For the first time in the world, same sex couples dreaming of a traditional Japanese wedding can turn their dreams into reality thanks to the Shunkoin Buddhist Temple in Kyoto. The luxury Hotel Granvia Kyoto has teamed up with the zen temple in Japan's cultural capital Kyoto to offer a same-sex wedding ceremony package, opening the doors to this romantic experience for couples of all sexual-orientations.

The award-winning hotel and 16th century temple are the first in Japan to offer a full traditional Japanese wedding package to LGBT couples, and despite not being legally binding, the ceremony will include traditional Japanese wedding attire, seasonal floral bouquets and the exchanging of vows in the presence of the temple's priest Reverend Takafumi Kawakami.

The package includes a champagne and cake welcome at the Hotel Granvia Kyoto and three nights' bed and breakfast accommodation in a Junior Suite. When it comes to the big day, couples can indulge in hair and makeup styling and will then be greeted with personalised bouquets to compliment their traditional Japanese kimonos. Limousines will transfer the couples to and from the ceremony at the Shunkoin Temple and a traditional wedding dinner at the hotel will bring the celebrations to a conclusion. Boasting more than 17 cultural world heritage sites, the city of Kyoto makes the perfect backdrop to any newly-married couples' wedding album.

Wedding packages cost £4,230 for two people and can be booked through www.granviakyoto.com. For more information about Kyoto visit kyoto.travel/en

About KCB

Kyoto Convention and Visitors Bureau is the official partnership for international tourism representation of the City of Kyoto, Japan. Kyoto's diverse history and reputation as Japan's original capital and cultural centre provide a wealth of opportunities for tour operators and travel agents.  The city is home to the Imperial Palace whilst also being the only place where 'real' geishas can still be seen, its old temples and Zen gardens interspersed with urban living means that Kyoto is a striking contrast of heritage and modern city.  Its location just 25 minutes from Osaka and 2hrs 15 minutes from Tokyo, make it easily accessible from Japan's two main international gateways.

For more information or images, please contact:

McCluskey International 

Jessica Meins / Lauren Hill

T: 020 8747 2170

E: kyoto@mccluskey.co.uk