[OMO Kyoto] Quiet Temple Visits Away from Crowds: Hosting 'Early Morning Summer Refreshment Tours' to Seek Coolness

## Early Morning Temple Tours for a Refreshing Start

Three 'OMO by Hoshino Resorts' facilities in Kyoto (OMO3 Kyoto Toji, OMO5 Kyoto Sanjo, and OMO5 Kyoto Gion) will host 'Early Morning Summer Refreshment Tours' starting June 18, 2026, to help guests avoid the extreme heat and crowds of summer in Kyoto. Inspired by the traditional wisdom of summer refreshment, guests can experience morning scenery and traditional practices while enjoying refreshing drinks for a healthy start to the day.

## Background

Kyoto's summer is known for its intense, basin-characteristic heat. Daytime temperatures can be up to 12°C higher than early mornings, making sightseeing physically challenging. Avoiding daytime heat and crowds by visiting early in the morning has long been a cherished practice in Kyoto. In line with Kyoto City's 'dispersed tourism' initiative, these tours aim to stimulate early morning demand and contribute to solving overtourism issues. Utilizing their proximity to temples, the three OMO facilities offer deep, refreshing 'summer refreshment' experiences.

## [OMO3 Kyoto Toji] 'Toji Lotus Morning Visit' for a Pure Start

Guests can enjoy the lotus scenery visible only in summer at the World Heritage site, Toji Temple.

1. Viewing Lotus Flowers Opening Only in the Morning Against the Five-Story Pagoda
Guided by OMO Rangers, guests can enjoy the morning air and the lotus pond and pagoda view, available only in summer mornings. After learning about Kobo Daishi Kukai, the connection to lotuses, and Toji's history, the tour concludes with a visit to the nearby 'Toji Mochi' shop.

2. Cooling from Within with Tea Associated with Kukai
After the visit, guests are served cold green tea, inspired by the tea culture Kukai brought from Tang China, which pairs perfectly with Toji Mochi. The red bean paste in Toji Mochi is considered a 'red' food that wards off evil spirits, often used for summer conditioning and protection.

## [OMO5 Kyoto Sanjo] Cooling Down at Quiet Honno-ji Temple with 'Sanjo Teramachi Morning Visit'

1. Experiencing Morning Sutra Chanting at Honno-ji Temple
Guided by OMO Rangers to Honno-ji Temple, famous for the final moments of Oda Nobunaga. Participants receive a special limited-edition Goshuin stamp.

2. Refreshing with Vinegar-Based Drinks
Original OMO drinks using 'Chidori Vinegar' from the historic Murayama Zosu (founded in the Edo period) are served. The acidity supports fatigue recovery after morning visits.

## [OMO5 Kyoto Gion] 'Gion Uruwashi Morning Visit' to Break Ties with Summer Heat

1. An experience designed to 'cut bad ties' with heat and pray for good health.