Workshop or class

Kyoto: 45-Minute Tea Ceremony Experience

Activity provider: Tea Ceremony Koto
Workshop or class

Kyoto: 45-Minute Tea Ceremony Experience

Activity provider: Tea Ceremony Koto
Likely to sell out

From US$ 22.94 per person

Likely to sell out

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 for a full refund
Reserve now & pay later
Keep your travel plans flexible — book your spot and pay nothing today.
Covid-19 precautions
Special health and safety measures are in place. Check your activity voucher once you book for full details.
Duration 45 minutes
Check availability to see starting times.
Instructor
English, Javanese, Japanese
Wheelchair accessible
Private or small groups available

Experience

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
  • Kimono (can be selected as add-on)

Select participants and date

Participants

Date

Meeting point

The house has the orange shop curtain and is located just beside the parking area for bicycles for Golden Pavilion (kinkakuji) temple.

Open in Google Maps ⟶
Important information

Not allowed

  • Video recording

Know before you go

  • If you reserve the Kimono wearing add-on, it is necessary to come 20 minutes before the start time of the tea ceremony ( a reservation is necessary, as it is difficult to add a kimono suddenly when you arrive)
  • Please don’t come earlier than 30 minutes before the start time of the tea ceremony because the last session will not have finished yet
  • 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 299 reviews

Review summary

  • Guide
    4.8/5
  • Value for money
    4.3/5
  • Service
    4.6/5
  • Organization
    4.5/5

Sort by:

Traveler type:

Star rating:

This was one of our favorite experiences in Kyoto. It was very informative and such an eye opening experience for us about the matcha tea ceremony. The tea master is very experienced and nice. Would also recommend choosing the option of wearing a kimono because it really adds to the experience as well. Thanks so much for having us!

March 26, 2023

The host was so nice, patient and calm to do all the explanation and then the practical part of the activity. It was the best experience a Kyoto and if I ever come back I will go again to see her. I was a REALLY PLEASURE to take this tea ceremony with her.

March 26, 2023

This was an amazing experience! Our host was so kind and patient. Even though the ceremony should be quiet, she made sure to answer all of our questions. The ceremony itself is very beautiful, like a dance. There are moves and steps that must be taken and each one is significant. You get to practice a bit of the ceremony before starting, participate in the actual ceremony, blend your own matcha tea, and enjoy snacks and conversation with the host. The location is very close to the Golden Pavilion (Kinkakuji) so you should visit that site before or after the ceremony. If you go in the winter you can use the in-ground water heater for the tea ceremony! This was a really special and unique part of our trip where we could learn a lot about Japanese culture that originated in Kyoto. If you are thinking of doing a tea ceremony, you should do this one!

Read more

March 26, 2023

Product ID: 60894