All Reviews for Seasonal

I made a reservation for a yudofu lunch with admission tickets to Eikando for mid-November. The deep crimson leaves of Eikando left a lasting impression on both my 80-year-old mother and me during our mother-daughter trip. The yudofu set was just the right portion for both of us and was delicious. We entered Eikando from the parking lot of the Eikando Kaikan with a fast pass-like experience, and both the main hall and the Amida Buddha were wonderful. The autumn leaves were particularly stunning, making it the best time to see them in Kyoto. I also love the area along the Philosopher's Path leading to Eikando and Nanzen-ji. I would like to make a reservation again next year.

11月中旬予定で、永観堂の入場券付き湯豆腐ランチを事前予約しました。80歳代の母親との母娘の二人旅に、永観堂の深紅の紅葉は目にも心にも思い出深く刻まれました。湯豆腐御膳は母も私にもちょうど良いボリュームでおいしかったです。永観堂会館の駐車場からファストパスの様相で永観堂に入り、本堂も見返り阿弥陀如来も素晴らしく、殊更紅葉はこの時期では京都一番の見頃でした。哲学の道から永観堂、南禅寺への道すがらも好きなエリアです。また来年も予約したく存じます。

I participated with my 81-year-old mother on December 1st. I was disappointed that the autumn leaves in Arashiyama the day before were mostly gone, but the illuminated leaves at Eikando were beautiful. Due to the impact of COVID-19, there were significantly fewer visitors than usual, allowing us to enjoy the viewing in peace. I had low expectations because of previous reviews about the staff and meals, but both my mother and I found it to be much better than we had anticipated. I recommend this tour.

12／1に81歳の母と２人で参加しました。前日の嵐山も紅葉は名残りで、残念に思ってましたが、永観堂の紅葉ライトアップは素敵でした。コロナの影響で、訪問者も例年よりグッと少なく、落ち着いて鑑賞できました。以前の体験談でスタッフさんや食事の評判が悪かったので期待してなかったのですが、私も母も思ってたよりずっと良いと感じました。このツアーはお勧めします

The illuminated display was easy to enjoy, and the food was delicious, leaving me very satisfied. I would like to use this service again if I have the opportunity.

ライトアップ鑑賞もスムーズに入れましたし、お食事も美味しくて大満足でした。また機会があれば利用したいと思います。

I visited for the first time.
I don't think it was a busy time, but I was able to enter early and receive various explanations, which was very nice.
There was a live shamisen performance, and it was neither too long nor too short, so I enjoyed it at a good pace. Above all, the temple staff were very kind; they prepared chairs for my parents, who have difficulty walking, and offered us assistance, which I really appreciated. The garden was also enchanting and beautiful.

初めて伺いました。
混雑する時期ではなかったと思いますが、早めに入れて色々と説明を聞くことも出来、とても良かったです。
三味線の生演奏がありましたが、長過ぎず、短すぎず、良い時間配分で楽しめました。なにより，お寺の方が皆親切で、足の悪い両親のために椅子を用意して下さったり、声をかけて下さったり、有り難かったです。お庭も幻想的で素敵でした。

I booked a tour because it would be tough to stand in line with my elderly parents who have mobility issues. As a result, it was quite nice this year since the autumn leaves came early and it was a weekday, so it wasn't crowded at all.

I didn't have high expectations for the food based on other reviews, but the small portions of kaiseki cuisine were easy for the elderly to eat, which was great. The yudofu was warm and there were no issues with that. If I had to mention something, the tempura was cold, so it would have been better if it were warm.

Also, it would have been nice if the room was a bit warmer, but since we were the first ones there, I guess it can't be helped (laughs).

