Planning a trip to Arashiyama and wondering how to visit Yūsai-tei, one of its most tranquil hidden spots? If you’ve been searching for how to book or whether you need a reservation, you’re in the right place.
Yūsai-tei is a traditional Japanese house with a beautiful garden, located in the heart of Arashiyama. As entry is by advance reservation only, walk-ins are not accepted—booking ahead is essential.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through how to book via the official website, what to expect on the day, and a few important tips to make your visit smooth and stress-free.
Experience the serene side of Kyoto- explore Arashiyama’s timeless beauty.
What is Yūsai-tei?
Nestled in central Arashiyama, Yūsai-tei is a charming Japanese-style residence surrounded by a peaceful garden. It’s particularly popular during the autumn foliage season, when the area becomes one of Kyoto’s most beautiful and photographed spots.
Unlike many other attractions in Arashiyama, Yūsai-tei limits visitor numbers, creating a quiet, intimate atmosphere — perfect if you want a moment of calm away from the crowds.
Why is it Reservation-Only?
Yūsai-tei operates on a strict reservation-only system. The main reasons are:
• To preserve a calm and peaceful environment.
• They do not offer same-day ticket sales.
• During the peak autumn season (roughly 10 November – 10 December), last-minute bookings are virtually impossible.
How to Book Online
Here’s a quick step-by-step guide to booking your visit:
1. Go to the official Yūsai-tei website and open the booking page.
2. You’ll be asked to read a few notes — for example, children under 12 are not allowed during the autumn foliage period (10 Nov–10 Dec), and tripods are not permitted.
3. Tick the box to confirm you’ve read and agreed to the conditions.
4. From the calendar, choose your preferred date.
• White / Yellow days: ¥2,000
• Red days (peak autumn): ¥3,000
5. Next, select your desired time slot. Once you’ve clicked a date, scroll down to see which times are available.
6. Enter your details (name, phone number, email, etc.). Once the booking is complete, a QR code will appear — save this to your phone!
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On the Day: What to Expect
It’s best to arrive about 5 minutes before your reserved time.
When you arrive:
• Show your QR code at the entrance (no need to print it; your phone screen is fine).
• Pay the entrance fee:
Regular days: ¥2,000 paid on-site in cash.
Autumn season (Red/Yellow days): Paid in advance by credit card (¥3,000 / ¥2,000 respectively).
My Visit Experience
I booked the first 10:00 am slot and arrived around 9:50 am. About ten people were already waiting, but everything started exactly on time.
Since they limit the number of visitors, there was no stress, no queues, and I could fully enjoy the calm surroundings. The limited number of people meant I could take photos without anyone in the background. It was a rare moment of peace in Arashiyama.
Important Booking Tips
• 📱 Save your QR code. Signal in Arashiyama can be patchy, and you’ll need it to enter.
• 📧 Check your spam or junk mail folder in case your confirmation email ends up there.
• 🔁 If you need to cancel or reschedule, you can do so easily via the official website.
Final Thoughts
Yūsai-tei is a true hidden gem — a peaceful retreat right in the middle of busy Arashiyama. With just a little advance planning, you’ll have the chance to experience one of Kyoto’s most serene corners. If you follow the steps above, booking is quick and easy, even for first-time visitors.
So, make your reservation, take a quiet stroll through the gardens, and enjoy a moment of stillness among the beauty of Kyoto.
✨ Planning your Arashiyama itinerary? Check out my Half-Day Arashiyama Walking Course to make the most of your visit!
All set for Yusai-tei？ Here’s what to book next ▷
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