A candlelit tea ceremony in a 100-year-old Kyoto townhouse.
Description
Candlelight, not electric light. We turn the lamps off because in the dark you notice more — the sound of the water, the smell of the tea, the weight of the bowl. A 100-year-old townhouse, kept for most of its life by a traditional Kyoto obi maker. You sit in the rooms they used. Three rooms, moving from the bright front of the house into a tearoom lit only by candles, with the garden through the window. Seven guests at most, on the floor or in a chair — whichever you prefer, no explanation needed. Bowls chosen for the day and the season, some over two hundred years old, some by potters working today. Every piece is selected by our founder, a designer and antiques dealer, and your host will tell you what you're holding. Matcha grown in Uji, blended to the preference of a tea school's grand master, prepared by a host trained in one of Japan's historic schools of tea. You take home a candle made here — the same light you sat in.
Tour Options
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- 開始から10分を過ぎると参加することができません
Reviews(22)
Walk through the front door of a modest looking traditional old home not far from Kyoto’s National Garden and your instantly, magical transported centuries back in time through the a deeply spiritual, informative, enjoyable, and fascinating traditional macha tea ceremony, ending two hours later with the ritual savoring of green tea whisked before your eyes and ceremonially served in artisan-made bowls. It’s a delightful, deeply enlightening, highly restorative, even transformative experience.
Amazing time! So serene and tranquil. Introspective and gorgeous; we really enjoyed our ceremony. One of the best things we’ve done in Japan
Very detailed and clear introduction during the tea ceremony. Location and decor aesthetically pleasing. As we arrived, we were welcomed by our host who moved with quiet precision, creating a calming atmosphere from the moment we started.
Oboro is one of those rare places in Kyoto where time gently loosens its grip. From the moment you step inside the teahouse, the city noise fades, replaced by silence, soft light, and a sense of presence that is increasingly hard to find while travelling in busy cities or so touristy as Kyoto. This is not a “show” or a rushed introduction to the tea ceremony. It is an invitation to slow down. To listen. To notice the weight of the bowl in your hands, the sound of water, the rhythm of breath. Every movement is intentional, every pause meaningful. Nothing feels staged — everything feels real. What made Oboro especially memorable for me was the atmosphere of calm respect and quiet guidance. Even without much prior knowledge, I felt gently held through the experience, never overwhelmed, never rushed. The hosts create a space where curiosity is welcome, and silence feels natural rather than uncomfortable. Kyoto offers many beautiful sights, but Oboro offers something deeper: a moment of stillness that stays with you long after you leave. It reminded me why we travel in the first place — not just to see new places, but to reconnect with ourselves. If you are looking for an authentic, mindful tea ceremony that honours tradition while remaining accessible and human, Oboro is truly special. I recommend it wholeheartedly to anyone who wants to experience Kyoto beyond the surface.
I really loved the Matcha Tea Ceremony this afternoon at the Oboro Tea House. This was my 1st actually Matcha Tea Ceremony and I will never forget it. I loved the whole scenery that was all set up...it was very much calming and relaxing. I would definitely do it again! Arigato Guzaimasu for the beautiful Matcha Tea Ceremony!
It was such a lovely experience that we all enjoyed. The environment, our teacher and the tea all combined to make a wonderful serene experience that our whole family loved
This was our first tea ceremony and we loved it! Our host was lovely, knowledganle and answered our many questions. The tea house was serene and beautiful. All of us were very happy with the experience.
Wonderful experience. Our host was fantastic. Highly recomend. There were 6 of us and our whole group loved it.
My friends and I enjoyed this experience. Easy to find, not too long, small group for more intimate setting, and friendly hosts. They were also knowledgeable and very polite. The tea was great as well. Thank you!
This experience was so lovely. The setting was so calming. The atmosphere was so peaceful and welcoming and tea ceremony was artfully beautifully. Staff were so delightful and friendly I would recommend this to anyone. Going away from the noise to reflection and gratitude.
