Private Experiences | Cultural Encounters at Shikikaboku

At the heart of our experiential philosophy is a desire to offer guests a deeper understanding of Kyoto
its traditions, history, and spiritual heritage. Through encounters that are rooted in its unique cultural essence.

Leveraging our personal connections, we curate only the most authentic and meaningful activities and wellness experiences.
those that cannot be found in guidebooks, and that reflect the true spirit of Kyoto.

Private "Noh" experience

Availability: Year-round
Duration: Approximately 2 hours
Group Size: 1 to 2 participants
Price: ¥55,000 (tax and service charge included)

A private Noh lesson led by Hiromichi Tamoi, a master of the Kanze School of Noh.
Held in an exclusive, privately reserved Noh theater, this immersive experience includes stories behind Noh, an introduction to suri-ashi (the distinctive sliding walk), and the rare opportunity to try on an authentic Noh mask. An extraordinary journey into the world of Noh, created exclusively for guests of Shikikaboku.

The Kanze School traces its lineage back over 600 years to Kan’ami and Zeami, the founders and great masters who shaped Noh into the refined art form it is today. As the largest and most influential of the five major Noh schools, the Kanze School stands at the heart of Japan’s Noh tradition.
This private lesson is conducted by Hiromichi Tamoi, a Kanze School shite (lead actor) and a holder of the Important Intangible Cultural Property designation for Noh theatre.
With the Noh theater reserved exclusively for your group, you will gain rare insight into Noh through engaging stories, hands-on instruction in suri-ashi, and an up-close encounter with Noh masks—an exceptional cultural experience that reveals the very essence of Kyoto, available only through Shikikaboku.

Additional Information:
・Transportation is required : The venue will be announced separately
・English interpretation available by advance arrangement (additional fee)
・A 100% cancellation fee applies from seven days prior to the booking date.

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Kyoto folk pottery making experience

Availability: Year-round
Duration: Approximately 2 hours
Group Size: 1 to 4 participants
Price: From ¥25,000 per person (tax and service charge included)

This pottery experience takes place at Kawai Pottery Studio, a three-generation workshop located in a traditional townhouse in Higashiyama. The studio continues the legacy of Kawai Kanjiro, a leading figure in Japan’s modern ceramics movement, whose philosophy focus on the quiet beauty found in everyday life.

Participants will be guided by Mr Kawai Akiteru, grandson of Kawai Kanjiro and a contemporary folk-art potter. His handmade work ranges from tea utensils to vases and tableware. In a small group setting, he will lead a practical session where each guest creates a piece inspired by their time in Kyoto.

The session concludes with matcha served in one of Mr Kawai’s own tea bowls. Each guest also receives a finished piece from the studio’s collection to take home on the day. If desired, the guest’s own creation can be mailed after firing.

Additional Information:
・Transportation is required: approximately 13 minutes by taxi from the hotel
・English and Chinese interpretation available by advance arrangement (additional fee)
・A 100% cancellation fee applies from two days prior to the experience

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Spa in your room

Availability: Year-round
Duration: From 70 minutes
Price: From ¥17,000 per person (tax and service charge included)

Guests can enjoy a private spa treatment in the comfort of their room after check-in. This service is designed to ease travel-related fatigue and support both physical and mental recovery. Treatments are available for one or two guests at a time.

To prepare, guests are encouraged to take a bath before the therapist arrives, helping to warm the body and support the effectiveness of the treatment. Each session is tailored to individual needs, drawing from two treatment methods based on the guest’s condition.

Fulvic Acid Jojoba Oil Treatment
This option uses mineral-rich fulvic acid blended with jojoba oil. The therapist uses targeted hand techniques to support circulation and release tension. The fulvic acid aids mineral absorption and detoxification, helping to relieve swelling and stiffness in key areas.

Fir & Stretch
This oil-free treatment combines muscle pressure and assisted stretching. It is suitable for guests seeking to release deeper physical fatigue or improve mobility.

