Japan · TEA CEREMONY EXPERIENCES IN KYOTO

15 Tea Ceremony Experiences in Kyoto to Build a Day Around

33 tours  ·  from $18

The 15 best tea ceremony experiences in Kyoto you can book today, with what each costs, how long it runs and who it suits. Number one is top for a reason; start there.

Kyoto: Tea Ceremony in a Traditional Tea House in Kiyomizu - The opening explanation gives the ritual some meaning
Kyoto Tours, Tea Ceremony Experiences, Tea Ceremony Experiences in Kyoto, Temple & Shrine Tours, Temple & Shrine Tours in Kyoto, Tour Reviews

Kyoto: Tea Ceremony in a Traditional Tea House in Kiyomizu

1.Tea Ceremony in a Traditional Tea House in Kiyomizu

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 3,519 reviews · 45 min · from $49Our pick

In a traditional tea house on Sannenzaka, an English-speaking host introduces Kyoto’s 500-year tea tradition before a tea master demonstrates each graceful step. You then whisk your own matcha, taste two cups with a Japanese sweet, and pose for a garden photo. Kimono rental is not included.

“I loved my experience here--learning about tea, having the tea ceremony and making tea in a zen setting with a beautiful garden was so memorable. The group was small and as we didn't wear kimonos it felt authentic. One of my favourite things I did on my trip--would do it again. Look for the long lane with lanterns to enter--it is set back from the street.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Kyoto: Tea Ceremony Ju-An at Jotokuji Temple - A first lesson in Japanese ritual
Kyoto Tours, Tea Ceremony Experiences, Tea Ceremony Experiences in Kyoto, Temple & Shrine Tours, Temple & Shrine Tours in Kyoto, Tour Reviews

Kyoto: Tea Ceremony Ju-An at Jotokuji Temple

2.Tea Ceremony Ju-An at Jotokuji Temple

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 3,207 reviews · 1h 10m · from $29

Meet your guide at Jotokuji Temple, tour the grounds, perform a purification ritual, then remove your shoes and enter the Grand Tearoom. A tea master demonstrates chanoyu, explains its meaning, and helps you prepare your own matcha. English instruction, small groups, and floor seating with stools available.

“Must-have activity in Kyoto to temporarily getaway from the hustle of tourist spots. Truly authentic and zen atmosphere to not only learn about tea ceremony but also Japanese life philosophy. Our guides are amazing!”

Check availability →Read our full review

Kyoto: 45-Minute Tea Ceremony Lesson Experience - Watching the first bowl of matcha
Kyoto Tours, Tea Ceremony Experiences, Tea Ceremony Experiences in Kyoto, Tour Reviews, Workshops

Kyoto: 45-Minute Tea Ceremony Lesson Experience

3.45-Minute Tea Ceremony Lesson Experience

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 2,378 reviews · 45 min · from $22

Sit on tatami near Kinkakuji and learn the full thin-tea ceremony from an English-speaking Urasenke tea master. Watch matcha preparation, make your own tea, taste two green teas and sweets, and add a kimono or candlelight setting for a more atmospheric visit.

“It was fun and we all loved the cultural experience and kimono add on .”

Check availability →Read our full review

Kyoto: Table-Style Tea Ceremony at a Kyo-Machiya - Why the chair seating matters
Kyoto Tours, Tea Ceremony Experiences, Tea Ceremony Experiences in Kyoto, Tour Reviews

Kyoto: Table-Style Tea Ceremony at a Kyo-Machiya

4.Table-Style Tea Ceremony at a Kyo-Machiya

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 1,211 reviews · 1h 30m · from $45

At a 100-year-old townhouse in southern Kyoto, English-speaking hosts guide you through tea ceremony manners, matcha whisking, traditional sweets, calligraphy, and flower arranging. You sit at tables and chairs, not on the floor. Add kimono rental for photos in the garden, then explore sake-rich Fushimi.

“This was such an amazing experience. All of the hosts were lovely and so accommodating. They take you through the reasons for ceremony, the history, culture and the little things you have to do to prepare. We were expertly dressed in Kimonos which just made the experience so much more enjoyable. We also go to write our names in hiragana, katakana and Kanji Which was fun. This experience with the kimono is highly recommended.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Kimono Tea Ceremony at Kyoto Maikoya, NISHIKI - Photos Before the Tea Begins
Food Market Tours, Food Market Tours in Kyoto, Kimono & Culture Experiences, Kimono & Culture Experiences in Kyoto, Kyoto Tours, Tea Ceremony Experiences, Tea Ceremony Experiences in Kyoto, Tour Reviews

Kimono Tea Ceremony at Kyoto Maikoya, NISHIKI

5.Kimono Tea Ceremony at Kyoto Maikoya, NISHIKI

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 911 reviews · from $65Top rated

At Maikoya Nishiki, you choose a traditional kimono, receive simple hairstyling, and join a tea master for a guided matcha ceremony. You will learn the ritual’s history, prepare your own tea, taste wagashi sweets, and have time for photographs. Morning and afternoon sessions are available.

