Kyoto · KYOTO TEA CEREMONIES
37 bookable options
The room matters as much as the bowl. Compare temple settings, machiya tea rooms, kimono options, host language and the amount of explanation included before choosing a Kyoto tea ceremony.
Kyoto tea ceremony at Sakaguchian in Kiyomizu area. Learn to whisk matcha, taste sweets, admire Ogawa garden, get a photo, in 45 min.
“A great and relaxing experience! The hostess and tea master were both very knowledgeable and it was interesting to learn more about this part of traditional japanese culture. The garden was also beautiful!”
A calm 70-minute matcha tea ceremony at Jotokuji Temple, with a small English-taught group and hands-on steps, plus a quiet cultural reset.
“Really enjoyed this, we learnt a lot and the hosts were very kind and very knowledgeable, would absolutely recommend this experience!”
Learn Kyoto tea ceremony rules in 45 minutes, whisk matcha with a Urasenke tea master, taste two matcha types, and add kimono photos.
“Traditional Tea ceremony with Kimono, we learned proper manners for tea drinking and learned how to make matcha tea”
Full-day Kyoto to Nara and Uji coach tour with English guide, Todai-ji and Byodoin tickets, and hands-on matcha making in historic Uji.
“Tommy is the best!!!! The tour was fantastic! Sight seeing, hospitality, transport, entry and lunch covered. Stress free tour. Great tour because I really didnt know of it would be suitable for a 4yr old, but it was great, they enjoyed the deer and the matcha experience a lot.”
Kyoto chair-style tea ceremony in a 100-year-old house. Make frothy matcha, enjoy sweets and drinks, do calligraphy, and more.
“The hosts were very sweet and it was a lot of fun interacting with them. The activity was both well planned and informative giving you a good introduction to the tea culture in Japan. Would definitely recommend you to try this when in Kyoto”
Dress in a kimono and learn matcha step-by-step at Kyoto Maikoya in Nishiki, with wagashi sweets and a calm tatami setting.
“It was such a peaceful process watching our hostess show us a traditional tea ceremony. And so much fun choosing our kimonos and having our hair done. Totally recommend this experience!!”
Arashiyama half-day walk with Tenryu-ji Zen gardens, bamboo forest, Uji matcha, Togetsukyo Bridge, and Monkey Park macaques.
“Walking through that bamboo grove felt like entering a natural temple. The towering stalks swaying overhead created such a calming, otherworldly atmosphere. Combined with the actual temple visit, this tour beautifully balances spiritual and natural experiences.”
Grind tencha into matcha at Chazuna in Uji, learn to brew it with an instructor, and explore touchable tea displays in about 1 hour.
“It was informative and fun to make and drink matcha so fresh!”
Wear a kimono and learn matcha whisking in Kyoto's Gion with small-group guidance, optional calligraphy, and photo time.
“The team was very polite and friendly, a very remarkable experience”
Handcraft matcha in a 100-year-old Kyoto machiya, learn tea etiquette with an expert, and (optionally) wear a kimono to stroll after.
“This was definitely the coolest thing we did in Kyoto, and among the coolest in our whole Japan trip. The rented kimonos really added to the experience, and there was a lot more to learn than I expected. It was not only a tea ceremony, but a very cool presentation of the cultural and societal circumstances in which these ceremonies were traditionally performed. Got to make our own tea and see how it was done traditionally. Highly recommended.”
Kyoto’s Higashiyama matcha tea ceremony for $32, 45 minutes long, with seasonal sweets, utensils, and hands-on whisking.
“It was very informative and enjoyable. Ikuko, was excellent, and explained the ceremony very well. It was the first time I had tasted Matcha tea, and it was fun that I made it myself...with a little help from Ikuko to whisk it into a good foam.”
Make matcha in a 100-year-old Kyoto townhouse with an Omotesenke tea master. Small group, 45 minutes, $45, your own bowl.
“Really good experience, the guide explained the history behind the the tea ceremony and traditions, and answered all the questions. Highly recommend to take it when in Kyoto”
Dress in a Kyoto kimono near Imamiya Jinjya Shrine, learn tea etiquette, watch a 30-year master, then brew matcha yourself in a 90-minute set.
“The tea ceremony at Imamiya Jinjya Shrine was such a beautiful day! They make picking out and putting on your kimono a special experience. Then they make sure you have a beautiful picture while chatting with you and making sure you feel comfortable. Then the tea ceremony begins - you learn about the deep history of tea masters and this ceremony in Japan's history in an incredibly meditative state. I would absolutely do this again.”
Make Nerikiri seasonal sweets and whisk Uji matcha in Kyoto. 95 minutes, hands-on, small-group feel, great value at $18.
“Loved the class. Was interesting learning about how matcha is grown and made and about different Japanese treats. The host was really great. Explained things well and was patient with us. Great activity overall”
Dress in a silk kimono at Tondaya, a 140-year-old Kyoto machiya, then enjoy a traditional tea ceremony in an old townhouse setting.
“John was a great guide! Very acknowledgeable about Hiroshima-Japan history!”
