Arashiyama’s summer nights are historically defined by the glow of bonfires reflected in the Hozugawa River. From July 1 to September 23, 2026, Suiran, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Kyoto, continues this legacy by offering guests direct access to Arashiyama Ukai, a traditional cormorant fishing method with over a thousand years of history. This cultural spectacle, once favored by Emperor Seiwa, remains a cornerstone of Kyoto’s seasonal identity, combining ancient techniques with the quiet atmosphere of the river at dusk.
A Thousand-Year Summer Tradition
Arashiyama Ukai is a heritage fishing practice where usho (cormorant masters) utilize the natural instincts of birds to catch river fish. Dressed in traditional eboshi (ceremonial headgear) and koshimino (straw skirts), the masters skillfully manage multiple leashes under the light of kagari-bi, or iron-basket bonfires, suspended from the bows of their wooden boats. Guests observe this rhythmic interplay from viewing boats, experiencing the heat of the flames and the sound of the river in a setting that has changed little since the Heian period.
Innovative Gastronomy and River Excursions
The experience is paired with a seasonal menu at the onsite restaurant Kyo Suiran. The culinary team presents a fusion of Japanese and French aesthetics, focusing on ingredients synonymous with the region’s summer. Key components include ayu (sweetfish), hamo (pike conger), and the bright notes of blue yuzu. Following dinner, the transition from the restaurant to the viewing boats allows for a seamless immersion into the evening’s activities on the Hozugawa.
Special Gozan no Okuribi Viewing Option
On August 16, 2026, the hotel offers a specialized plan to witness the Kyoto Gozan no Okuribi, a series of massive mountain bonfires signaling the end of the Obon season. From a private chartered houseboat, guests can view the “Daimonji” character illuminated on Mt. Nyoigadake while enjoying a selection of wine, beer, and traditional ramune soda. This excursion provides a rare vantage point for one of Kyoto’s most significant spiritual events, cooled by the evening breeze of the river.
Seasonal Accommodation Plans
The Kagaribi Accommodation Plan integrates the full breadth of the summer experience, including a one-night stay, breakfast, and the dinner-and-ukai excursion. Guests are accommodated in rooms that blend contemporary luxury with traditional Japanese motifs, many featuring views of the surrounding Arashiyama greenery. The plan also includes a one-way transfer from Kyoto or Arashiyama stations, ensuring a streamlined arrival for international travelers.
Property details
- Property
- Suiran, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Kyoto
- Address
- Arashiyama, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto
- Access
- One-way transfer available from Kyoto Station or nearby Arashiyama stations
- Official site
- https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/ukylc-suiran-a-luxury-collection-hotel-kyoto/overview/
- Pricing
- Kagaribi Accommodation Plan from 91,225 JPY per person (for 2 guests per room); Natsukagari Restaurant Plan at 25,270 JPY per person
- Opened
- March 23, 2015