足が悪い高齢の両親を連れて行くのに、並ぶのはきついのでツアーを予約しました。
結果、今年は紅葉も早かった＆平日だったことから空いていましたが、とても良かったです。
他の方の口コミでお料理が今ひとつかと思って期待していませんでしたが、少しずつの会席料理は高齢者にとっては食べやすくて良かったです。湯豆腐も温かく、問題ありませんでした。強いて言うなら、天ぷら等は冷たかったので温かいとなお良いかと思いますが・・・。
あと、お部屋がもう少し暖かいと良かったですが、一番乗りだったので仕方ないですね(笑)

I arrived at Zenrinji at 5 PM, and there were already many people waiting to enter. After checking in for the "meal included course" and undergoing a temperature check, I was able to enter at the front as soon as the gates opened at 5:30 PM. It was a very satisfying experience. Thank you!

禅林寺17時到着、すでに沢山の人が入場待ち『食事付きコース』受付後、体温検査も優先して17時半開門と同時に先頭で入れました。優越感たっぷりの体験でした。ありがとうございます。

At Eikando, famous for its autumn leaves, I was able to enjoy lunch while admiring the foliage through the window. It had started to fall a bit, but it was still very beautiful. I would like to participate again. Next time, I would like to join the evening plan.

紅葉で有名な永観堂で、ランチをしながら窓から紅葉が拝見できました。
少し散り始めていましたが、まだまだとても綺麗でした。
また、参加したいです。
今度は、夜間のプランに参加したいと思いました。

The weather was favorable, and although we had already passed the peak of the autumn leaves, the fallen leaves at Eikando were beautiful. For us, who prefer the yudofu from the Nanzenji area, the yudofu here was delicious as well. Additionally, we didn't have to wait long to buy tickets, which eased our concerns during the COVID-19 pandemic. Meeting at the location was also convenient and nice.

天気にも恵まれ紅葉のピークは越えていたけど、落ち葉がいっぱいの永観堂も素敵でした。南禅寺系の湯豆腐の方が好きな私たちにとって湯豆腐も美味しかったです。また入場券を買うのに長く待つ必要がないのでコロナ流行の中で心配が軽減されました。現地集合というのも気軽で良かったです。

I kept thinking until the end, "Please let this be a prank." I just couldn't believe the situation I was in. The room I was taken to felt like a conference room? No, it was more like a break room for part-time workers. I sat down at a conference table, half in disbelief. Of course, it was a folding chair. The lack of even a tablecloth made it clear that there was no intention of hospitality whatsoever.

The windows were covered with blinds, so I couldn't see the autumn leaves outside. No wonder, as the view was just a parking lot. And then there was the food. While there were many dishes, both the tempura and grilled fish were not just at the level of being "cold," but were so cold they seemed like they had just come out of the refrigerator.

Furthermore, I could constantly hear loud banging noises from the adjacent room, which seemed to be the back kitchen, making it impossible to enjoy the meal at all. It was nothing short of a terrible experience that mocked tourists, taking advantage of the promise of being able to visit without waiting in line. Does Beltora know about this reality?

最後まで「ドッキリであってくれ」と思い続けていました。それだけ、自分の置かれている状況が信じられませんでした。
通された部屋は会議室？いや、まるでバイトの休憩室。
まさかここ？と半信半疑でついた席は会議机。もちろんパイプ椅子。テーブルクロスさえかけていないことからも、おもてなしをしようという気持ちは全く感じられず。
窓はブラインドで閉ざされ紅葉は観えません。それもそのはず窓の外は駐車場。
そしてお料理。品数こそ沢山ありましたが、天麩羅も焼魚も「冷めている」レベルではなく、たった今冷蔵庫から出してきたような「冷たさ」でした。
更に、一体何をしているのか、バックヤードとした隣室からはバタンバタンと大きな音が絶えず聞こえ、全く食事を楽しむ雰囲気ではありませんでした。
並ばずに拝観できる、、、といううたい文句に乗じ、観光客を愚弄したひどい内容としか言いようがありません。ベルトラさんは、この実態をご存知なのでしょうか？

Dinner was at 17:30, but based on everyone's reviews, I tried to enjoy the autumn leaves first. However, without any say, I was ushered to the dining area at 17:15, and had to eat quickly, entering at 17:33… to a shocking crowd! It was outside, but the sheer number of people was terrifying. The tempura at dinner was cold and hard, just as the reviews said. I didn't feel it was worth the cost at all, but I was glad to be able to enter without waiting because I wanted to see the autumn light-up at Eikando Temple at least once. By the way, the lights were too bright for taking photos, which made it very difficult. It would be nice if there were a comfortable set with tickets and a bento for those coming to see the light-up.

