Beyond the temple trail — a sanctuary unknown even to most Japanese
Mitera Sennyuji is Kyoto's best-kept secret. As the sole Imperial Household Temple — visited by the family itself — it has deliberately remained apart from the crowded temple circuit. RHC holds exclusive access to bring you inside, guided by Acharya Kenmei, a monk of the Shingon Buddhist tradition.
Choose your path into the sacred
VIP Access Tour
Our signature experience — a full private tour of the temple grounds and inner sanctuaries, including both the Goma Fire Ceremony and Ajikan Meditation.
Goma Fire Ceremony
A private temple tour combined with the ancient Shingon fire ritual — a transcendent practice of purification led by Acharya Kenmei.
Ajikan Meditation
A private temple tour combined with guided Shingon Ajikan meditation in the tranquil inner chambers of one of Japan's most sacred sites.
Sennyuji has stood for over 800 years. RHC was not built to exploit access to these places — it was built to create a sustainable reason for them to remain open, cared for and alive for the generations that follow. We are custodians, not operators.
Mitera Sennyuji
Founded in 1218, Sennyuji became the funerary and prayer temple of the Imperial family — 'Mitera' means 'Honourable Temple,' a title bestowed by the Emperor himself. Unlike any other temple in Japan, it sits at the nexus of Shingon Buddhism and the Imperial household.
Its grounds remain deliberately quiet. Visitors are few. The experience is intimate. Time spent here belongs entirely to you.
Bring Sennyuji to your clients
In order to preserve the natural peace of the Imperial Household Temple, only a limited number of private groups are accepted each day. Sennyuji experiences are available exclusively through authorised travel trade partners. If you represent a luxury hotel, DMC or travel agency and would like to add this experience to your portfolio, we would love to hear from you.
Submit a Trade Enquiry- Luxury FIT Groups
- GIT Groups
- English & Japanese support