“Great experience and very helpful and friendly ladies to help you get into the kimono. The presenter was easy to understand and very knowledgeable.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Kyoto: Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, Monkeys, Matcha & Temple Tour - Tenryu-ji and the calm of a Zen garden
Arashiyama Bamboo Tours, Kyoto Tours, Tea Ceremony Experiences, Tea Ceremony Experiences in Kyoto, Temple & Shrine Tours, Temple & Shrine Tours in Kyoto, Tour Reviews, Tours

Kyoto: Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, Monkeys, Matcha & Temple Tour

6.Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, Monkeys, Matcha & Temple Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 759 reviews · from $53

Walk Kyoto’s Arashiyama with an English-speaking guide, visiting Tenryu-ji Temple, the bamboo grove, Nonomiya Shrine, Togetsu-kyo Bridge, and Monkey Park Iwatayama. The 4 to 4.5-hour outing includes temple and monkey park admission plus an Uji matcha drink. Guides may include Tim, Sofia, Nay, or Gabriele.

“Pedro ably supported Shen we’re very informative surrounding history of the locations we experienced. We had a lot of fun and would thoroughly recommend this to others albeit those who are not in great health will struggle to climb to the monkey location.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Kyoto: Tea Museum Tickets and Matcha Grinding Experience - Chazuna’s interactive museum before or after class
Kyoto Tours, Museums, Tea Ceremony Experiences, Tea Ceremony Experiences in Kyoto, Tickets, Tour Reviews

Kyoto: Tea Museum Tickets and Matcha Grinding Experience

7.Tea Museum Tickets and Matcha Grinding Experience

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 739 reviews · 1 hour · from $23

At Chazuna in Uji, an English-speaking instructor guides you through grinding tencha, whisking matcha, and tasting your tea with sweets. The one-hour visit also includes the interactive museum, digital exhibits, tea-field views, and a summer ice cream option at 2:45 p.m.

“I like the diacuasion regarding the 3 types of teas in Japan and the hands-on workshop. I can now brew my own matcha. And also for the facilitators, they are very helpful. kudos to them. I enjoyed it very much.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Kyoto: Kimono Tea Ceremony at Orizuruya Gion - Adding Japanese Calligraphy for Two Hours
Kimono & Culture Experiences, Kimono & Culture Experiences in Kyoto, Kyoto Tours, Tea Ceremony Experiences, Tea Ceremony Experiences in Kyoto, Tour Reviews

Kyoto: Kimono Tea Ceremony at Orizuruya Gion

8.Kimono Tea Ceremony at Orizuruya Gion

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 618 reviews · 90 minutes - 2 hours · from $49

At Orizuruya Gion, choose from more than 200 kimono designs, receive professional dressing and simple hairstyling, then learn to prepare matcha in a traditional tea room. The 90-minute tea ceremony can be extended to two hours with Japanese calligraphy. English instruction, sweets, photos, and kimono use until 5 pm may be included depending on your booking.

“Probably the best cultural activity we did here in Kyoto. Great ambiance and amazing explanation from the entire staff. Wearing kimono was already am experience on its own.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Kyoto: Tea Ceremony in 100-year-old Kyo-Machiya Townhouse - Inside the 100-year-old Kyoto machiya
Kyoto Tours, Tea Ceremony Experiences, Tea Ceremony Experiences in Kyoto, Tour Reviews

Kyoto: Tea Ceremony in 100-year-old Kyo-Machiya Townhouse

9.Tea Ceremony in 100-year-old Kyo-Machiya Townhouse

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 546 reviews · 50 minutes - 3 hours · from $31

At a 100-year-old Kyo-Machiya near Kyoto Imperial Palace, an English-speaking guide and tea master explain the history, manners, and meaning of tea. You will prepare your own matcha, eat a traditional sweet, and may add kimono rental, hairstyling, makeup, or a short townhouse tour.

“Most gracious hosts, very educational, and a beautiful ceremony.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Kyoto: Tea Ceremony Experience - What happens during the 45-minute session
Kyoto Tours, Tea Ceremony Experiences, Tea Ceremony Experiences in Kyoto, Tour Reviews

Kyoto: Tea Ceremony Experience

10.Tea Ceremony Experience

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 511 reviews · 45 min · from $32

At Camellia Tea Ceremony in Kyoto’s Higashiyama district, an English-speaking host explains matcha, utensils, room design, and ceremony etiquette before making tea for you. You then whisk your own bowl with help. Chairs are available, and private sessions suit families with infants or interpreters.