17:30から夕飯でしたが、皆さんの口コミを参考に、先に紅葉鑑賞を試みようとしましたが、有無を言わせず17:15から夕食会場に通され、とにかく速攻で食べて17:33に入場しましたが…驚くばかりの密状態！外ですが、あまりの人の多さに恐怖を覚えました。
夕飯の天麩羅は口コミ通り冷たく固く（汗）
コスパはまったく感じませんでしたが、一度、永観寺の紅葉ライトアップを見てみたかったため、並ばず入れたことだけは良かったです。
ちなみに、ライトアップはライトが明るすぎて、写真を撮るのはとても難しく感じました。
ライトアップ鑑賞の人向けに、チケット＋お弁当の過ごしやすいセットでもあるといいのですが。

Being able to enter smoothly without waiting creates a sense of ease. I believe the meals are served in the hall used for ceremonies adjacent to the temple. With that understanding, you can enjoy the food deliciously. As expected of a famous spot for autumn leaves, I was moved by the meticulously designed corridors that allow you to enjoy the seasons, especially autumn, while peeking into the courtyard. It's enviable to think that training has been conducted here since ancient times. You must have been watched over by the Amida Buddha. In the midst of the bright red autumn, it was a temple that made me feel very warm.

並ばずスムーズに入場できるのは、気持ちに余裕が生まれます。お寺に隣接される法要等で利用さらる会館でのお食事と存じます。その理解があれば美味しくいただけます。さすが紅葉の名所、中庭を覗く回廊、建物から季節を特に秋を堪能できる計算され尽くした造りに感動いたします。ここで古より修行されていたとは羨ましい限りです。見返り阿弥陀様に見守られていたのでしょう。真っ赤な秋の真ん中で、大変温かい気持ちになるお寺でした。

It was great to have priority entry. The food was just okay, but since we were dining on tatami mats, it was a bit difficult because my legs went numb.

最優に入場できるので、とても良かった。
食事はまあまあでしたが、お座敷での食事なので、足がしびれてしまうのが難点。

This time, the autumn leaves in Kyoto were nearing the end, which was disappointing. However, the Eikando Temple still had some beautiful red leaves left, so that was nice. I had confirmed in advance through a guidebook that Eikando was beautiful, so I was glad I went. If I hadn't visited Eikando, this trip to Kyoto would have felt lonely.

As for the food, the yuba sashimi was delicious. I enjoyed the Kyoto yudofu set meal. The only downside was the tempura, which was a bit too cold. As I had requested during the reservation, I was able to visit the temple at 9:30 before the meal. The weather was favorable, and it was a great day. The staff on the premises were all kind, and they even took photos for me. I had a pleasant day.

今回は京都の紅葉は終盤に近く、がっかり目でした。しかし、この永観堂はまだきれいな赤がそこそこ残っていたので良かったです。あらかじめガイドブックで永観堂はきれいと確かめてあったので、行って良かったです。永観堂に行かなければ、今回の京都旅行は寂しいものになったでしょう。
お食事は、湯葉の刺身が美味しかった。京都の湯豆腐御膳を味わいました。さめすぎた天ぷらだけはちょっと・・・でしたが。予約の時に申し出ていた通り無理を言ってお食事の前に9時半から拝観させて頂きました。お天気に恵まれ、いい１日でした。構内の係りの方も皆さん親切で写真を撮ってもらったりしました。気持ちの良い1日を過ごしました。

When it comes to autumn leaves in Kyoto, Eikando is a must! The illumination makes it absolutely wonderful. However, if you just show up, you might find it extremely crowded and unable to enter. The line to get in seems to stretch through the parking lot, and you may have to wait about 1.5 hours. This is a tour you can't miss if you're planning to wrap up your day at Eikando after seeing various sights, as you can manage your time well.

