Traditional Tea Ceremony with Matcha and Sweets in Kyoto
Description
Our tea ceremony experience is designed to be welcoming, approachable, and meaningful. While the traditional tea ceremony is often seen as formal and solemn, we aim to share its beauty in a comfortable and accessible way. Guests enjoy the experience seated on chairs, allowing anyone—including those unfamiliar with floor seating or with limited mobility—to participate with ease. Throughout the session, you will explore the history of tea in Japan, learn how Zen philosophy shaped the heart of the tea ceremony, and observe authentic techniques performed up close by a tea master, allowing you to appreciate the subtlety and refinement of this art. In the second half, you will savor carefully selected traditional sweets from long-established artisans and make your own bowl of matcha using premium tea sourced from a family-run farm. We conclude with a Q&A session to deepen your understanding. We hope this experience becomes the beginning of your journey into Japanese tea culture.
Tour Options
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Wheelchair accessible
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Please arrive 5 minutes before the start of the session. Please note that if you are late, you will not be able to join the session once it has begun, and no refund required.
- Since matcha has caffeine, it is not recommended for children under the age of 5.
- This experience is held on in English.
Reviews(178)
This was more than just a tea ceremony - it was a history lesson combined with a traditional cultural experience. We had a large group of 9 (including a 2-year-old). We got a little lost trying to find them, but they came and found us wandering around. Our tea ceremony master Yukari was so knowledgeable, and she patiently answered all the questions we had. We didn't have to take off our shoes or sit on the floor. After explaining the history and significance of the tea ceremony, she taught us how to properly make the matcha and how to enjoy it with the traditional sweets. It was a very enjoyable experience.
It was perfect visit with Yu. She explained everything in English and the ceremony was a great knowledgeable experience for me and my kids.
Honestly, when we arrived here I was a little nervous because it looks like it's in an apartment building type of location, but once they let us in everything was great. It was a nice middle ground for us because I was traveling with my parents and did not want them to need to kneel for the entire thing. We sat at the edge of the mat and the experience was incredible. I was worried that my parents would not like the taste of matcha, but when it was made so fresh and the quality of the matcha was so high, they really enjoyed it. Our tea master was amazing and it was beautiful watching her through the ceremony and learning from her. Definitely one of the most interesting and enjoyable experiences of the trip!
A wonderful experience. A highlight for our three week trip to Japan. Do this excursion to emerse yourself in the beautiful, historic and spiritual culture and tradition of Japan. Our Guide and Tea Hoast , Akemi, was one of our favorites of any travel excursion of all time. Highly recommended.
It is with profound joy that we receive your truly exceptional feedback. It's wonderful that your experience was so magnificent, standing out as a definitive highlight of your three-week journey to Japan! We are deeply pleased that you recommend this excursion to immerse oneself in Japan's beautiful, historic, and spiritual culture and traditions. Akemi, your Guide and Tea Hostess, was clearly one of your all-time favorites among any travel excursion. Your highest recommendation is profoundly valued. We will certainly convey your exceptional commendation directly to Akemi. We profoundly appreciate you sharing this comprehensive account of your memorable journey. We eagerly anticipate the opportunity to welcome you back to Japan for future captivating cultural immersions.
High praise for this tea ceremony demonstration with Yuko-San. She was very patient (and complimentary) with our technique and she made it look so easy. A wonderful experience right in the heart of Gion and it kick started our otherwise busy day of touring. It was truly ichigo ichie.
It is with profound joy that we receive your truly exceptional feedback. It's wonderful that your tea ceremony demonstration with Yuko-san garnered such high praise! Her remarkable patience and complimentary encouragement regarding your technique, alongside her effortless execution, clearly made a significant impact. Experiencing such a magnificent occasion right in the heart of Gion, providing a serene start to an otherwise busy day of exploration, sounds truly delightful. Your appreciation for "ichigo ichie" (one opportunity, one encounter) resonates deeply with us. We will certainly convey your exceptional commendation directly to Yuko-san. We profoundly appreciate you sharing this comprehensive account of your memorable journey. We eagerly anticipate the opportunity to welcome you back to Japan for future captivating cultural immersions.
