Kyoto · KYOTO TEA CEREMONY EXPERIENCES
The difference between a demonstration and a lesson is whether the whisk ends up in your hand. The 15 below sort the machiya tea rooms, the temple sittings and the English-led classes by price, length and how much of it you do yourself.
Join a 45-minute Kyoto tea ceremony in Kiyomizu, learn to prepare matcha, enjoy a sweet, and admire a historic Japanese garden.
“Great experience, we were well looked after, the ceremony was well explained and it was great fun making Matcha. Would highly recommend this booking!”
Join a 70-minute matcha ceremony at Kyoto’s Jotokuji Temple, learn the meaning behind chanoyu, and make tea in a small English-speaking group.
“We had the most incredible experience and cannot recommend enough!”
Learn Kyoto tea ceremony basics with a licensed Urasenke tea master, matcha, sweets, and optional kimono or candlelight sessions near Kinkakuji.
“Splendid to learn the history of the tea ceremony from a practicing professional.”
Sit at a table in a 100-year-old Kyoto townhouse, make matcha, wear a kimono, try calligraphy, and learn tea ceremony customs.
“We had a wonderful afternoon hosted by a group of Japanese ladies, who invited us into their cultural norms and teaching us various traditional Japanese customs. They were all super friendly and welcoming, making sure we were enjoying and understanding everything. It's slightly out of Kyoto city centre, so it's ideal for a combined trip to Fushimi Inari or Uji. Definitely a great way to spend a few hours!”
Dress in a traditional kimono, learn the meaning of Kyoto’s tea ritual, and prepare matcha with sweets at Maikoya Nishiki.
“Sono was so good at explaining the tea ceremony, highly recommended if you want to know and dress up like Japanese!”
Dress in a Kyoto kimono, learn to prepare matcha, and enjoy wagashi in a small English-led tea ceremony near Gion.
“Tea ceremony was amazing as was the Kimono experience. Highly recommend”
Learn tea ceremony etiquette, prepare matcha, and wear a kimono in a 100-year-old Kyoto machiya near the Imperial Palace.
“We had a great experience with our Tea Master. We were introduced to the culture, we exercised & practice together and enjoyed the moment”
Learn Kyoto tea ceremony basics, taste seasonal sweets, and whisk matcha in a traditional Higashiyama machiya for $32.
“Very interesting and informative experience with a lovely guide in a great setting”
Learn to prepare matcha with an English-speaking tea master in a 100-year-old Kyoto townhouse, with sweets, artisan tools, and small groups.
“It was really unique experience in my life. I am so glad that guide had a lot knowledge and let us know whole story behind of matcha!! It was not only a ceremony, we had fun a lot together and tea was so delicious at all!!”
Wear a Kyoto kimono, learn tea ceremony etiquette, and prepare matcha with a tea master near Daitoku-ji for a memorable 90-minute visit.
“This was a lovely experience. Getting dressed in a kimono and taking part in a traditional tea ceremony made the event feel special and authentic. It was a beautiful way to get a bit of understanding for Japanese culture, and I recommend taking part in one.”
Make seasonal Kyoto sweets, whisk Uji matcha, and learn tea etiquette in a friendly 95-minute class near Gojo Station.
“Amazing!. Who knew you could make protein filled vegetables into treats. Great fun with the kids”
Wear a silk kimono, tour a 140-year-old machiya, and watch a traditional tea ceremony at Kyoto’s Tondaya cultural property.
“Hello I’m Enrique and my wife Lizeth. The Kyoto Traditional Townhouse Tour with Kimono & Tea Ceremony was a truly enchanting experience. The beauty of the traditional townhouse, combined with the elegance of the kimono and the serenity of the tea ceremony, made for a memorable cultural immersion. I highly recommend arriving early to fully savor each moment and appreciate the intricate details. What stood out was the generosity of the house owner, who graciously allowed us to stay a few hours later, enabling us to capture the charm of the setting in our own photographs. Additionally, the men dressed in traditional samurai clothes added an extra layer of authenticity…”
Make matcha, taste sweets, and hear live koto music at a small Kyoto tea ceremony near Nishiki Market, with optional kimono photos.
“Wonderful host and koto performance from Yurika. Enjoyed the tea ceremony, matcha and sweets. Not usually a matcha lover, but Yurika showed us how to enjoy it. The koto music was beautiful.”
Learn Kyoto tea ceremony in English at Sanjo Chasuian, with two matcha bowls, seasonal wagashi, hands-on whisking, and a crawl-in nijiriguchi.
“It was very informative, fun, and the instructor is beautiful and kind. We learned a lot about the history and meaning behind the tea ceremony. I liked that we could purchase matcha and tea ceremony items, although it was certainly not pushed on us.”
Meet a Maiko in Kyoto, prepare matcha, watch two dances, play traditional games, and take photos during this lively 90-minute cultural experience.
“All parts of the experience were worth it- we especially enjoyed the dancing and games parts! Get the premium deal to have these included. A well organised, must do experience in Kyoto.”
