Kyoto
The tea ceremonies open to visitors: machiya townhouses, temple settings and 45-minute lessons that teach the whisk before the bowl. Kyoto guarded this ritual for four centuries; an hour inside it explains the city.
Discover Kyoto’s centuries-old traditions with a captivating tea ceremony in a historic teahouse, complete with expert guidance, beautiful gardens, and tastings.
Most Popular“I loved my experience here--learning about tea, having the tea ceremony and making tea in a zen setting with a beautiful garden was so memorable. The group was small and as we didn't wear kimonos it felt authentic. One of my favourite things I did…”
Discover the art and serenity of Japan’s traditional tea ceremony at Jotokuji Temple in Kyoto. Learn, participate, and enjoy authentic culture for $24.
“The hosts of the tea ceremony were so very sweet, charming and kind. They took the time to explain every step of the matcha tea preparation carefully and then gave us the opportunity to prepare our own tea under their guidance. Very nice experience.”
Discover Kyoto’s traditions with a 45-minute tea ceremony led by a licensed Urasenke master. Learn, participate, and enjoy authentic Japanese culture.
“We booked the 45 min candlelit tea ceremony for my family. It was absolutely wonderful. The hostess guided us upstairs where we all changed into kimonos. They were all beautiful and felt high quality. She offered to take pictures of us as well (pictures are…”
Discover Kyoto's culture with a comfortable, table-style tea ceremony in a traditional Machiya house, including calligraphy, kimono rental, and more.
“The all experience is amazing! We learn a lot and the staff there is so nice, very skilled, good English speaker and they make sure that everything is perfect.”
Experience Kyoto’s culture with a traditional kimono and tea ceremony. Enjoy expert guidance, authentic matcha, and memorable photos in a small group setting.
“I strongly encourage you to do both the kimono and the tea ceremony, the dress up was so much fun. The history behind the ceremony was explained wonderfully, and the opportunity for pictures was amazing.”
Experience Kyoto's culture with a kimono fitting, traditional tea ceremony, and calligraphy—an authentic, intimate journey into Japan's elegant traditions.
“The tea ceremony was a wonderful experience, so interesting to learn the intricacies of the practice. And getting to try on a kimono and getting the option to keep it on for most of the day was an added bonus! Definitely the best option if…”
Experience an authentic Japanese tea ceremony in Kyoto’s historic Kyo-Machiya house, dressed in kimono, with expert guidance, traditional sweets, and cultural insights.
“This was a wonderful experience! Our host was amazing and gave us such a thorough explanation of both the ritual and history of the tea ceremony. Not to mention he was very charming and made the whole experience very accessible while still honoring the ceremony…”
Experience Kyoto’s ancient tea culture firsthand with a traditional matcha ceremony in a historic machiya, guided by friendly experts for an authentic taste of Japan.
“It was very informative and enjoyable. Ikuko, was excellent, and explained the ceremony very well. It was the first time I had tasted Matcha tea, and it was fun that I made it myself...with a little help from Ikuko to whisk it into a good…”
Discover Kyoto’s tea culture with a hands-on matcha workshop led by a tea master in a historic Machiya. Learn, create, and take home authentic tea experiences.
“It was such a pleasant experience. We learned about the culture and how to properly prepare a matcha tea. It was great to share this activity with a small and nice group. Our guide was lovely and explained everything into detail. Totally recommend!”
Experience Kyoto’s traditions with a kimono-clad tea ceremony near Imamiya Jinjya Shrine, guided by expert hosts who bring history to life in an authentic setting.
“What a beautiful experience. We loved every moment. Starting with traditional kimonos, we were dressed and had our hair done in preparation for the tea ceremony. We walked to the temple for the ceremony which made it even more special. We learned so much about…”
Experience Kyoto's culture with a hands-on sweets making class and tea ceremony for just $19; learn traditional skills in a friendly, authentic setting.
“I liked the small group and that the steps were broken down into easy parts to follow”
Discover Kyoto's traditional charm with a kimono fitting and tea ceremony in a historic machiya, blending cultural authenticity with memorable photo opportunities.
“It was pretty chaotic but very authentic and I like chaos. We arrived half hour early and immediately a little old Japanese lady grabbed us and started putting the kimono on us. Pictures were not allowed while dressing or taking the kimono off. Then we…”
Experience Kyoto’s traditions with a tea ceremony, making matcha, enjoying a Koto performance, donning a kimono, and learning about Japanese culture.
“This was such a beautiful experience! The host was so kind and explained the ceremony really well. I now have a better understanding on why this is so significant in Japanese culture.”
Discover Kyoto’s new tea ceremony experience at Sanjo Chasuian. Enjoy hands-on matcha making, seasonal sweets, and authentic traditions in a serene setting.
“It was a wonderful experience! Thank you very much :)”
Experience Kyoto’s culture with a guided Maiko tea ceremony, photo session, and dance performance—an authentic, engaging way to meet Japan's iconic Maiko.
“My only complaint was the advertising in the background. It was tough to get a good picture without the company name and QR code. Our Maiko was a lovely young woman and I would recommend this experience”
Ten thousand shrine gates, tea poured properly and geisha lanes at dusk.