160 year old Building Tour with Matcha and Kimono

A Short Look at the 160-Year-Old Building Tour with Matcha and Kimono

This tour takes you into the heart of Kyoto’s traditional machiya architecture with a visit to a 160-year-old teahouse. For about $14.26, you’ll spend roughly 20 to 30 minutes exploring the narrow corridors, secret staircases, and vintage features of a building that once served as a teahouse for maiko and geisha. You can choose a kimono — from six princess-style or two samurai-style options — and enjoy matcha in an antique bowl accompanied by some local sweets.

What we love about this experience is how it offers a glimpse into Kyoto’s architectural charm through detailed walkthroughs and a chance to dress up in traditional kimono styles. The handheld photographs in kimono or samurai robes and the history embedded in the building’s design make this feel like a truly authentic and personal cultural moment. The small group size (up to six people) ensures a more intimate atmosphere.

However, a possible drawback is the lack of a true tea ceremony, as some travelers might expect a formal ritual. Reviews note that the experience can feel somewhat disorganized or superficial, especially regarding the kimono and tea parts. It’s best suited for those interested in architecture, casual cultural experiences, or trying on kimono without the expectation of a full, traditional tea ceremony.

This tour is perfect for travelers seeking a quick, inexpensive, and culturally rich peek into Kyoto’s architectural treasures and traditional attire. If your goal is an immersive, in-depth experience, this might not meet your expectations, but if you’re after a light, authentic snapshot, it could be worth considering.

Key Points

• Historic Architecture: The tour focuses on a rare 160-year-old teahouse, offering a tangible connection to Kyoto’s past.
• Kimono Experience: Choose from traditional princess or samurai styles to wear during the visit—great for photos and fun.
• Matcha Tasting: Enjoy matcha in an antique bowl, paired with traditional sweets, in a cozy tatami room.
• Limited Duration: The experience lasts around 20-30 minutes, making it ideal for a quick cultural dose.
• Small Group: With a maximum of 6 travelers, it promises a more personal, less rushed interaction.
• Caution on Content: Reviewers have reported that the kimono and tea parts may be less elaborate or organized than expected.

Exploring the Experience: What You Can Expect

Starting Point and Location

The tour begins at Sawai 4-chome 320 Miyagawasuji in the Higashiyama Ward, a central and accessible part of Kyoto. This location is close to public transportation, making it easy to reach without fuss. The meeting point is straightforward, and the tour ends back at the start—no complicated logistics here.

The Building Tour

Once inside, you’ll walk through the narrow corridors and see the hidden staircase that lead to a room filled with history. The building’s design features sliding doors with manual elevators and unique architecture typical of teahouses built for geisha and maiko. Your guide (whose explanation style can vary, as some reviews suggest) will point out these features and tell stories about the building’s past.

Photo Opportunities and Kimono Choice

A charming aspect is being able to try on a kimono or samurai-style robe in a room on the third floor, with views over Miyagawa-cho streets. Expect to be able to pose for photos in authentic attire—a fun element especially for those who enjoy dressing up or want memorable travel photos. The robes are described as old mothball-smelling garments, which may not be as glamorous as you might hope, but they do add an element of vintage authenticity.

Tea and Sweets

The highlight for many is the matcha tasting in a traditional tatami room. You’ll receive powdered green tea served in an antique bowl, along with some Japanese sweets. This isn’t a formal tea ceremony, but rather a casual tasting experience, giving you a flavor of what it might have been like to enjoy tea in old Kyoto.

The Good, the Not-So-Good, and the Expectation Check

What We Like

The architecture is truly special — few buildings in Kyoto are preserved with such authenticity, and walking through it gives a palpable sense of history that you won’t find in modern hotels or temples. The kimono experience offers a playful, immersive element, perfect for travelers wanting a memorable photo or a bit of dressing up. The matcha and sweets add a cozy, authentic touch that rounds out the experience.

