Japan · TEA CEREMONY EXPERIENCES

The 15 Best Tea Ceremony Experiences in Japan

62 tours  ·  from $18

A proper ceremony is closer to choreography than to a drink, and forty-five minutes is enough to see why. These 15 compare tea houses, temple settings and the ones that put you in kimono first, with prices and how much is explained in English.

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

World Heritage Kyoto & Nara Uji Authentic Matcha Experience - Kasuga Taisha, Nara’s lantern-filled shrine
Historical Tours, Nara Day Trips, Nara Day Trips in Nara, Nara Tours, Tea Ceremony Experiences, Tour Reviews

World Heritage Kyoto & Nara Uji Authentic Matcha Experience

4.World Heritage Kyoto & Nara Uji Authentic Matcha Experience

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,573 reviews · from $129Top rated

Travel from Kyoto to Nara and Uji by air-conditioned coach with an English-speaking guide. Visit Todai-ji, Kasuga Taisha, Nara Park, Byodoin Temple, and a 500-year-old matcha shop. Guides such as Nanami, Yuta, Mai, and At-Chan are praised for clear history and friendly help.

“Tour guide At-Chan was excellent, also gave us an insight into Japanese culture and language.A Day of Learning and Exploring. We were given time to all that was nesscessary at Nara park the temple and the shrine ,there was no rushing around. So we had time to see all the sights. Thanks”

Check availability →Read our full review

Osaka: Tea Ceremony Experience - Watching the demonstration in a kimono-clad setting
Osaka Tours, Tea Ceremony Experiences, Tea Ceremony Experiences in Osaka, Tour Reviews

Osaka: Tea Ceremony Experience

5.Tea Ceremony Experience

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 1,426 reviews · 45 min · from $25

In a traditional tatami room near Dotonbori, an English-speaking Japanese instructor such as Yuki, Akiko, Kazu, or Mayumi explains tea ceremony manners and meaning, then shows you how to whisk matcha. You will prepare your own bowl with authentic tools and enjoy seasonal sweets.

“Great to see ceremony and learn some history and then make matcha ourselves, thank you!”

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

6.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

Kanazawa: Kenrokuen Tea Ceremony Experience - Finding Kenrokutei inside Kenrokuen
Kanazawa Tours, Tea Ceremony Experiences, Tour Reviews

Kanazawa: Kenrokuen Tea Ceremony Experience

7.Kenrokuen Tea Ceremony Experience

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 1,139 reviews · 1 hour · from $35

At historic Kenrokutei in Kenrokuen Garden, an English-speaking guide such as Nana or Océane explains the meaning and etiquette of the tea ceremony before a tea master performs it. You then whisk your own matcha, taste wagashi from traditional confectioners, and take photographs.

“The ceremony was beautifully led and explained by the most lovely ladies. A great insight into this tradition. There was a bit of noise from a nearby room during our ceremony and they were so apologetic, that they even gave us a little gift.”

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

8.Kimono Tea Ceremony at Kyoto Maikoya, NISHIKI

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

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

9.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

Tea Ceremony Experience in Osaka Doutonbori - Matcha, Sweets, and the Pleasure of Doing It Yourself
Osaka Tours, Tea Ceremony Experiences, Tea Ceremony Experiences in Osaka, Tour Reviews

Tea Ceremony Experience in Osaka Doutonbori

10.Tea Ceremony Experience in Osaka Doutonbori

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 754 reviews · from $20

In central Osaka, an experienced instructor such as Kazu or Mai introduces tea ceremony history, etiquette, tools, and seasonal sweets. You watch a formal preparation, then whisk and drink your own matcha. The 45-minute small-group class is near Dōtonbori and offers caffeine-free matcha milk for children.

“The tea Master and her assistant where very knowledgeable and explained the history and process in detail. We learned a lot about the cultural background.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Matcha Making Class in Tokyo with Authentic Japanese Sweets Set - Matcha explained in plain English
Dessert Tours, Tea Ceremony Experiences, Tea Ceremony Experiences in Tokyo, Tokyo Tours, Tour Reviews, Workshops

Matcha Making Class in Tokyo with Authentic Japanese Sweets Set

11.Matcha Making Class in Tokyo with Authentic Japanese Sweets Set

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 744 reviews · from $21

In Asakusa, an English-speaking instructor guides you through matcha’s history, quality, preparation, and traditional whisking technique. You’ll make your own tea with a bamboo whisk, then enjoy it with seasonal Japanese sweets. The relaxed one-hour class suits beginners, families, and anyone seeking a cultural break from sightseeing.

“This class was super informative from learning the history of matcha to techniques. The ladies were so fun to learn from! I would highly recommend going if you’re looking for a short class/experience.”

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

12.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

13.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

14.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

Tokyo: Traditional Tea Ceremony with a Tea Master - Starting with Shizuoka Wakocha and a tea cake
Tea Ceremony Experiences, Tea Ceremony Experiences in Tokyo, Tokyo Tours, Tour Reviews

Tokyo: Traditional Tea Ceremony with a Tea Master

15.Traditional Tea Ceremony with a Tea Master

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 528 reviews · 1 hour · from $38

At Ocharu, across from Tokyo University, an English-speaking tea master guides you through four Japanese teas, seasonal Ougiya sweets, and hands-on matcha making. You will learn tea manners, water temperatures, and tea origins, then leave with a certificate and group photo.

“Such good fun, we had a go at making matcha and tasted the other types of tea. Our guide was very knowledgeable and funny! Thank you again!!”

Check availability →Read our full review

Scroll to Top

Explore Japan

Pick a city, a mountain or a counter.