1 h

About this activity

Depending on the option you choose, you will either be picked up from your Kyoto city hotel and taken by subway or city bus to meet your tea instructor at their house, or you will meet your instructor at the machiya. For the tea ceremony, you will learn the proper way to sit, and observe how the instructor prepares the tea using matcha (a powdered green tea that dates back to the Tang Dynasty in China). In the 12th century, the monk Eisai brought the powdered tea to Japan.

When the tea is ready, you’ll sip the delicious brew and savor the traditional Japanese sweet that accompanies it. You can even try your hand at preparing the tea with the help of your instructor. Enjoy this quintessential part of Japanese culture that has been described as a formal social gathering, a meditative practice and a performance art.

1-Hour Tea Ceremony

If you choose to participate in the tea ceremony at the machiya, you will be shown into a tearoom. The tea master will explain the tea ceremony to you and show you the proper way to sit, and then you will go through the ceremony together.

1.5-Hour Tea Ceremony with Kimono

Learn to dress in the kimono before you begin your tea ceremony at the machiya. Donning a kimono correctly can be a tricky business, but your teacher will be there to help you.

Click on "View Additional Info" for machiya house location.

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Included

Tea tasting and snacks
Professional English-speaking guide/interpreter

Not included

Food and drinks, unless specified
Gratuities
Hotel pickup and drop-off

Additional

Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
Minimum age is 4
Please Click on "View Additional Info" for meetup location
This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund

Features

Tourism

70%

Cultural

45%

Original

30%

Sport

20%

Reviews

4.9

115

W

William R

5 | 2019-07-03

We chose the option to get dressed in a kimono and have our photos taken before the ceremony. The ladies who dressed us and took the photos were friendly and helpful and explained everything as we went along. We then had the tea ceremony which was very special. Again, each stage of the ceremony was explained and it was extremely memorable. I would certainly recommend this.

W

Whitney B

5 | 2018-08-20

This was one of the highlights of our Kyoto trip. My 10 year old daughter loved wearing a Kimono! It felt like we were invited to someone's house in Kyoto who explained the history and meaning behind all parts of the tea ceremony complete with the opportunity to try making matcha. Highly recommend it.

K

Kathleen B

5 | 2018-08-13

The host was very polite and knowledgeable. We had the kimono experience and we enjoyed learning about the Japanese culture.

s

septoffs

5 | 2018-06-12

My husband and I absolutely loved this tour. We first dressed in traditional Japanese kimonos and took beautiful photos in the traditional Japanese home and garden. This was followed by an in depth traditional Japanese tea ceremony that was beautifully explained and presented. Thank you for a special morning.

V

Victoria S

5 | 2018-05-09

Unique and original experience. Highly recommend.

K

Kelly U

5 | 2018-04-08

This was such a great experience. The hosts were fabulous and we learned a lot! I highly recommend spending the time to learn about Japanese tea ceremony traditions!

O

Olivia O

5 | 2018-04-02

magical experience. they offer you a Seat since americans might not wanna kneel but i recommend kneeling the whole time for the actual experience! my tea master was AMAZING. highlight of trip

Collections This experience is part of these collections

Collections

Tea Ceremony 24 Activities

Japanese Tea Ceremony with a Tea Master at Wakwak-kan

Kyoto

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