also offers an opportunity to witness the craftsmanship of fans in this shop, which has existed for more than 100 years.

1.5 hours
JPY 11,000 per person (conducted in the hotel)
JPY 8,000 per person (organized at the Washi Umbrella shop)
Closed: Sunday

For centuries, washi paper umbrellas have been a popular fashion accessory, as well as an essential part of tea ceremony, kabuki and other important Japanese customs. Come and learn the ancient art of making traditional paper umbrellas, in a class taught by members of a fifth-generation Kyoto craftsman family.

Activities at Washi Umbrella shop are available for a minimum of two people. Note: Reservations required ( a minimum of 7 days prior to the activity).