“Kyoto, Let’s Go.” A new campaign unfolds, centered on moss and fresh greenery.
JR Central’s ongoing travel campaign, “Kyoto, Let’s Go.” A new campaign is underway, focusing on moss and fresh greenery to showcase Kyoto’s charm in early summer.
This time, we focus on Gio-ji and Jikko-in temples in the Sagano area, both boasting magnificent moss gardens. Located a short distance northwest from the bustling Arashiyama Station, popular with international visitors, these temples offer a more tranquil experience for exploring their grounds.
This campaign features special programs and comprehensive travel packages to enjoy Kyoto in early summer, with a focus on moss and "ao-momiji" (young maple leaves). June is when moss and maples are vibrantly green, and July offers dazzlingly beautiful fresh greenery. Despite this, it remains an excellent tourist season, less crowded than the cherry blossom or autumn foliage periods. We hope you will enjoy Kyoto’s verdant early summer.
Special Experiences: Learn from Masters at Kyoto's Temples Amidst Moss and Greenery
1. Early Summer Campaign: Special Programs and Travel Packages to Enjoy Kyoto's Moss and Greenery
(1) "&MOSS Kyoto, A Journey Through Moss" Guidebook
A guidebook produced in collaboration between "&Premium" magazine and "Kyoto, Let’s Go." It includes area guides for the Sagano-Arashiyama vicinity, featured in this campaign, and the Ichijoji area, home to Enko-ji temple, renowned for its moss. The guide highlights moss and ao-momiji spots perfect for visiting this season, along with recommended walking courses to fully enjoy the surrounding areas, offering unique ways to experience Kyoto in early summer.
Distribution Period: Saturday, June 1, 2019 – Wednesday, July 31, 2019
Eligibility:
Those who purchase eligible travel packages.
Those using EX services to Kyoto Station (first 200 people each day).
Other: Details will be announced on the "Kyoto, Let’s Go." website.
( https://souda-kyoto.jp/ )
(2) "Kyoto Moss Tour Guide" and Early Summer Content Available on the Website
Information on Kyoto travel in early summer, along with a "Moss MAP" and videos showcasing beautiful moss spots.
Additionally, the "Ao-Momiji Information" page, which receives many visitors annually, is currently being updated.
(3) Enriching Travel Packages for a Special Early Summer Kyoto Experience
June and July, considered the peak season for moss, offer a spectrum of greens when combined with the lush foliage of early summer. We have prepared three special plans to fully appreciate the vibrant moss at renowned Kyoto temples celebrated for their "moss and new greenery." These unique plans offer an opportunity to immerse yourself in Kyoto's moss.
Create a Kyoto Moss Box "Katake" with Hayato Nishiyama, Owner of Florist Mitate
Date & Time: Sunday, July 14, 1:30 PM – 4:30 PM
Location: Florist Mitate, Kōrin-in Temple, Daitoku-ji
Overview: After touring the shop of "Mitate," a florist specializing in wild plants from Shichiku, participate in a workshop at Kōrin-in Temple, Daitoku-ji. Learn from owner Hayato Nishiyama how to create a moss box themed around "katakage" (shade).
Tour Price: ¥9,500 (tax included)
Early Morning Moss Garden Work and Zazen Meditation at Enko-ji Temple, a Renowned Moss Temple
Date & Time: Sunday, June 30, 6:30 AM – 10:30 AM (event proceeds in rain)
Location: Enko-ji Temple
Overview: Experience a work session in the "Jūgyū-no-niwa" (Ten Oxherding Garden), usually done wearing straw sandals. This special session allows participants to experience it barefoot (straw sandals available for rent upon request). You can also take home a moss ball made with moss from Enko-ji.
Tour Price: ¥4,800 (tax included)
*Application deadline is 11:00 PM the day before the event.
*For details, please visit the "Kyoto, Let’s Go." special website.
https://souda-kyoto.jp/travel/early-summer/koke2019/index.html
2. Campaign Rollout
(1) Theme: "Moss and New Greenery"
The campaign's main visuals capture the early summer scenery, enveloped in vast moss gardens and ao-momiji, showcasing the beauty through stunning photographs and videos.
(2) Promotional Activities
We introduce the early summer landscapes of Jikko-in and Gio-ji temples in Kyoto, where moss creates a tapestry of greens and vibrant ao-momiji fills the air with life.
Posters
Poster graphics were created for Gio-ji and Jikko-in temples. At Gio-ji, the focus is on the diverse shades of green revealed by sunlight filtering through the dense moss covering the iconic garden. At Jikko-in, we draw attention to the impressive moss walls lining the stone steps of Sueyoshi Slope.
Display Period: Starting Saturday, May 25, 2019, sequentially
(Displayed at major stations in the Tokyo Metropolitan Area, Shizuoka Area, and Nagoya Area, as well as Kyoto Station)
Recommended "Kyoto, Let’s Go." Travel Packages Currently Available (Example from JR Tokai Tours)
Travel Dates: Departures from Monday, April 15, 2019, to Sunday, September 29, 2019
Duration: 1 night
Departure Areas: Tokyo Metropolitan Area, Shizuoka Area, Nagoya Area
Tour Price: Per adult, departing from Tokyo/Shinagawa Station: ¥28,400 – ¥48,500
*Includes round-trip reserved seat on Shinkansen (limited train services).
*Based on accommodation in a non-smoking twin room at Miyako Hotel Kyoto Hachijo (Main Building) for two people, without meals.
Application Deadline: By the day before departure (except for some retailers; online applications due 3 days prior).
*All images are for illustrative purposes.
JR Central "Kyoto, Let’s Go."
https://souda-kyoto.jp/