You can either enjoy the illumination after having your meal or take your time to eat after viewing the autumn leaves. Note that the illumination follows a specific route, so you can't go against the flow. If you want to enjoy the illumination first, you'll need to exit and then inform the reception that you haven't had your meal yet, and you can return to the dining area.

The meal options include yudofu, and I was satisfied with both the variety and quantity. There aren't many dining options near Eikando, and considering how crowded it gets, being able to eat here is really convenient. I don't think it's expensive when you consider that you can enter without waiting and have a meal included.

京都の紅葉といえば永観堂!　更にライトアップだから素晴らしいのは間違いなしです 　だからいきなり行っても大混雑で入れません　入場を待つ列は駐車場を経由して並んでいて、入るまで1.5ｈは並ぶようです　あちこち見た後、1日の終わりに永観堂で締めよう、と考える人ははずせないツアーです　時間が読めますからね
食事は先に済ませてゆっくりライトアップを楽しむのもいいし、紅葉を見てからゆっくりいただくのとどちらもできます　なおライトアップは、順路に沿って歩くので逆走できません　先にライトアップを楽しむ場合は見終わって一旦出場することになりますが、受付まで行って「食事はまだです」といえば食事場所まで戻ることができます。
食事は湯豆腐もあって種類も量も満足できました。永観堂近辺では食事する場所は近くにないし、とにかく人が多いので街なかに出ることを考えると、ここで食事できるのは本当に便利です。
待たずにスッと入れる、食事付きと色々考えると高くないと思っています

The food was quite disappointing. I might have to accept it since I applied for the privilege of entering without waiting in line.

お料理はかなりがっかりでした。もともと並ばないで入れる特権のために申し込んだので仕方ないのかもしれませんが。

It was my first time experiencing illuminated sightseeing, and I was shocked by the long line to enter. Fortunately, I was able to enter smoothly through the back entrance, so that aspect made it a worthwhile tour. The night view of Eikando was simply beautiful and worth seeing. The food was honestly disappointing. It's better not to have high expectations. The staff's service was good.

はじめてのライトアップ観光でしたが入場待ちの行列に目を疑いました。幸いスムーズに裏口から入場できましたので、その点は価値のあるツアーでした。夜の永観堂はただただ美しく、一見の価値ありです。食事は正直ガッカリです。期待しない方が良いです。スタッフのサービスは良かったです。

It was incredibly crowded since it was the peak of the autumn leaves season. There were several tour groups from travel companies, but those who booked through VELTRA were the first in line. I felt it was worth splurging a little to avoid that line. The food was delicious as well. If I have the chance again, I would like to use it.

紅葉のピーク時ということもあって、ものすごい人でした。旅行会社のツアーも何組かありましたが、VELTRAで予約した方達が一番のりでした。あの列に並ぶのなら、少し奮発してよかったと思いました。食事も美味しかったですよ。また機会があったら、利用したいと思います。

I reserved a tofu hot pot lunch with an admission ticket. The portion was just right and it was delicious. The autumn leaves at Eikando afterwards were a bit past their peak, but I still enjoyed them enough. It was also great not to have to wait in line to purchase tickets.

入場券付き湯豆腐ランチを予約しました。私にとっては、量もちょうどでおいしかったです。そのあとの永観堂の紅葉は、少し過ぎてしまっていましたが、十分楽しめました。また、チケット購入に並ばずにすみ良かったです。

For 1,000 yen, I was able to enjoy the illuminated night viewing and live performance, which was a very good deal. However, I was concerned that the seating for the live performance was quite crowded.

1000円でライトアップの夜間拝観と生演奏を聴くことができて、とてもお得なプランでした。ただ、生演奏の観覧席がとても蜜だったことが気になりました。

It was very beautiful, but there were so many people, it was overwhelming. It was the first time I saw so many people gathered together. Since it was outdoors, I don't think there was any concern about COVID.

