Yusai-tei in Arashiyama – All You Need to Know

Located in the breathtaking Arashiyama area of Kyoto, Yusai-tei is more than just a destination—it’s an experience that weaves together centuries of history, captivating art, and stunning natural beauty. Forget the typical tourist traps and immerse yourself in a place where every corner tells a story and every view is a work of art.

Gardens

The gardens at Arashiyama Yusai-tei are a key part of its allure, offering tranquil beauty that changes with the seasons. Designed by Takeshi Matsuura, the acclaimed gardener behind the stunning landscape at Rurikoin Temple, the gardens are more than just visually appealing; they are an integral part of the Yuusai-tei experience.

Magical Reflections

Inside the building, the strategically placed round windows and polished black tables create incredible reflection effects. The vibrant hues of the surrounding nature — the lush green of summer, the fiery reds and oranges of autumn, and the delicate pinks of spring cherry blossoms — are perfectly mirrored on these surfaces, creating a mesmerizing and almost ethereal visual experience. It’s a living canvas that constantly evolves with the light and the seasons.

Night Illumination

During the peak of the autumn foliage season each year, Arashiyama Yusai-tei hosts the “Autumn Foliage Illuminations” and “Evening Viewings.” These exclusive nighttime viewings are rare for the general public, making them highly sought after. During this period, visitors can see the fiery red autumn leaves through the round windows, along with their stunning “water mirror” reflections on the polished black tables.

History

During the Heian period (794-1185), Arashiyama was revered as a secluded retreat for the aristocracy and celebrated for its poetic beauty, which changed with the seasons. The grounds on which the Yusai Tei now stands were once part of the prestigious Kameyama-dono, the villa of Emperors Go-Saga (the 88th emperor) and Kameyama (the 90th emperor) during the Kamakura period (1185–1333).

The current Arashiyama Yusai Tei was built approximately 150 years ago in the Meiji period (1868–1912). Originally operating as the luxury inn Chidori, it was later renamed Ranryokan and managed by Hachizaemon Kazama. Nobel Prize-winning author Yasunari Kawabata stayed in the very room where he wrote his novel The Sound of the Mountain. A former gathering place for artists, the inn was filled with tranquility and the energy of nature.

Today, Arashiyama Yusai Tei has been reborn as the atelier and gallery of renowned dyeing artist Yusai Okuda. Okuda acquired the building for his studio and residence and opened it to the public as a gallery in 2020.

Okuda is the creator of a unique dyeing technique called “Yuko-zome.” He developed this innovative method through years of research, reviving and advancing lost dyeing technologies. The technique’s defining characteristic is its ability to transform into a brilliant, burning red when exposed to sunlight.

Yusai Tei has opened its doors to tourists and has quickly become a sensation. Tables have been placed in Nobel laureate Yasunari Kawabata’s room and in the iconic circular window room, creating breathtaking reflective displays. The garden, designed by Takeshi Matsuura—who also designed the famous Ruriko-in Temple garden—has garnered significant attention, leading to an explosion of popularity on social media.

The Museum: “Yume Koro-zome” Art

As the atelier and gallery of dyeing artist Yusai Okuda, Arashiyama Yusai-tei offers a unique opportunity to experience his revolutionary art.

The Dazzling Art of “Yume Koro-zome”

The gallery at Yuusai-tei showcases and sells multiple works created using Okuda’s distinctive dyeing technique, “Yume Koro-zome.” Born from extensive research into historical imperial robes, this innovative method has a remarkable characteristic: its color changes in sunlight, transforming into a brilliant, fiery red. Visitors to the gallery can witness this magical color transformation firsthand.

Dyeing Experience

In addition to admiring the finished works, Arashiyama Yusai-tei offers the opportunity to observe the dyeing process. For a more hands-on experience, paid dyeing workshops are available. You can try dyeing your own scarf, though this requires a separate reservation and an additional fee. It’s a great way to deepen your appreciation for the intricate art of Japanese dyeing!

Planning Your Visit: Reservations, Events, and the Best Times to Go

To make the most of your trip, it’s essential to plan ahead, especially during peak seasons.

Information

Opening hours and prices

Opening hours: Typically 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.(The gate closes at 5:00 p.m.)
Holiday: Every Thursday
However, hours can vary seasonally, so it’s best to check the official website before your visit.

Admission fee: 2,000 JPY (tax included) per person.

Age Restriction: Visitors must be 13 years old or older to enter.

Reservations

Yuai-tei is by reservation only. Please make a reservation in advance by selecting a time slot from the URL below. The autumn foliage season from November to December gets crowded, so it’s recommended to book early.

Yusai-tei Offical Website

Seasonal Events and Special Viewings

Arashiyama Yusai-tei uses its beautiful seasonal scenery to offer unique art experiences and exhibitions.

Every year, during the peak autumn foliage season, Arashiyama Yusai-tei holds a special nighttime illumination of its autumn leaves and offers a unique evening viewing. Public access at night is considered a rare opportunity.

In 2024, the illumination event took place from November 16 (Saturday) to December 1 (Sunday). It ran from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. (last entry at 7:30 p.m.). Please note that the 2025 schedule needs to be confirmed.

Getting There

Accessing Arashiyama Yuusai-tei:
Address: 6 Sagakame-no-o-cho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto, 616-8386, Japan
Phone Number: +81-75-881-2331

Public Transportation:

Take the Keifuku Electric Railroad (Randen) Arashiyama Line to “Arashiyama Station.” Approximately 8-10 minutes on foot. This is generally the most convenient option.

JR Sagano Line: “Saga-Arashiyama Station”: It takes approximately 15-20 minutes to walk there.

Hankyu Arashiyama Line “Arashiyama Station”: It takes approximately 12-20 minutes to walk there.

Link & Resorces

Yusen-tei Official Website(English Text)