Kyoto Private Tea Ceremony with Tea Master at Home
Description
Enjoy a private Kyoto tea ceremony in a traditional home, guided by an experienced tea master. Learn the meaning behind each movement in a calm, authentic setting. This experience offers rare private access, expert guidance, and original Uji matcha in an authentic Kyoto setting. 【Highlights】 ・Private tea ceremony in a traditional Kyoto home — not a tourist venue ・Guided by an experienced tea master, focusing on learning and authenticity ・Original Uji matcha, handcrafted Kyoto tea bowls, and seasonal wagashi ・Held in authentic tea rooms (Koma and Hiroma) with a calm, respectful atmosphere ・Ideal for adults seeking a quiet, refined cultural experience 【Important Notes】 Age: Adults only (13 and under not permitted) Punctuality: Late arrivals over 15 minutes cannot join; no refund Dress code: Long pants or skirt; tops with sleeves required Socks: Required (available for purchase if needed) Kimono: Not included
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Highlights
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Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- Wheelchair accessible
- 【Age Policy】 Children aged 13 and under are not permitted to join this class. If you arrive with a child without prior notice, you will not be able to attend and no refund will be issued.
- 【Punctuality 】Please arrive on time. Guests arriving more than 15 minutes after the start will not be able to participate, and no refund can be provided.
- 【Socks Requirement】 For hygiene and to protect the tatami mats, please wear socks (not bare feet). If you forget, socks are available for purchase on site.
- 【Appropriate Attire】 Please wear a long skirt or long pants and a top with sleeves. Sleeveless tops, shorts, or mini skirts are not permitted.
- 【Perfume & Fragrance】 Kindly refrain from wearing perfume (including musk-based scents), as it can disturb the tea room atmosphere. Guests wearing fragrance may be asked to remove it before entering.
- 【Seating】Small chairs are available for guests who need them. Please inform us in advance.
- This experience is best suited for guests who appreciate quiet settings, cultural depth, and traditional etiquette.
Reviews(63)
One of our favorite experiences in Kyoto! We loved learning about the history and significance of the tea ceremony which made the actual practice that much more special. The traditional setting provided an ambiance that enhanced the immersive experience resulting in an unforgettable memory! Highly recommend our host - she expertly guided our experience and answered all our questions. To be able to purchase matcha tea and one-of-a-kind artist made tea cups is great for those who want to continue the practice at home.
Thank you so much for taking the time to share such a beautiful review! I am truly delighted to hear that you enjoyed learning about the history and deep significance of the tea ceremony. For me, Sado (the Way of Tea) is not just a ritual, but a comprehensive art of connection, and it brings me immense joy to know that the traditional setting and cultural context helped create an unforgettable memory for you. It was an absolute pleasure guiding you through the experience and answering your thoughtful questions. I am also glad you were able to find a unique, artisan-made tea bowl and premium matcha to take a piece of this tradition back home with you. I hope that whenever you prepare tea at home, it brings back fond memories of your time in Kyoto. Should your travels ever bring you back to Japan, you are always welcome to return. Warmest regards, Aya Ito
The tea ceremony is held in Aya’s home, and the tea room is beautiful. You’ll receive a clear explanation of the history of the tea ceremony and matcha, observe the ceremony itself (I wish I had asked more questions at the time), and have the chance to whisk your own second cup. Aya also provides a couple of recommendations on where to buy tea locally. Note that the water is not boiling—the actual temperature is around 80°C. If it’s hotter, you may ruin the tea, so keep that in mind when preparing it yourself. Many thanks Aya, Robin Soole
Dear Robin, Thank you so much for taking the time to leave such a wonderful review. It was an absolute pleasure welcoming you into my home and sharing the world of the Japanese tea ceremony with you. I am delighted to hear that you enjoyed the ambiance of the tea room and the explanation of its history. I especially love that you remembered the detail about the water temperature! As you noted, keeping the water around 80°C (176°F)—though we adjust it seasonally—is the secret to bringing out the mellow, sweet flavor of matcha without the bitterness. You did a fantastic job whisking your own cup. Please don't worry at all about not asking more questions during the session—the tea room is a place to relax and take in the moment. If any questions come up as you prepare matcha at home, please feel free to reach out to me anytime. You have my contact information in your booklet! I hope the tea you purchased locally brings back fond memories of your time in Kyoto. You are always welcome back! Warmest regards, Aya Ito Sakura Experience Japanese Culture
The tea ceremony was very cool, but the 5 star review is due to Aya herself. She was sweet and personable from beginning to end, and showed a real willingness to help us that went outside of the scope of duties of teaching us about tea! For example, she was helpful in giving us directions to Osaka, our next stop, and saved us money in her recommendations. She also made us aware that it is Golden Week (a long holiday weekend in Japan) and urged us to book our bullet train tickets for our trip from Osaka to Tokyo sooner rather than later. Because of her, we got tickets just in time, and were able to select the option of traveling with large luggage. If we hadn’t done that, we would have been in trouble, and couldn’t have taken our suitcases with us! She even called us a taxi after the service and waited until we got in safely. In conclusion: Aya is the best part of the tea ceremony. We loved meeting her and having tea with her. I’m sure you will, too.