What Could Be Better

The main criticism—repeated in reviews—is that the tour isn’t as organized or informative as hoped. The kimono robes are described as old and mothball-scented, and the tea experience isn’t a true ritual but more of a tasting. Some visitors felt they “got taken” or that the experience was superficial, especially if expecting a thorough or traditional tea ceremony.

Who Should Consider This

This tour suits budget-conscious travelers, architecture buffs, or those eager to try on kimono-style clothing without a full-fledged ceremony. It’s a quick, light glimpse into Kyoto’s past, with a focus on fun and photos. Those seeking a deeper culture or more elaborate guided explanations may want to look elsewhere.

Deep Dive: The Itinerary Breakdown

Stop 1: Miyagawacho Kaburenjo (Mai Hall)

This 160-year-old teahouse building is the star of the show. As you walk through, you’ll see features like sliding doors with manual elevators—these are characteristic of traditional teahouse architecture designed for geisha and maiko. The explanation provided may include stories about the building’s history, although some reviews indicate that the guides may not always be fluent in English or provide detailed context.

Features and Highlights

• Hidden staircase and vintage elevators: These details offer a window into traditional Kyoto architecture.
• Photo shoot in kimono or samurai robes: The third-floor room overlooks Miyagawa-cho streets, making it a picturesque setting for photos.
• Authentic matcha experience: Drinking matcha in a tatami room with sweets is a cozy and genuine activity, albeit without a formal ceremony.

Experience Quality and Authenticity

The building itself is a rare find, especially since it’s a teahouse—not just a residence. Yet, some visitors felt the explanations could be more detailed, and the kimono robes less authentic than expected. The photo opportunity remains a bright spot, especially for those looking to capture memories.

The Practicalities: Logistics and Pricing

Duration and Group Size

At about 20 to 30 minutes, this is a bite-sized experience fitting into a busy sightseeing day. The small group limit (up to six) helps keep it intimate but also means you might need to book early.

Cost and Value

Priced at $14.26 per person, this experience is quite affordable. For the price, you get building access, kimono try-on, matcha tasting, and photos. While it’s not a comprehensive culture, it offers a tangible connection to Kyoto’s traditional architecture and a fun dress-up element.

Cancellation Policy

With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, you can book with some peace of mind, especially if you’re uncertain about the experience after reading reviews.

Final Thoughts: Who Should Book This Tour?

This experience is best for light travelers looking for a quick, inexpensive way to glimpse Kyoto’s architectural charm and enjoy some fun kimono photos. It’s ideal if you’re curious about Kyoto’s historic teahouses but don’t want a lengthy or expensive tour. If you’re seeking a more traditional or in-depth tea ritual, or expect high-end kimono rentals, you might find this tour lacking.

It’s a playful, authentic snapshot, perfect for casual explorers and those eager to add a quaint cultural memory to their Kyoto trip.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Yes, most travelers can participate, as long as they’re comfortable walking through a historic building and trying on kimonos.

Are the kimonos new or vintage?
The robes are described as old and mothball-scented, so they’re more vintage than brand-new.

Does the tour include a full tea ceremony?
No, this is a matcha tasting, not a full ceremonial experience. Expect a casual, straightforward taste of matcha.

How long does the tour last?
Approximately 20 to 30 minutes, making it ideal for a quick cultural stop.

Is it easy to reach the meeting point?
Yes, it’s near public transportation in Kyoto’s Higashiyama Ward, making access straightforward.

Can I take photos during the tour?
Absolutely. You’re encouraged to take photos, especially in kimono or samurai robes on the third floor.

In summary, this tour offers a charming peek into Kyoto’s architectural past, a fun kimono dress-up, and a cozy matcha break. While it may not satisfy those seeking an in-depth or ceremonial experience, it provides a memorable, inexpensive way to enjoy Kyoto’s traditional atmosphere — especially if you love snapping photos and exploring historic buildings.