すごく綺麗でしたが、人が多くて多くて大変でした。こんなに人が多く集まっているのは初めて見ました。外なので人が多くてもコロナの心配はないでしょう。

It was a night viewing starting at 17:30, and the reception was smooth with no waiting at all. During the waiting time before entry, temperature checks and hand sanitization were conducted, and I was able to enter first, which gave me a sense of security. Staff members were present throughout, reminding everyone to maintain distance. It was my first time experiencing a night viewing, and it was incredibly beautiful; I truly enjoyed it. I had made a reservation for dinner at 19:00, and although I arrived early, I hardly had to wait for the meal, which was very satisfying. If I have the opportunity, I would definitely like to apply again.

17:30～の夜間拝観でしたが、受付もスムーズで全く待つことなく入場までの待ち時間で体温測定と手指消毒が行われ、しかも一番最初に入場出来て、安心感がありました。係の方も随所におられて、密にならないように注意喚起されていました。始めての夜間拝観でしたが、凄く美しくて本当に楽しめました。19:00からの食事の予約でお願いしていましたが、早めに会場に到着しましたが、ここでもほぼ待つことなく食事も大満足でした。機会があれば是非また申し込みしたいと思います。

I chose a meal course at 7 PM. I was able to enter almost first without much waiting. This year, due to COVID-19, the inside of Eikando is one-way, which allowed for a more leisurely visit. It's worth paying just to avoid standing in that line. The meal was not as bad as I had heard; I thought of it as a luxurious bento and enjoyed it deliciously.

19時に食事コースを選びました。
ほとんど並ばずにほぼ、一番はじめに入れました。
今年は新型コロナのために、永観堂の中が一方通行で、逆にのんびり回れました。あの行列に並ばずにすむだけでお金を払う価値があります。
食事も、言われるほどひどくなくなく、豪華なお弁当と思って美味しくいただきました。

I made a reservation for the first day of the three-day weekend and arrived at the parking lot 30 minutes before the start, but there was a long line to get into the parking lot. There was a tent near the entrance, so it was easy to find. Following the staff, we were guided to the group entrance along with others who had also bought the ridiculously expensive tickets. Naturally, we were in a line that allowed us to enter earlier than the group. It’s definitely better to visit first and then have a meal! If you eat first, it loses its meaning. I hope they can at least allow priority entry by 5 PM! The high ticket price makes it pointless otherwise! I hope they improve this from next year! By the way, we finished the visit in about 30 minutes and had dinner after 6 PM. The meal was also mediocre, so I’ll have to think about it for next year.

三連休の初日に予約、開始30分には駐車場に着きましたが、駐車場まで大行列でした。駐車場入り口付近にテントがあったので直ぐに分かりました。係の方のあとを付いて行くと自分ら同様糞高いチケットを買った、買ってしまった方々と団体専用の入り口に案内されました。当然ですが団体よりも早く入れるような並びになっていました。先に拝観して食事にされた方が絶対良いです❗️食事を先にすると意味がなくなります。せめて17時には優先的に入れるようにしてもらいたいです❗️糞高いチケット代の意味がないので❗️来年からは改善してもらいたいですねー‼️ちなみに30分位で観終わり、18時過ぎには食事しました。
食事もいまいちで、来年からは考えます。

This was my first time visiting during the autumn leaves season, and I joined because I heard I could enjoy the experience smoothly without waiting in line. While the general public was lining up before the opening time, I was able to enter smoothly since I had a reservation. The food was delicious, and I was very satisfied! The illumination of the autumn leaves was beautiful. It was wonderful to be able to go during this season.

紅葉の時期に訪れるのは初めてで、並ばずにスムーズに拝観できるとのことで、こちらに参加させていただきました。
一般の方は拝観時間前から並んでいましたが、予約してたのでスムーズに入れました。料理も美味しくて満足しました！
紅葉のライトアップはきれいでした。この時期に行けて最高でした。

The tour I participated in on November 20 was a complete rip-off.

