Experience the wonders of a traditional Japanese tea ceremony. Learn about the ceremony's history and the different tea-making methods from an English-speaking tea master from Urasenke, the biggest school of tea ceremony in Japan.

About this ticket

Free cancellation: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund
Covid-19 precautions: Special health and safety measures apply. Learn more
Mobile ticketing: Use your phone or print your voucher
Duration 45 minutes: Check availability to see starting times.
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Instructor: English, Japanese, Javanese
Wheelchair accessible
Private group available

Highlights

Experience a traditional Japanese tea ceremony
Hear about the history and spirit role of the tea ceremony from a licensed tea master
Learn how to make tea according to the rules of the tea ceremony

Full description

You will take you place on the tatami, the traditional Japanese floor mat and be met by your English-speaking host, who is a licensed tea master from Urasenke, the biggest school of tea ceremony in Japan. Watch as the host carries out the ceremonial preparation of matcha, powdered green tea. Then, you will have the chance to make tea yourself, while the host informs you about the history and spiritual role of the tea ceremony and the effects each tea-making method has on its flavor. Afterwards, savor some traditional Japanese sweets Once the ceremony has come to a close, you will have the chance to take photos and see examples of kimonos and beautiful woven textiles made in the Nishijin district of Kyoto. If you'd like to wear a kimono during the experience, you can select it as an add-on during booking and take photos to remember the experience.

Includes

2 flavors of Japanese green tea
Traditional Japanese sweets

Hotel pick-up
Hair setting

Covid-19 precautions

Safety measures in place

All required protective equipment is provided
All areas that customers touch are frequently cleaned

Traveler requirements

You will receive a mandatory temperature check

Prepare for the activity

Meeting point

37 Nishi-Goshonouchi-cho Kinugasa Kita-ku Kyoto city, 603-8377. How to get there: A 1 minute walk from Kinkakuji-michi city bus stop. 10-15 minutes by Kyoto city bus 204 or 205 from Kitaoji subway station. 10-15 minutes by Kyoto city bus 204 or 205 from JR Enmachi. Or a 1 minute walk from the gate of Kinkakuji-temple. Next to the parking area for bicycles if you are visiting Kinkakuji-temple.

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Important information

Not allowed

Video recording

Know before you go

If you choose the Kimono wearing add-on, please come 20 minutes before the start time of the tea ceremony
There is no dress code for this activity
If you might have difficulty sitting on floor, please inform the supplier and they will be able to provide chairs
This tour is recommended for those who wish to learn Japanese traditional culture, as it offers the full version of the thin tea ceremony as opposed to a simplified version customized for foreign tourists

Customer reviews

Overall rating

4.5 /5

based on 232 reviews

Review summary

Guide
4.7/5
Value for money
4.2/5
Service
4.6/5
Organization
4.5/5

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It was beautiful, for sure. But I think they have a lot of customers, so its not that precise. Kimono was not tightened very well and obi was upside down :D I think its a lot for the lady, doing it all day... I had ceremony in english, but i think it would be nicer in japanese and have interpreter. But overall it was very beautiful :)

July 22, 2018

Nice experience in a local house and lots of info!

Very kind and informative hostess, she let us know a lot about the tradition of tea ceremony. She showed us how to prepare and drink tea in a Japanese way. It was a good activity, perhaps better if you do it before you try matcha tea in the streets (for a more genuine effect)

May 7, 2018

Beautiful tradition

Traditional tea ceremony. She explained very well what we had too do. We tasted 2 different Matcha tea's. And we could ask all kinds of questions and take pictures. Don't be late. As you can't take part of the ceremony when it has begun. When you stand in the begin of the street and look at the gate of the Kinkakuji Temple(end of street), it will be at the first side street on the right. Next to a bicyclepark right at that corner saying Kyoto tea ceremony(with a tripadvisor logo). It's that corner you find at Google-maps!

October 7, 2017

Kyoto: 45-Minute Tea Ceremony Experience

Kyoto: 45-Minute Tea Ceremony Experience

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Nice experience in a local house and lots of info!

Beautiful tradition

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