Tea Ceremony Experience in Kyoto at an Old Japanese House

As the cultural capital of Japan, Kyoto is the perfect place to learn about the traditional art of the tea ceremony. This authentic tea ceremony experience in Kyoto is held at a traditional Japanese-style townhouse known as a “machiya.” The machiya is hidden down a quiet backstreet which is only a 10-minute walk from Kyoto Station.

Just a short way from the buzz of the station, you’ll feel as if you’ve wandered into another world. as this beautiful machiya is over 110 years old! Filled with antiques and Japanese-style furnishings, you will immediately enjoy the cozy feeling of this traditional townhouse as you are greeted by your welcoming instructor.

Step inside and soak up the authentic atmosphere of the house as you take a tour to discover its history and stories. On the second floor of the machiya, you will learn about the key parts of the tea ceremony. This experience is also special in that the matcha green tea powder is sourced locally from a store that has a history of producing matcha for over 500 years! What a better place to discover the Japanese tea ceremony than at a quaint machiya in Kyoto, featuring authentic matcha from a local store?

With insight and practice time, your friendly instructor will teach you about the history of the tea ceremony and its origins in Buddhism and practices in ancient Japan. They will give you insight into the etiquette of preparing and enjoying tea, while demonstrating the technique of serving matcha using traditional tools. You will then get the chance to carefully prepare your own matcha with powdered green tea, a bamboo whisk, and a tea bowl. As you drink your tea, you can enjoy the townhouse’s beautiful surroundings as you talk about Japanese culture with your instructor. Plus, indulge in some traditional Japanese sweets or wagashi, too. Ask all kinds of questions along the way to make the most of this immersive experience.