MATCHA & TEA CEREMONY SESSIONS · Japan
An hour on tatami tends to outlast the rest of the trip. These 15 span machiya tea rooms in Gion, garden pavilions in Kanazawa and sessions that dress you in kimono first, each priced, timed and honest about group size.
Matcha and a tea master in Kyoto’s Sakaguchian tea house, with serene garden views, hands-on brewing, and a customary sweet.
“This was such a wonderful experience. I highly recommend - small groups, wonderful guide, the view on the gardens is just breathtaking and the matcha is good”
A 70-minute Chanoyu tea ceremony at Jotokuji Temple in Kyoto. Learn matcha, watch the ritual, and try making your own.
“Really enjoyed this, we learnt a lot and the hosts were very kind and very knowledgeable, would absolutely recommend this experience!”
Kyoto’s 45-minute matcha tea ceremony lesson with a licensed Urasenke tea master, two green tea tastings, sweets, and optional kimono photos.
“Very authentic! No phones or videos allowed which was refreshing in Kyoto. Great explanation of how to mix, ceremonies, and why each thing was done. Cheapest one I saw, so great value.”
World Heritage Nara and Uji in one day. Todai-ji, Kasuga Taisha, Byodo-in, and a hands-on matcha lesson, plus lunch option.
“At-Chan is an amazing guide! Very knowledgeable, fun, and sweet. She kept us on pace, and we saw a lot! Nara is very historic and there’s lots to see including the deer. A highlight for me was the stop in Ugi, where we learned how to make matcha. It was such a lovely day, one of the best tours I’ve taken.”
A 45-minute Osaka tea ceremony in a tatami room, with an English-speaking instructor, hands-on matcha, and seasonal sweets.
“Ayaka was a wonderful speaker and so interesting. Very entertaining. The sumos were retired, so not as big as you would expect, but the history was new to me. The public could fight them, lots of fun.”
Kyoto tea ceremony in a 100-year-old town house, chair-and-table style. Make matcha, write calligraphy, and wear a kimono.
“Enjoyed a fantastic Tea Ceremony with very welcoming hosts. Very informative and amazing experience. Would recommend for anyone!!”
Watch a formal tea ceremony in Kenrokuen, learn etiquette, whisk your own matcha, and enjoy wagashi in a calm tea room.
“This was an absolutely beautiful and peaceful experience. The host was incredibly kind, patient, and knowledgeable. We learned not only about the art of preparing matcha but also the cultural significance behind each movement and gesture. The tea was delicious, and the entire experience felt authentic and unhurried. Highly recommend this to anyone visiting Kanazawa who wants to slow down and truly appreciate Japanese tradition.”
Kyoto kimono tea ceremony in Nishiki with matcha and wagashi, kimono and simple hair styling included, small group, 1.5 hours.
“Everything was perfect! Great experience in central Kyoto with small group of people! I would recommend.”
Learn matcha and Japanese tea etiquette in Dotonbori with a small-group ceremony, sweets, and hands-on matcha-making in about 45 minutes.
“This was such a unique experience to witness the formality of the ceremony and understand the rich history behind it. Definitely recommend!”
Learn matcha the traditional way in Asakusa, whisk it with pro tips, pair it with seasonal sweets, and leave with skills for home.
“I highly recommend it! I made matcha tea for the first time by myself. The view was great and I enjoyed learning about the history of matcha and how to make it. Matcha Making Tokyo is the best!”
Matcha grinding in Uji at Chazuna, with museum entry and a hands-on workshop to learn how to brew fresh green tea for $23.
“I had such an amazing experience at the Kyoto Tea Museum tea grinding session! From start to finish, the staff were welcoming and patient, guiding us through each step of the process with clear explanations and genuine enthusiasm. I especially enjoyed learning about the history and importance of matcha in Japanese culture before trying my hand at grinding the tea leaves myself — it was both relaxing and surprisingly fun! The setup was beautiful and peaceful, making it easy to really focus and enjoy the moment. By the end, I had made some delicious matcha of my own, and it tasted even better knowing how much care and tradition goes…”
Dress in a kimono in Asakusa and make matcha with a tea master, plus snacks and photo time near Senso-ji.
“I didn't expect such a beautiful ceremony. From the check-in to the women dressing us in kimono and doing our hair, every part of the experience was wonderful. The ceremony of making matcha and the meaning behind it added to the charm. I would highly recommend this experience to anyone visiting Tokyo.”
Learn the Japanese tea ceremony in a 100-year-old Kyoto machiya, make your own matcha, try sweets, and rent a kimono to explore.
“I would strongly recommend this acticity. The tea master was very knowleadgeable and friendly and we really enjoyed the ceremony.”
Tokyo tea ceremony across Tokyo University, tasting wakocha, gyokuro, matcha you make, wagashi, genmaicha, certificate and group photo.
“The experience was both interesting and calming. Learning about the different types of tea and various temperatures was insightful to me as an avid tea drinker. Our tea master was knowledgeable and had a great sense of humour. We always felt at ease throughout. I would highly recommend this experience to anyone curious about the process while visiting Japan.”
A 45-minute Kyoto tea ceremony in Higashiyama. Learn matcha basics, taste seasonal sweets, and whisk your own bowl with an English host.
“This is a must do experience. The private ceremony was great and you got to talk directly with host, and ask lots of questions about the traditions.”
Pick the kind of day first. The tour comes second.
