Tea and Retreat villa in southern part of Kyoto

Save up to 30% on extended stays. now is the perfect time to visit In Kyotanabe, Kyoto—home to Japan’s finest Gyokuro—stands Fugenji Itoutei, a 200year old heritage residence in quiet seclusion. Once the Meiji-era home of a tea-merchant family who helped bring Japanese tea to the world, its bath designed by architect Fumihiko Sano offers the openness of an outdoor onsen. Amid Japan’s finest tea fields, guests can enjoy a private tea ceremony, whisk-making, and seasonal dinners by visiting chefs The space 【BEDROOMS】 Bedroom 1 Two semi-double beds with an adjacent private toilet. Bedroom 2 One double bed. Bedroom 3 Two Japanese futon beds on tatami. All bedrooms feature hotel-quality linens and air conditioning. Bedroom 1 has a TV ; the other rooms remain screen-free for a quieter stay. 【KITCHEN & DINING】 A spacious kitchen and dining room with high ceilings, equipped with a gas stove, oven, microwave, coffee maker, tea utensils, and cookware. The tableware includes artisan ceramics and traditional Japanese lacquerware. Air conditioning and underfloor heating are provided. 【BATHROOM】 Designed by architect Fumihiko Sano, the bath opens onto a private courtyard garden, creating the atmosphere of an outdoor Japanese onsen. 【JAPANESE GARDEN】 A spacious traditional garden with century-old pine and cedar trees, shaped by the changing seasons. 【LIBRARY】 A former kura storehouse transformed into a quiet library overlooking the Japanese garden—a place for tea, reading, and watching the evening light. 【THEATER ROOM】 A private theater housed in a renovated kura, with a large screen and 5.1-channel surround sound. Other things to note EXPERIENCES A selection of private experiences can be arranged to bring guests closer to the tea, craft, and contemplative traditions of the region. 【GYOKURO TEA FARM】 Visit the neighboring fields of one of Japan’s leading Gyokuro producers. Learn how this rare shaded tea is grown and crafted, then taste Gyokuro overlooking the fields where it was produced. 【TEA CEREMONY】 A private Omotesenke tea ceremony held in the historic tatami rooms of Itoutei. Discover the quiet rituals of chanoyu through tea, seasonal arrangements, and traditional utensils. 【CHASEN & CHASHAKU MAKING】 Visit Takayama, Nara—the historic home of Japanese tea-whisk making. Experience the delicate bamboo craftsmanship behind chasen tea whisks and chashaku tea scoops, essential utensils of chanoyu. 【ZEN CULTURE AT IKKYUJI】 Visit historic Ikkyuji Temple for a gentle introduction to Zen culture. Explore the temple, experience shakyo (sutra copying), enjoy tea and sweets, and share a conversation with a Buddhist monk. 【PRIVATE YOGA】 Private yoga in the quiet surroundings of Itoutei. A gentle practice of movement and breath, particularly beautiful in the stillness of the morning. Experiences are available by advance reservation. Please inquire about availability, duration, and pricing. DINING Private dining can be arranged at Itoutei, allowing guests to enjoy seasonal cuisine without leaving the house. 【PRIVATE SUSHI｜SUSHI KUMOSUKE】 An intimate Edomae sushi experience brought directly to Itoutei by Sushi Kumosuke, a private sushi chef without a permanent restaurant. Seasonal ingredients are prepared and served in harmony with the setting and each group, creating a truly private sushi experience. 【PRIVATE JAPANESE CHEF】 A seasonal multi-course dinner prepared at Itoutei by an experienced Japanese chef, using carefully selected ingredients. 【PRIVATE TEPPANYAKI】 A private teppanyaki dinner prepared before you, featuring selected wagyu—including Miyazaki beef—seafood, and seasonal ingredients. 【PRIVATE ITALIAN CHEF】 A seasonal Italian course prepared by a private chef at Itoutei. Bespoke menus may also be arranged. 【KYOTO KAISEKI】 Traditional kaiseki from Suigetsu, established in 1914 in Kyoto’s Yamashiro region, delivered to Itoutei. A relaxed way to experience seasonal Kyoto cuisine in the privacy of the house. BREAKFAST 【FUGENJI BREAKFAST】 A local Japanese breakfast of Fugenji-grown rice, onigiri, miso soup made with Ikkyu miso, locally made umeboshi and pickles, and Kyotanabe Gyokuro tsukudani. Available at 9:00 AM on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays. 【GRANOLA & SEASONAL FRUIT】 On other mornings, granola and seasonal fruit are available for a simple, light breakfast. Dining and breakfast are available by advance reservation. Please inquire for details. LOCATION Kyoto, Nara, and Osaka are each approximately 30 minutes away by car. Itoutei offers a quiet countryside base from which to explore all three ancient cities. BEFORE YOU BOOK 【RENOVATION WORK THROUGH DECEMBER】 Part of the Itoutei grounds is undergoing renovation through the end of December. Work takes place during daytime hours. At times, construction noise may be heard, and the work area may be visible from the main bedroom. The guest areas remain fully available throughout the work. Special rates are offered during this period in consideration of the temporary disturbance. 【NATURAL SURROUNDINGS】 Itoutei is surrounded by fields and nature. Small insects such as flies and spiders may occasionally enter the house, and mosquitoes are common from spring through autumn. Mosquito coils are provided, but guests sensitive to insects may wish to bring repellent. We do not recommend the property for those who are particularly uncomfortable with insects. 【OTHER INFORMATION】 Optional housekeeping is available during your stay. Please read the House Rules carefully before booking. Registration Details M260022787