First of all, we were not allowed entry before the meal, and the staff's response was irresponsible. The staff at Eikando, which is just renting the space, said they didn't know the details because it was the responsibility of Hatoya Foods, which was incredibly unhelpful. Additionally, the koyo kaiseki was very unappetizing, inferior even to a station bento, and charging 5,000 yen for this is outright extortion. It was the worst tour, relying on the popularity of the light-up event.

I have occasionally used tours through Veltra overseas and have been satisfied with the price and content until now, but selling such a tour without proper investigation could damage Veltra's credibility. I hope for a re-investigation.

This tour is marketed with the promise that you can enter Eikando at night without waiting in line for hours, but it could tarnish the reputation of Kyoto tourism. Fortunately, there were no tourists from overseas this year, but I can only pray that such rip-off tours are not conducted in the future.

　11月20日参加したこのツアーは、すべてにおいてぼったくりツアーです。
　まず、食事前の入場は出来ず、その対応も無責任。場所を貸している永観堂のスタッフは、実施しているハトヤフーズの責任なので内容は知らない、と不親切きわまりない対応。また、紅葉会席はとても不味く、駅弁にも劣るないようで、これで5000円はぼったくりそのもの。人気のライトアップにあぐらをかいた最低のツアーでした。
　ベルトラ経由のツアーは海外で時々利用してますが、これまで値段と内容に満足してましたが、こんなツアーを調査なく販売してはベルトラの信用を落としかねません。再調査を希望します。
　このツアーは、何時間も並ばずに夜の永観堂に入場できるとの謳い文句で売り出しているツアーですが、京都観光の名を汚すことになりかねません。幸い今年は海外からの観光客はありませんでしたが、今後このようなぼったくりまがいのツアーが実施されることのないよう祈るのみです。

I'm really glad I didn't have to stand in the incredibly long line for entry on the day. The food was delicious too. Thank you very much.

当日、ものすごい長さの入場者の列に並ばなくて済んで、本当に良かったです。
ご飯もおいしかったです。
ありがとうございました。

The night view at Eikando was very nice. However, the meal, including the fish and tempura, was cold, hard, and not delicious.

永観堂の夜景は、とても、よかったです。
しかし、食事は、魚、天ぷらが、冷めて硬く美味しくなかったです。

There were hardly any inbound visitors, so it was much less crowded than usual, but even so, there were lines of dozens of people at the entrance to maintain social distancing. It feels great to be able to enter without waiting in line. However, it seems that the food preparation was too quick, and especially the tempura was completely cold and hardened, which was disappointing.

インバウンドの方がほとんどいないので、例年よりずっと空いてましたが、それでもソーシャルディスタンスを取るために、入場口には数十人の列ができてました。全く並ばずに入れるのは、とても気分が良いです。
ただし、お料理の用意が早すぎるようで、特に天ぷらは完全に冷めて固まっていて、残念。

When I arrived at the meeting time, there was already a long line waiting to enter. Since I had a reservation, I was able to enter smoothly after a temperature check. After finishing our meal, we had free time to explore and could take our time enjoying the autumn leaves without being rushed. Eating delicious food, entering without waiting, and being able to admire the autumn foliage as much as I wanted made it clear that making a reservation was the right choice.

集合時間に行くと、既に入場待ちの長蛇の列が。予約していたので検温後、スムーズに入れた。ご飯食べ終わり次第、自由行動自由解散なので、時間に縛られずにじっくりと紅葉を眺めることができた。美味しいご飯を食べ、待たずに入場し、好きなだけ紅葉を眺められるんだから、これは予約して正解だった。

I had read comments in advance that the food was cold and disappointing, and that was true. Sitting on the tatami mats was painful for my back, and my husband seemed to struggle quite a bit. The illumination was more magical and beautiful than I expected, so it was very disappointing. Next time I go, it seems like it would be better to skip the meal and just enjoy the experience, even if it means waiting in line.

事前に調べて時食事が冷たくて期待外れというコメントがありましたが、その通りでした。座敷に座るのも腰が痛くなり夫は大分きつそうでした。ライトアップは予想以上に幻想的で素敵でしたのでとても残念です。次回行くときは並んでも食事はなしで行ったほうが楽しめそうです。