Touching the Elegant History
A moment of bliss, experiencing the pinnacle of beauty through history and tradition.
In the surrounding area, you'll find various activities that allow you to experience the rich history and tradition, offering a luxurious and unique experience.
【Exclusive for Guests】Experience Morning Service (Jinjō) and Garden Stroll at Shinshu Otani-ha Okazaki Betsuin
1/1
Experience Morning Service (Jinjō) and the Beautiful Garden: Enrich Your Soul with Morning Worship at Okazaki Betsuin.
Descending from Mt. Hiei's Enryakuji and becoming a disciple of Hōnen, Shinran Shonin built a humble hermitage here. It is said that he frequently traveled from this place to Hōnen's residence in Yoshimizu. Known as "Shinran Yashiki," this site became home to the "Okazaki Betsuin of the Jodo Shinshu Otani-ha" established by the 20th head priest of Higashi Honganji, Daishin Nyoryo, in 1801. In May 2024, you can experience morning worship in the newly renovated main hall and enjoy a stroll through the garden, which showcases the beauty of each season.
| Contents | 7:00～ Morning Service (Jinjō) in the main hall 7:30～ Garden Stroll |
|---|---|
| Required Time | Approx. 1 hour |
| Charge | Free of charge |
| Date of the event | Year-round |
|---|---|
| About Okazaki Betsuin | The biography of Shinran Shonin, "Shinran Shonin Seitoden," which was widely circulated during the Edo period, narrates that he left Mount Hiei at the age of 29 and studied under Honen Shonin in Yoshimizu. He was later exiled to Echigo due to his involvement in the persecution of the Jogen era, and after being pardoned, he lived in the Kanto region before returning to Kyoto. Upon his return, it is said that the first place he resided was a hermitage in Okazaki. This hermitage was referred to as the "Shinran Residence" by the people of Kyoto at the time who admired him. In 1801, the current main hall was constructed on this site by the 20th head priest of Higashi Honganji, Tatsujo Shonin (1780–1865), and his followers. |
| About Morning Service (Jinjō) | In Jodo Shinshu Buddhism, "Osansho" refers to the name of the daily morning service. During this service, practitioners recite the "Shoshinge" by Shinran Shonin and the "Gobunsho" by Rennyo Shonin in front of the principal image of worship. |
Location Photo & Luxurious French Dining at the Restaurant
1/1
Capture a memorable moment in the lush, natural surroundings of Okazaki.
This plan allows you to capture unforgettable memories in a beautiful location and then indulge in a luxurious dinner. Preserve your "cherished moments," "precious memories," and "valuable treasures" in timeless photographs.
| Contents | Location photoshoot at your desired spot. Dining at Restaurant Nouvelle Epoque with a complimentary drink for the toast, and an anniversary message on your dessert. |
|---|---|
| Required Time | Photoshoot: Approximately 3–5 hours Dining: Dinner approximately 2 hours |
| Charge | The duration of the photoshoot may vary depending on the plan. Dining: Dinner +16,000 JPY~ (both include tax and service charges). |
| Regarding the photoshoot date and plan. | Please apply separately via the above website. |
|---|---|
| About atelier Casha | 「 Take Picture into your heart 」 From the moment we are born until the present day, we encounter many people and live in various environments. In all stages of life—birth, child-rearing, Shichi-Go-San, school entrance and graduation ceremonies, coming-of-age ceremonies, and family trips—we capture these moments in photographs, preserving our "memories" for the future. By looking at these photos, we can relive the emotions and gratitude we felt at the time. Our photographs overflow with the joy and appreciation of those moments, and we press the shutter to ensure that these feelings are preserved without fading. Through photography, we aim to leave our "memories" for the future. |
Tea ceremony experience with a view of the seasonal garden.
1/1
Learn the history of the tea ceremony, its etiquette, and how to enjoy a tea ceremony in a quiet and private space.
Visitors can experience the charm of Japanese culture through the tea ceremony in the tea room of the Okazaki Betsuin of the Otani sect of Shinshu Buddhism, which has undergone renovation.
This is an opportunity for beginners to join us.
This is an opportunity for beginners to join us.
| Contents | 14:00～ |
|---|---|
| Required Time | Approx. 1 hour and 30 minutes |
| Capacity | 5 (min. 1) |
| Charge | 50,000 yen per group |
| Date of the event | Please contact us. |
|---|---|
| Reservation | Up to 7 days in advance |
| Cancellation charge | 100% by 3 days |
Discover Kyoto's Cultural Heritage on a Rickshaw Ride
1/1
Gracefully Swaying into a Town of Gardens and Culture
The Okazaki area, where historical architecture coexists with modern beauty, is an ideal destination for both sightseeing and extended stays. Away from the hustle and bustle, time flows gently here, offering a special opportunity to experience the depth and elegance of Kyoto. Immerse yourself in the timeless charm that has captivated people for generations.
| Capacity | 1 guest and up |
|---|---|
| Price | ¥18,500～ |
| Reservation Hours | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (last entry) |
| Plan Details ① 45-Minute Plan: Highlight Tour of the Okazaki Cultural Area | ¥20,000 per rickshaw (2 guests) / ¥18,500 per rickshaw (1 guest) All prices include tax. |
|---|---|
| Plan Details ② 70-Minute Plan: Highlight Tour of the Philosopher’s Path and Historic Mountain Temples | ¥28,000 per rickshaw (2 guests) / ¥23,500 per rickshaw (1 guest) All prices include tax. |
| Plan Details ③ 70-Minute Plan: Immersive Tour of Kyoto’s Historic Temples and the Okazaki Cultural Area | ¥28,000 per rickshaw (2 guests) / ¥23,500 per rickshaw (1 guest) All prices include tax. |
| Plan Details ④ 120-Minute Plan: Eastern Kyoto Highlights Tour – Nanzen-ji Aqueduct, Philosopher’s Path & Ginkaku-ji Area | ¥43,000 per rickshaw (2 guests) / ¥36,000 per rickshaw (1 guest) All prices include tax. Includes a 30-minute walking exploration at one of the following locations: Nanzen-ji Aqueduct, Honen-in Temple, Philosopher’s Path, or Ginkaku-ji Temple (Rickshaw ride duration: 90 minutes + 30-minute walking tour) |
| Advance Reservation Required | Please contact us at least two days before your desired ride date. Requests outside of regular hours may be accommodated depending on availability, but cannot be guaranteed. When booking, please mention that this is the Special Plan for The Okura Kyoto Okazaki Bettei. |
| Same-Day Reservations | Please contact us at least 90 minutes before your desired ride time to confirm availability. |
| Cancellation Policy | Cancellations made after 6:00 PM the day before will be charged 100% of the fee. |
- The fee includes the "ride charge," "guide fee" (available in Japanese and English), and "return trip fee."
- In case of no-show or late arrival on the day, if you exceed 10 minutes, the rickshaw will either be released or continued to be held, which may result in a shortened ride time or a waiting fee. Fees will be calculated separately depending on the schedule and time.
- For children aged 5 and under, one child per accompanying adult rides free of charge. Children aged 6 and above require a seat and will be charged accordingly.
- For safety reasons, pregnant women less than 16 weeks gestation are not permitted to ride.
- The standard is two passengers per rickshaw; however, depending on body size and weight, passengers may be asked to ride separately. Additional rickshaws will be charged at the single passenger rate.
