Stay in a restored machiya townhouse, take a private tea ceremony and walk Gion's lanes before the crowds arrive.
Stay
Restored machiya townhouse
Pace
Slow, walkable
Best for
Culture, food
Best time to go
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Sample itinerary
Day 1
Arrive in Gion
Settle into your machiya, then an evening wander through lantern-lit Hanamikoji lane.
Day 2
Sunrise at Fushimi Inari
Climb the vermilion torii gates at first light, then a private kaiseki lunch.
Day 3–4
Tea, temples & arashiyama
A private tea ceremony, a bamboo grove stroll and a traditional boat along the Katsura.
Day 5–6
Craft workshops
Indigo dyeing and pottery with master artisans, closing with a sake pairing dinner.
Next destination
Dolomites →