Some Of Kyoto’s Most Coveted Cultural Experiences Can Now Be Booked Online

22.09.2023 - 11:27 / forbes.com

Finding genuine experiences that allow you to dive deeper into Kyoto’s rich history can be difficult. Like any widely visited destination there are plenty of so-called “traps.” But the city also has a sense of mystery, with its plethora of unmarked buildings tucked behind noren curtains and many traditions that require connections if you want any sort of access.

Luckily, there’s now a set of exclusive experiences that will open the doors to some of Kyoto’s most prized sites and cultural traditions thanks to online tour booking platform GetYourGuide. As part of the company’s Originals program, they’ve worked closely with local partners to create immersive and enriching activities that’ll leave an unforgettable mark. From early access to a UNESCO-listed temple to a rare inside look at Japan’s oldest performance art, here’s what you can expect from the Originals by GetYourGuide experiences.

A Before-Hours Tour Of Ninnaji Combined With A Wagashi-Making Class And Tea Ceremony

Kinkakuji, or the Golden Pavilion, may get all of the spotlight due to its radiant hue, but Ninnaji is another temple that should be high on your list when visiting Kyoto. Completed in 888 by Emperor Uda, who would later abdicate to become head priest, its ties to the imperial family and its role as the head temple of the Omuro school of the Shingon sect of Buddhism makes Ninnaji one of the city’s most important treasures.

For this three-in-one experience, you’ll start with touring the UNESCO World Heritage Site before anyone else. Arrive just in time to watch resident monk Josei Torikoshi open the gates to Ninnaji. From there, you’ll be the first ones to walk around the gardens and Goten complex, the former residence of the head priest, followed by visits to Kondo Hall and a tea house formerly used by the emperor, both of which aren’t typically open to the public. Afterward, you’ll head over to another one of the temple’s tea houses and try your hand at making traditional Japanese sweets known as wagashi with the help of master confectioner Shinya Motojima. It all culminates with a tea ceremony so that you can enjoy a bowl of matcha that perfectly complements your handmade treats.

An Intimate Look At Noh, Japan’s Oldest Form Of Theater

One of the most ancient forms of theater, Noh dates back to the 14th century and combines music, dance, chants, and acting with elaborate costumes and expressive masks. While performances are held at theaters around the country, it’s extremely rare to meet with an actor in a private setting. In this two-hour experience, you’ll head up to Ohara, a farming village just north of Kyoto, to the private home of Shigeki Miyamoto, a third-generation Noh actor. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to learn