HOSHINOYA Kyoto, the all-river-view inn located deep in Arashiyama, will host six special experiences between May 1 and September 23, 2026. Surrounded by greenery and centered on the refreshing coolness of the water and forest, the program spans early summer through late summer and offers guests a chance to relax both body and mind. Activities include a private elegant houseboat called "Hisui," a morning riverside walk called "Kunpu no Noyozan," and an evening gathering at the suspended tea house. Each experience immerses guests in the natural scenery of the inner Arashiyama valley, helping to release the tension accumulated in daily life.
Background
Arashiyama, where HOSHINOYA Kyoto is located, was once a scenic retreat where Heian-period aristocrats built villas and enjoyed the beauty of nature through the seasons. From spring through late summer, the mountains are wrapped in vivid greenery, and refreshing breezes drift across the water's surface. The inn sits in a valley about one kilometer beyond Togetsukyo Bridge, away from the noise of the city. In summer, temperatures near the inn are up to 4.9 degrees Celsius lower than in central Kyoto*, making for a cool and comfortable stay. Guests can enjoy the natural coolness of rivers and waterfalls while refreshing themselves in body and mind.
*Comparison of temperatures near the main building of HOSHINOYA Kyoto and near Kyoto Station from 2018 to 2025. (July 10, 2025: near HOSHINOYA Kyoto main building 23.5°C, near Kyoto Station 28.4°C) Research by Weathernews Inc. in 2025.
Enjoying the Scenery of Arashikyo Gorge Aboard the Elegant Houseboat "Hisui"
The Hisui, a private houseboat exclusive to HOSHINOYA Kyoto, is launched onto the Oi River that flows in front of the inn, where guests can enjoy wagashi sweets and matcha while taking in the scenery of Arashiyama. During the period from Seimei to Kokuu in the traditional twenty-four solar terms*, young leaves burst into life under soft spring light. From Rikka onward, the landscape shifts to a fresh, vivid blue-green new growth, and by Taisho it deepens into a still, all-encompassing summer green. The experience offers guests a chance to appreciate the ever-changing scenery of Arashiyama unique to each season and moment.
*A system dividing the year into 24 sections based on the sun's movement, each given a seasonal name. Seimei falls around April 5, Kokuu around April 20, Rikka around May 5, and Taisho around July 23.
Dates: May 1 – September 23, 2026 (ongoing throughout the period)
Hours: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Price: ¥51,000 per group (tax and service charge included, accommodation fee separate)
Reservations: Accepted up to 7 days in advance via the official website (https://hoshinoresorts.com/ja/hotels/hoshinoyakyoto/)
Note: 100% cancellation fee applies from 5 days prior
Feeling the Pleasant Breeze of Fresh Greenery: "Kunpu no Noyozan" Morning Walk
This is a morning walking experience in the glowing new greenery of Arashiyama, with the valley breeze flowing all around. Guests walk along the quiet riverside promenade beside the Oi River, feeling the refreshing wind that heralds the arrival of summer, while maintaining deep breathing and core awareness. With each step taken firmly into the ground, the body gently awakens.
Dates: May 1 – May 31, 2026
Hours: Morning
Price: Free
Reservations: Not required
Note: Cancelled in case of rain
Watching the Shifting Sky and Merging with Nature: "Natsu Yoi no Hitotoki"
At the "Sky Tea House" that extends out over the Oi River, guests listen to birdsong, the sound of the river, and the wind, while enjoying the scenery as it transitions into early summer evening. This quiet time is spent alongside cold-brew mint green tea from Kyoto herb specialty shop "Pukusuke."
Dates: May 1 – May 31, 2026
Hours: 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
Price: Free
Reservations: Not required
Note: Venue may change in case of rain
Getting to Know the Moment in Inner Arashiyama: "Morning Garden Walk"
The period of Shoman* in the twenty-four solar terms is a season when all life shines and the green leaves of trees spread with vigor. Guests walk through the garden of HOSHINOYA Kyoto, carefully tended each day by gardeners from Ueyakato Landscape, learning about its history and the intentions behind its design. In the crisp morning air, accompanied by the pleasant sound of birdsong, guests can forget the busyness of daily life and settle into a calming sense of ease.
*Shoman falls around May 21 in the solar calendar.
Dates: May 18 – May 31, 2026
Hours: Morning
Price: Free
Reservations: Not required
Note: Cancelled in case of rain; held in Japanese only
A Summer-Exclusive Setting: "Noryo-doko" Riverside Terrace
A "Noryo-doko" — evoking the famous Kyoto summer tradition of riverside dining terraces — is set up in the "Water Garden" of HOSHINOYA Kyoto. It is a prime spot where the blue-green maple leaves filter the sunlight and the sound of a waterfall flows pleasantly. Traditional lanterns designed by Miura Lighting, a Kyoto Gion-based Japanese lighting maker with over 130 years of history, along with wind chimes crafted by Kyo-yaki and Kyo-butsugu artisans, add summer elegance, letting guests experience coolness through all five senses.
Dates: Early June – Early September 2026 (see the website for exact dates)
Price: Free
Reservations: Not required
Note: The Noryo-doko will not be open in case of rain
A Luxurious Private Houseboat Experience: "Private Ukai-Viewing Cruise"
Guests can enjoy an exclusive summer evening aboard the private houseboat "Hisui," watching the Arashiyama ukai — a traditional cormorant fishing spectacle — up close. On board, guests experience the elegant coolness of the evening breeze, monopolizing this special summer night with drinks and snacks in hand. Against the fantastical backdrop of torchlight shimmering on the water's surface, guests witness the ancient fishing technique of the ukai masters skillfully directing their cormorants. It is an opportunity to connect with a cultural tradition once cherished by Heian aristocrats, spending an elegant evening that makes time seem to stand still.
Dates: July 1 – September 23, 2026 (excluding August 16)
Hours:
- July 1 – August 15: 7:00 PM – 7:50 PM
- August 17 – September 23: 7:30 PM – 8:20 PM
Price: ¥60,000 per group (tax and service charge included, accommodation fee separate)
Reservations: Accepted up to 7 days in advance via the official website (https://hoshinoresorts.com/ja/hotels/hoshinoyakyoto/)
Included: Houseboat "Hisui," drinks and snacks set
Note: Cancelled in case of severe weather or high water levels; 100% cancellation fee applies from 5 days prior
