Saga Arashiyama was once a retreat for aristocrats, where the Heian culture was fostered. The aristocrats of the Heian period experienced the four seasons here and created various new cultures such as waka poetry. This tour is a Heian cultural story that allows visitors to experience the unique value and scenery of this region as seen by Heian aristocrats 1,200 years ago, with a focus on the culture of raden, a symbol of nobility that enthralled Heian aristocrats with its uncanny beauty.

Back into the Heian Period: A Mother-of-pearl inlay experience in Saga Arashiyama, the coveted retreat of Heian Era nobility

Kyoto

Experience details

LocationSaga Arashiyama
Days availableIrregular
Time11:00〜18:00
Duration7 hours
Participants2〜6
GuideIncluded
LanguagesEnglish, Japanese
Starting pointJR Umahori Station
Finishing pointArashiyama Rowing Boat Rental (north pier)
Product numberX-004
  • See the majestic nature of Saga Arashiyama from the Torokko scenic train
  • Explore the deep Saga area loved by the Heian aristocracy
  • Enjoy an amazing meal at a restaurant with a 400 years long history
  • Raden (sea shell) experience that brings together the beauty of the Heian period and is steeped in tradition
  • Partake in pleasures loved by the aristocracy like evening boating and moon gazing
  • Be regaled by the fascinating history and culture of Heian aristocracy from your guide

This tour will take you back into the Heian Era to experience and learn about the unique local culture, traditions, lifestyle and customs of Saga Arashiyama, which have been handed down for more than 1,200 years.

A long time ago Saga Arashiyama was the era where aristocrats built their villas. Surrounded by the beautiful nature of Saga Arashiyama, what was the lifestyle that shaped the Heian Era aristocrats, who in turn created and influenced the culture that survived to this day?
As you visit the hidden Heian-esque spots, learn about the daily lives and habits of the aristocrats and immerse yourself into their graceful culture.

Enjoy the scenery as you embark on a ride on the scenic train to one of the most popular posts to visit, Saga Arashiyama. Your journey will take you to Okusaga (“Deep Saga”) away from the crowds, where the historical buildings of the preserved district faithfully recreate the atmosphere of old. On the way you will be able to find out about the daily lives and customs of the Heian Period aristocracy, including their fashion, cuisine and dwellings, before arriving at the Seiryoji Temple, a former villa of Heian aristocrats. Mr. Nomura, a local traditional craftsman, has a workshop in this neighborhood and offers an exclusive "maki-e raden" experience not available anywhere else. The beautiful "maki-e raden" that captivated the aristocrats of the Heian Period is a combination of "maki-e" gilded lacquerware and mother-of-pearl "raden" which adds a glittering flourish. Conclude the day with a boating experience, a popular pastime of the aristocracy. Being embraced by the nature of Arashiyama, its breath of wild echoing in the serene scenery is truly an unforgettable experience.

<Tour contents>
・Take a ride on the scenic train and enjoy the majestic nature of Saga Arashiyama
・Explore the hidden “Deep Saga” of the Saga Arashiyama area
・Enjoy the exquisite Sweetfish rice bowl at the 400 years old Tsutaya restaurant
・Learn about maki-e raden, a technique admired by Heian aristocrats, in this exclusive raden experience (choice of round tray or pair of coasters)
・Experience boating, a graceful pastime of the aristocracy accompanied by tea and sweets

Plan overview

Back into the Heian Era - Raden (mother-of-pearl) Course

・See the majestic nature of Saga Arashiyama from the Torokko scenic train
・Explore the deep Saga area loved by the Heian aristocracy
・Enjoy an amazing meal at a restaurant with a 400 years long history
・Raden experience combining the beauty of seashells with the refined techniques of Heian era
・Partake in pleasures loved by the aristocracy like evening boating and moon gazing
・Be regaled by the fascinating history and culture of Heian aristocracy from your guide

Price per person changes based on the number of participants
2 people: 60,000 JPY per person (tak included)
3 people: 50,000 JPY per person (tak included)
4 people: 45,000 JPY per person (tak included)
5 people: 40,000 JPY per person (tak included)
6 people: 38,000 JPY per person (tak included)

1 person
256.50USD~

Meeting Place

Get Directions from Google Maps

Address

Rokunotsubo Shinochoumahori, Kameoka, Kyoto 621-0823

Access

26-minute train ride from Kyoto Station on the JR Sanin Line

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