An absolute highlight of our time in Osaka! Our host, Akemi, was wonderful and made us feel so welcome. The sweets were delicious, and learning about the deep history of tea was fascinating. We loved getting to make our own matcha! Highly recommend this authentic experience. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
It is with profound joy that we receive your truly exceptional feedback. It's wonderful that this experience stood out as an absolute highlight of your time in Osaka! Our host, Akemi, was clearly magnificent, making you feel incredibly welcome. The delectable sweets were a delight, and gaining insights into the profound history of tea was evidently fascinating. You cherished the opportunity to prepare your own matcha! Your enthusiastic recommendation for this authentic experience, accompanied by a five-star rating, is deeply valued. We will certainly convey your exceptional commendation directly to Akemi. We profoundly appreciate you sharing this comprehensive account of your memorable journey. We eagerly anticipate the opportunity to welcome you back to Japan for future captivating cultural immersions.
Kenta was an amazing knowledgeable teacher and we had absolutely delectable matcha! Would recommend. We also learned lots of history and facts. He also spoke amazing English!
We are truly delighted to receive your exceptional feedback. It's wonderful that Kenta was such an amazing and knowledgeable teacher, and that you savored absolutely delectable matcha! Your recommendation is deeply valued. We are especially pleased that you acquired a wealth of historical insights and facts, and that his excellent command of English further enriched your learning experience. We will certainly convey your high praise directly to Kenta. We deeply appreciate you sharing your insights. We eagerly anticipate the opportunity to welcome you back to Japan for future captivating cultural immersions.
This tea ceremony is locate on an upper floor of a fairly non-descript building accessed by a small lift. Don't arrive too early as there is nowhere to wait outside. There were only around 8 guests in the tea ceremony, which was conducted in English. It was fascinating to watch and understand the history of such ceremonies and how the tea masters are trained. We got to make our own tea. I found the matcha very bitter but they do provide you with sugar. The ceremony lasted about an hour.
It is with sincere appreciation that we acknowledge your detailed review. It truly pleases us that the tea ceremony was so profoundly engaging for you. We value your keen observations on the venue, and your advice regarding early arrival is indeed helpful for future guests. It's truly gratifying that the intimate group size, along with the English-conducted session, allowed you to deeply comprehend the rich heritage of these ceremonies and the rigorous training of tea masters. The opportunity to prepare your own matcha, and the provision of a sweetener to balance its natural pungency, clearly enhanced your experience. We deeply appreciate you sharing your comprehensive insights. We eagerly anticipate the opportunity to welcome you back to Japan for future captivating cultural immersions.
We had a really fun time with the tea master Yuko! She explained everything really well and the Tea was delicious. Worth the money!
We are truly delighted to receive your excellent feedback. It's wonderful that you had such a delightful time with the tea master Yuko! We are especially pleased that she elucidated every detail so well, and that the matcha was delectable. It's truly gratifying to know you found the experience to be of excellent value. We will certainly convey your high praise directly to Yuko. We deeply appreciate you sharing your insights. We eagerly anticipate the opportunity to welcome you back to Japan for future captivating experiences.
This was very enjoyable and informative. Our tea master Akemi was very knowledgeable, friendly, and sweet! Great experience overall!! Definitely a highlight of our trip!
We are truly delighted to receive your exceptional feedback. It's wonderful that your experience was so very enjoyable and insightful! We are especially pleased that Akemi, your tea master, was profoundly knowledgeable, amiable, and incredibly sweet. It clearly stood out as a great experience overall and a definitive highlight of your trip! We will certainly convey your high praise directly to Akemi. We deeply appreciate you sharing your insights. We eagerly anticipate the opportunity to welcome you back to Japan for future captivating cultural immersions.
