TEA CEREMONIES IN KYOTO · Japan
This is the shortlist you would send a friend: 15 tea ceremonies in Kyoto that earn their slot, each with a price, a traveller verdict and the one thing to know before committing.
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.”
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!!”
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.”
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…”
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.”
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.”
Kyoto kimono tea ceremony near Imamiya Jinja, with hair styling, a tea master with 30 years experience, and hands-on matcha brewing.
“Highly recommend. I did this with my family because my grandmother has always wanted to do a traditional tea ceremony. We were all able to dress in beautiful Kimono's, they styled our hair, helped us take pictures, and then led a grRead more”
Make seasonal Nerikiri sweets and drink Uji matcha in Kyoto, guided in Japanese with helpful English support near Gojo Station.
“I liked the small group and that the steps were broken down into easy parts to follow”
Step into a 140-year-old machiya in Kyoto for silk kimono dressing and a traditional tea ceremony, plus serious photo time.
“Our guides/hosts were amazing, friendly and fun. We were able to get dressed up in Kimonos. The house and inside gardens were an amazing backdrop for pictures. We toured the house and enjoyed a truely special tea ceremony.”
Kyoto matcha tea ceremony with live koto at KOTOLILY KYOTO. Make creamy matcha, sip sweets, and add kimono photos.
“Such an amazing experience, the matcha, candies and Yurika playing the koto was fenomenal. Yurika was so nice and speaks very good English so it can help you with any request”
Kyoto newly opened tea ceremony near Karasuma Oike: English lesson, nijiriguchi entry, whisk two bowls of matcha, wagashi included.
“It was a wonderful experience! Thank you very much :)”
Kyoto matcha tea ceremony in Higashiyama with an English-speaking tea master, hands-on whisking, optional kimono, and a small-group feel.
“Camilla's tea ceremony was everything we'd hoped for. We got a glimpse into this nuanced and historic custom, with a guide who brought us into the Japanese tea world with just a few gestures. We left with so much appreciate for this art, and it was the perfect amount of time (45 min). Being able to try to make the tea ourselves was a ton of fun and also showed even more clearly why it's not an easy craft to master! We are very thankful we booked this experience, highly recommend!!”
Kyoto kimono tea ceremony with English guidance, hands-on matcha whisking, and seasonal wagashi in a peaceful tea room.
“Very good activity! The place of the tea ceremony is beautiful, the guides are really friendly and very patientwith all of us! Recommend it!”
Pick the kind of day first. The tour comes second.
