13.30 – 17:15hrs (Optional – Additional Cost) | A short journey from The Thousand lies the ancient Fushimi Inari Taisha (Shinto Shrine), home to over 10,000 red torii gates, which form a trail to be explored up into the mountain behind the temple.  On your travels spot the many Fox statues, thought to be Inari’s messengers, pay your respects to the local deity or make your own wish with an ema or Omikuji (fortune-telling paper).

After visiting the shrine, explore the centuries old art of sake brewing at the Sasaki Sake Brewery, the only sake brewery that still exists in Rakuchu, the centre of Kyoto.  Founded in 1897 Sasaki Sake Brewery continues to adhere to the “Rakuchu tradition” philosophy of inheriting the tradition of sake brewing in Rakuchu from generation to generation and passing it on to future generations. Please note brewing does not take place at this time of year but you will have a chance to see behind the scenes at the brewery, owned by the famous Japanese film star Kuranosuke Sasaki.

14:00 – 17:00hrs (Optional – Additional Cost) | A programme in Kyoto would not be complete without the traditional Japanese tea ceremony.  Boasting hundreds of years of history, the tea ceremony takes its place as a definitive form of Japanese hospitality, or omotenashi.

This tour also offers guests the opportunity to wear intricate kimono and fully immerse themselves in the spirit of the ceremony in the calm beauty of the Myorenji Temple. Once dressed, a tea master will detail the finer points of the ceremony before preparing fresh, frothy bowls of rich matcha for you, the honoured guests.  Please note that you will be seated on cushions on the floor throughout the tea ceremony.

13:30 – 17:00hrs (Optional – Additional Cost) | Higashiyama, at the base of the Higashiyama (Eastern Mountains), is Kyoto’s richest area for sightseeing. Packed with temples, shrines, museums and traditional shops, it’s great to explore on foot, with some pedestrian-only walkways plus parks and expansive temple grounds. It’s also home to the Gion entertainment district and some of the city’s finest ryokan (communal baths).

This tour includes a guided tour of the famous Kiyomizu Temple, best known for its wooden stage that juts out from its main hall 13 metres from the hillside, as well as an exciting Rickshaw experience and free time through the streets of the bustling Higashiyama area.