Thank you so much for the lovely review! It was truly a pleasure meeting you and sharing tea together. I’m so relieved to hear that you were able to book your bullet train tickets with the large luggage option in time! Golden Week can be very hectic, so I was worried about your trip to Tokyo. I’m just happy I could help make your travels a little easier and that you made it to your next destination safely. Meeting guests like you is the best part of my job. I hope you had a fantastic time in Osaka and Tokyo! Please come visit us again if you ever return to Japan. Best wishes, Aya
My husband and I left the tea ceremony and both agreed it was probably the best thing we’ve done on our trip. It was detailed, educational and fun. It is absolutely worth it for a hands-on, true experience. I cannot recommend this enough. A hidden gem that will bring the culture of Kyoto to life!
Thank you so much for your incredible review! I am truly honored to hear that the tea ceremony was the highlight of your trip for both you and your husband. It was a pleasure sharing the intricate details and stories of Kyoto’s culture with such engaged guests. I’m so glad you found the hands-on experience both educational and fun. Your kind words about our "hidden gem" mean the world to me. I hope the memories of our time together bring a piece of Kyoto back home with you! Warm regards, Aya Ito
This was the best thing I have ever done in Japan, hands down. Aya was extremely friendly, knowledgeable, and truly made our experience special. I had accidentally booked the experience for one person when it was for two people and she allowed me to pay the difference and modified the ceremony on the spot. She also gave us recommendations for food places and all of them were fantastic. We purchased her custom matcha and we are excited to make it at home. My fiancee and I agreed this was a truly incredible experience and well worth the money.
Thank you so much for your kind words! I am so happy to hear that this was your favorite experience in Japan. I was more than happy to adjust the ceremony on the spot—the most important thing was that you and your fiancée could enjoy the moment together. I am also delighted that you enjoyed the food recommendations! I hope the custom matcha brings back fond memories of your trip whenever you whisk up a bowl at home. Congratulations again on your engagement, and I hope to welcome you back to Japan someday! Warmly, Aya Sakura Expereince Japanese Culture Nijo Home Certified Tea Ceremony Teacher
Very interesting, we are immediately put at ease and the hosts are really adorable. That's very well explained. I highly recommend!
Merci beaucoup pour votre commentaire si chaleureux. Nous sommes ravis d’apprendre que vous vous êtes senti(e) à l’aise et que nos explications vous ont été utiles. Ce fut un réel plaisir de vous accueillir, et votre recommandation nous touche profondément. Nous espérons avoir le plaisir de vous revoir à Kyoto un jour. Aya
We can highly recomend this place. The tea master is originally from Kyoto. She is very knowledgeable and sympathetic. The ceremony itself was wonderful and we learned a lot.
Thank you very much for visiting us and for taking the time to share such a wonderful review. I am delighted to hear that you enjoyed the tea ceremony and I was very happy to share the beauty of Japanese pottery with you. It is my pleasure to provide an experience that helps foreign guests learn more about Japanese tea culture. I truly appreciate your kind recommendation, and I hope to welcome you again in the future. Warm regards, Aya Sakura
The tea ceremony lesson was excellent and smooth. The explanation was comprehensive, detailed, and connected to Japanese tradition. The host was very professional, kind, and welcoming. highly recommend
Thank you so much for your lovely review and for joining my tea ceremony. I’m very happy to hear that you enjoyed and felt the connection to Japanese tradition. It was a pleasure to welcome you, and I truly appreciate your kind words about my tea ceremony. Thank you again for your recommendation. I hope our paths will cross again one day—you are always welcome back in Kyoto. Aya Sakura
Aya welcomed us into our home and it was beautiful She spent her time explaining the importance and the meaning behind each step and actions And it literally felt like if I was some fuedual samurai being served tea honourably. It was a truly wonderful and cultural experience Will 100% recommend It's more authentic than the other tea ceremony Because you're not being treated as a tourist but a genuine guest.
Thank you so much for your wonderful words! I am truly happy to hear that you could feel the spirit and grace behind each movement of the tea ceremony. It is always my greatest joy to welcome my guests from foreign countries to introduce our culture in Japan. I hope the memory of this moment will stay with you for a long time. You are always welcome back to my home in Kyoto. Warm regards, Aya
Aya-sensei is an incredible master of her art. She led such a beautiful team ceremony. From the minute we entered her tea ceremony room every moment was savoured, all 5 senses drawn upon and enjoyed. Highly recommend this experience. Aya is a true professional, with a warmth and friendliness that enables you to really feel comfortable to ask questions and soak up the whole experience!
Thank you so much for your wonderful words! I’m truly happy to hear that you enjoyed every moment of the tea ceremony and felt the spirit of Japanese hospitality through all five senses. It was a great pleasure to share the heart of Kyoto’s tea culture with you. I hope this experience will remain a warm memory of your time in Japan. Please come back again ! Aya