One Person

70 minutes: ¥17,000
100 minutes: ¥24,000
130 minutes: ¥31,000

Pair course (two persons)
70 minutes: ¥32,000
100 minutes: ¥45,000

Cancellation Policy
A 100% cancellation fee applies from two days prior to the reservation date.

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Morning yoga session at the rooftop

Availability: March to June, and September to November (morning only)
Duration: 60 minutes
Price: From 12,000 yen per person (including tax and service charge)

Morning yoga is held on the rooftop, with views of the sun rising over the Higashiyama Mountains. The open-air setting allows guests to begin the day in a calm state, supported by slow, steady movement and controlled breathing.

Take in the fresh air and enjoy mindfulness in a private space. Beginners are welcome and will receive careful, individual guidance. The session concludes with a glass of Shikikaboku’s original slow-pressed juice. In the event of rain, the session will be cancelled.

Group Pricing:
2 persons: ¥19,200
3 persons: ¥26,400
4 persons: ¥33,600

Cancellation Policy:
20% of the fee will be charged for cancellations up to five days prior to the reservation.
50% will be charged for cancellations the day before.
100% will be charged for same-day cancellations.

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Feel gion culture with "Geisha"

Holding Period: All year round
Duration: Three and a half to four hours
Group Size: 2-4 participants
Fee: Varies depending on the season. Please inquire for details.

This experience takes place in the traditional tatami room of Surugaya Gion Shimosato, a confectioner with deep roots in the Gion district. Guests can watch dance performances and take part in games with geisha in an authentic setting. The experience includes the flavours of a long-established Kyoto restaurant and the carefully prepared hospitality of the host venue.

Surugaya Gion Shimosato traces its heritage to Sohonke Surugaya, a renowned Kyoto confectioner founded in 1818 and preserved through generations of artisans. The property is registered as a Tangible Cultural Asset. The tea ceremony, geisha entertainment, and traditional sweets are all presented in a way that reflects Kyoto’s cultural continuity. This is a setting where formality is balanced by warmth, and where tradition is treated as a living part of daily life.

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Tea ceremony by the seventh-generation proprietress

Guests are introduced to the history of Kyoto confectionery and the principles of tea preparation in a relaxed and accessible format.

・Dance performance by three Geiko&Maiko
A private performance rooted in Kyoto’s traditional arts, held in a setting that allows guests to observe at close range.The beautiful dance performance will captivate your heart.

・Catering from Gion

Traditional catering-meal prepared with seasonal ingredients, served with attention to presentation.

Pricing (example):

4 persons: ¥360,000 (tax and service charge included)

Additional Information:
・Transportation is required: approximately 13 minutes on foot or 5 minutes by taxi from the hotel
・Group size can be adjusted upon request.
・English and Chinese interpretation is available with advance notice.
・A 100% cancellation fee applies from one month prior to the reservation date.

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“Shamisen” performance and introduction

Availability: Year-round (except Mondays)
Duration: 90 minutes
Price: From ¥16,800 per person (tax and service charge included)

The shamisen is a traditional three-stringed Japanese instrument played with a plectrum. This private session features a rooftop performance and lecture by Yamada Hakumai. With the evening light and open air, the experience invites a quiet moment of listening and observation.

The session begins with an introduction to the history of the shamisen, followed by a demonstration of playing posture and sound technique. Participants are then invited to try the instrument under guidance.

A tea service will be included, featuring seasonal Japanese sweets and green tea. Depending on weather conditions, the event will be held on the rooftop, in the lounge, or in the tea ceremony room. Mr Hakumai’s informal talk is often a highlight for participants.

Programme:
・Overview of the shamisen’s origins and musical background
・Introductory lecture and hands-on experience
・Tea service with seasonal sweets and green tea
・Live performance by Yamada Hakumai

Group Pricing:
2 persons: ¥31,200
3 persons: ¥45,600
4 persons: ¥57,200

Cancellation Policy:
A 100% cancellation fee applies from seven days prior to the booking date.

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