“The team was nice, english fluent and the pkace beautiful.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Kyoto: Tea Ceremony Meditation - Make Matcha with Tea Master - A gentle introduction to Omotesenke tea tradition
Kyoto Tours, Tea Ceremony Experiences, Tea Ceremony Experiences in Kyoto, Tour Reviews

Kyoto: Tea Ceremony Meditation – Make Matcha with Tea Master

11.Tea Ceremony Meditation – Make Matcha with Tea Master

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 406 reviews · 45 min · from $45

In central Kyoto, an English-speaking tea master such as Miki, Aki, Yoko, Joko, or Kiyoka guides you through an Omotesenke-style matcha ceremony. You will watch a careful demonstration, whisk your own tea, enjoy a Japanese sweet, and browse artisan-made tea goods in a 100-year-old townhouse.

“Just amazing!! The guide speaks fluent English but is native Japanese! She was so lovely and explained everything quite well! Would highly recommend her! Loved the atmosphere and the set up as well. Would definitely go there again.”

Check availability →Read our full review

KYOTO Tea Ceremony with kimono near by Imamiya Jinjya Shrine - Watching a 30-year tea master perform
Kimono & Culture Experiences, Kimono & Culture Experiences in Kyoto, Kyoto Tours, Tea Ceremony Experiences, Tea Ceremony Experiences in Kyoto, Temple & Shrine Tours, Temple & Shrine Tours in Kyoto, Tour Reviews

KYOTO Tea Ceremony with kimono near by Imamiya Jinjya Shrine

12.KYOTO Tea Ceremony with kimono near by Imamiya Jinjya Shrine

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 343 reviews · from $99

Choose a Nishijin kimono, have your hair styled, and join a tea master in a three-generation tea room near Daitokuji. You’ll learn ceremony history and manners, taste matcha with a seasonal sweet, and prepare tea yourself. Akira provides interpretation and helps with photos.

“If you have never done a formal tea tasting or dressed in traditional Japanese clothing, this is a must do experience!! Great photo ops, delicious matcha tea, great explanations of everything, overall a great experience! My only complaint wRead more”

Check availability →Read our full review

Kyoto: Japanese Traditional Sweets Making and Tea Ceremony - Finding the classroom near Gojo Station
Dessert Tours, Kyoto Tours, Tea Ceremony Experiences, Tea Ceremony Experiences in Kyoto, Tour Reviews

Kyoto: Japanese Traditional Sweets Making and Tea Ceremony

13.Japanese Traditional Sweets Making and Tea Ceremony

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 314 reviews · 1h 35m · from $18Best value

At a shop one minute from Gojo Station, you’ll color Kyoto bean paste, shape two seasonal nerikiri sweets, and prepare single-origin Uji matcha. The Japanese-speaking instructor demonstrates each step, with English help available on request. You then eat your creations with the tea you whisk yourself.

“Very good value for money. Lovely little class with just the right amount of people. Some of the staff do not speak much English so be aware that you may be relying on copying what you can see, but we managed to get by with no issues.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Kyoto: Kimono and Tea Ceremony Experience at Cultural Asset - The tea ceremony in a traditional room
Kimono & Culture Experiences, Kimono & Culture Experiences in Kyoto, Kyoto Tours, Tea Ceremony Experiences, Tea Ceremony Experiences in Kyoto, Tour Reviews

Kyoto: Kimono and Tea Ceremony Experience at Cultural Asset

14.Kimono and Tea Ceremony Experience at Cultural Asset

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 306 reviews · 90 minutes - 4 hours · from $222

At Tondaya, a 140-year-old registered cultural property in Kyoto’s Nishijin district, you’ll be dressed in a silk kimono, tour the wooden townhouse and gardens, and watch a tea ceremony led by an experienced host. English support may use a translation device. Group and private options are available.

“In my opinion is the best excursion about Japanese tradition. It was amazing wear A kimono in a old Japanese house. I definitely recommend this experience.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Kyoto: Nishiki Market Tea Ceremony with Koto Performance - Learning the meaning behind matcha
Food Market Tours, Food Market Tours in Kyoto, Kyoto Tours, Markets, Shopping Tours, Tea Ceremony Experiences, Tea Ceremony Experiences in Kyoto, Tour Reviews

Kyoto: Nishiki Market Tea Ceremony with Koto Performance

15.Nishiki Market Tea Ceremony with Koto Performance

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 294 reviews · 1 hour · from $56

At KOTOLILY KYOTO, host Yurika guides you through preparing matcha, serving tea sweets, and understanding tea etiquette. A live koto performance adds a graceful musical layer. The small studio sits near Nishiki Market, with optional kimono photos and koto lessons available for an added fee.

“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”

Check availability →Read our full review

Scroll to Top

Explore Japan

Pick a city, a mountain or a counter.