Experience a Tea Ceremony in a 130-Year-Old Tearoom in Kyoto
Enjoy a traditional Japanese tea ceremony in a 130-year-old townhouse only 15 minutes by train from Kyoto Station!
Highlights
Enjoy a traditional Japanese tea ceremony experience, and learn about the history, culture, and etiquette of this ancient tradition
Bask in the atmosphere of a 130-year-old tea room in a townhouse less than 15 minutes by train from Kyoto Station
Enjoy delicate Japanese sweets from historic shops in Kyoto and sip on masterfully prepared matcha green tea
Learn tips to prepare matcha tea without tea utensils at home
10 meals
Experience Details
Step away from tourist sites and venture into a 130-year-old Kyoto tearoom for a mindful and traditional tea ceremony. You’ll learn the history and etiquette of the Japanese tea ceremony, a long-standing tradition particularly cherished in Kyoto, a city with deep ties to Japan’s tea culture.
Watch a tea-making demonstration by a tea ceremony master while enjoying traditional wagashi sweets from historic confectionery shops, and learn how to make matcha in a beautiful traditional setting.
No need to worry about making a faux pas in this beginner-friendly lesson! Everyone is welcome to participate; no prior knowledge is needed. Your host will explain the tea ceremony history, culture, and etiquette rules and guide you on a learning journey into the fascinating world of matcha tea.
After enjoying a bowl of masterfully made matcha with wagashi sweets, you will learn how to whisk and enjoy a bowl of your own making. Your host will also show you how to make a cup of matcha at home without special equipment, so you can apply your newly found knowledge of matcha anytime, anywhere.
Inclusions
Tea ceremony demonstration
Two Japanese sweets from a historic shop in Kyoto
Delicious matcha green tea from historic shop in Kyoto prepared in front of you by a tea ceremony master
Exclusions
Transportation to and from the venue
Meeting Point and Meeting Time
Meet your host at the tearoom. It is a 15-minute train ride from Kyoto Station or short walk from Nijojo-Mae Station, Nijo Station and Omiya Station. More detailed information and a Google Maps link will be provided upon booking.
Remarks
Please wear or bring socks, preferably white (this is because white socks are required in the tea ceremony culture to enter the tea room clean both mentally and physically.)
If you arrive barefoot, socks can be purchased onsite for 200 yen.
Please refrain from wearing large rings other than wedding rings as they may damage the utensils.
Please avoid wearing strong perfumes to fully enjoy the aroma of tea and incense.
Cancellation Policy
Cancel your booking at least 2 days before the experience start time to receive a full refund minus a 3.2% transaction fee.
Experience Location
Featuring beautiful landscapes from mountain to sea, Kyoto Prefecture conveys traditional Japanese culture through its architecture and gardens, art and artisanal crafts, and delicious local cuisine made from regional produce.
| Su | Mo | Tu | We | Th | Fr | Sa |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | 31 | 1 | 2 |
| 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 |
| 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 |
| 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 |
| 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 |
10 meals
Enjoy an accessible tea ceremony without having to sit on the floor. This tea ceremony is performed sitting at a table, perfect for those who have difficulty or pain siting on the floor. Experience includes matcha and Japanese sweets.
Experience a time-honored piece of Japanese culture in Asakusa, Tokyo’s traditional district. Learn about the art and history of Japanese tea ceremonies, and try your hand at preparing and serving your own matcha!
In historic Kyoto, renowned for its picturesque temples and shrines, learn how to make two types of sushi (sushi rolls and round temari-zushi) and the soup stock dashi, which forms the foundation of many Japanese dishes.
Immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of Nishiki Market, Kyoto’s 400-year-old culinary hub, stopping at several shops offering fresh seafood, local products and intricate sweets. Get deep insights into Kyoto’s cuisine from a local guide.