Japan · TEA CEREMONIES IN KYOTO
The good ones go weeks ahead and the great ones go sooner. Below: the 15 to book early, what each includes and how they differ once you read past the headline.
Review of Kyoto’s 45-minute tea ceremony in Kiyomizu, with matcha making, a historic garden, practical tips, pricing, and family advice.
“Friendly, beautiful, very informative. Our whole family, including kids 9 and 13 had a great time. Highly recommended.”
Join a 70-minute matcha ceremony at Kyoto’s Jotokuji Temple, learn its rituals, make your own tea, and enjoy a calm, intimate cultural experience.
“We had the most incredible experience and cannot recommend enough!”
Learn Kyoto’s traditional matcha ceremony with a licensed Urasenke tea master, Japanese sweets, optional kimono hire, and candlelight sessions.
“Splendid to learn the history of the tea ceremony from a practicing professional.”
Trade floor cushions for chairs in a 100-year-old Kyoto townhouse, where you make matcha, wear kimono, practice calligraphy, and learn tea etiquette.
“We absolutely loved it from beginning to end. Every member of the staff was extremely kind, patient and friendly. Really recommended!”
Dress in a Kyoto kimono, learn the steps of a matcha tea ceremony, and enjoy wagashi sweets at Maikoya Nishiki for $65.66.
“A authentic experience and a highlight of my visit to Kyoto. Kimonos were high-quality, accessories generous, and the staff very helpful. The tea ceremony host gave a wonderful introduction, describing all details and the meaning behind eRead more”
Review of Kyoto’s Arashiyama tour with Tenryu-ji, bamboo forest, matcha, Togetsukyo Bridge, and Monkey Park Iwatayama.
“Wonderful tour. Loved it. Sofia was very informative and attentive. We had a very good time. Definitely worth it.”
Grind fresh matcha, learn Uji tea traditions, and explore Chazuna’s interactive museum in a hands-on one-hour Kyoto experience.
“An excellent way to learn about, and experience making, matcha”
Dress in a Kyoto kimono, learn matcha preparation, enjoy wagashi, and add calligraphy in a small-group Gion tea ceremony.
“it was a very smooth, very immersive, very unique experience! i loved the kimono, the way the attendants spoke with us, the tea ceremony and the fact that we could keep the kimono's on us for a quick temple visit (which is 10 minute walk). very unique, worth every second.”
Learn Kyoto tea ceremony etiquette, make matcha, and wear a kimono in a 100-year-old machiya near the Imperial Palace.
“Beautiful experience! I love how they explained everything (al the ritual and its meaning) at the beginning and then let us enjoy it! The matcha tea was incredible, very high quality! I really suggest this experience!!”
Learn Kyoto matcha traditions, watch a tea ceremony, taste seasonal sweets, and whisk your own tea in a Higashiyama machiya.
“Location was exactly as described, so easy to find. Our hosts were welcoming and super friendly throughout (as is the norm in Japan!). The explanation of the tea ceremony by our host was very interesting, and just the right amount of time! Our host spoke excellent English. The demonstration of the tea ceremony was captivating, and extremely peaceful. It lasted around 10 minutes. We then had the opportunity to make our own matcha (or at least do part of the process), and drink it of course! Finally, there was the opportunity to buy some mementos from the gift shop, so we took home our own matcha making set. You are…”
Make matcha with an English-speaking tea master in a 100-year-old Kyoto townhouse, with sweets, culture, and hands-on practice.
“The host was very patient with us and our toddler. He was very restless, but she took her time and even engaged with him which we appreciated. It was a great learning experience as well. Would recommend highly.”
Dress in a Kyoto kimono, learn tea ceremony etiquette, make matcha, and enjoy a small-group cultural experience near Daitoku-ji.
“Was the best. From beginning to end. Experience of dressing up in kimono and participating in tea ceremony was magical. Even my teenage boys loved it. Highly recommend if in Japan. Mera (sorry if spelt incorrectly) was so informative and attentive. Thank you!”
Make seasonal nerikiri sweets, whisk Uji matcha, and learn Kyoto tea etiquette in a friendly 95-minute class near Gojo Station.
“very well arranged. it was quite some fun to see what you prepare also in the market! the instructor was excellent mastering both japanease and english. thank you.”
Dress in silk kimono, tour a 140-year-old Kyoto machiya, and watch a traditional tea ceremony at Tondaya.
“Very friendly welcome and very attentive staff. Very informative about the traditions and the tea ceremony. Good fun dressing up in the kimonos!”
Review of Kyoto’s Nishiki Market tea ceremony with matcha making, sweets, live koto music, optional kimono photos, and practical tips.
“Omg the host was so cuteee & sweet. She played beautiful koto. She explained each & every component of tea ceremony extremely well. Definitely recommend! Wish we wore kimono for this activity tho”
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Grouped by what you would actually be doing that afternoon.
