Japanese Tea Ceremony in Kyoto

Experience Kyoto’s essence through a serene Japanese Tea Ceremony. Learn, whisk, and savor Matcha in a traditional town house. Discover tranquility today.

Duration: 1 hour, 15 minutes
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Kissako Wazuka - At this cultural experience, you will experience the wonders of a traditional Japanese tea ceremony. You will learn all you need to know about the tea ceremony from a friendly English-speaking tea master in relaxed manner.

After gathering at Kissako Wazuka, a tea master will provide a detailed explanation of the history and cultural background of the tea ceremony, followed by a demonstration by the tea master. Then, you will have the opportunity to make your own Matcha green tea and enjoy it with Japanese sweets.

What's Included
  • Tea ceremony demonstration in English
  • Matcha green tea and sweets
Additional Information

Discover the essence of Kyoto through the serene art of the Japanese Tea Ceremony at Kissako Wazuka. This journey into tea tradition starts with the guidance of an experienced tea master who unfolds the ceremony’s rich history and cultural significance. You’ll learn about its origins, dating back to the 9th century, and how this ritual reflects harmony, respect, purity, and tranquility.

The experience peaks as you prepare your own Matcha green tea, mastering the art of whisking it into a frothy delight under the tea master’s tutelage. Accompanied by Japanese sweets, this moment of Zen pauses time, deepening your connection to this ancient practice.

Concluding at Kissako Wazuka, you leave with a peaceful heart and a new appreciation for Japanese culture, carrying the spirit of the tea ceremony with you.

  • Not suitable for people with disability to go up and down stairs
  • No children under 5 years old
  • You MUST wear socks at the venue. No bare feet.
  • No wet clothes.
  • The tea ceremony will start on time, so please assemble at the venue 10 minutes before the start time. Please note that if you arrive later than the start time, you will not be able to participate in the experience. No refunds will be made.
  • Services not listed (For example : Hotel pickup and drop-off, Transportation to/from attractions, Extra food and drink, Other personal expenses) are not included in the tour.
Location
Kissako Wazuka
3 minutes walk from Keihan Shichijo station.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.9
(17 Ratings)
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B8160gjjennam
May 9, 2024
Culture exploration - Such a unique experience! Not only did I get to watch a traditional tea ceremony but I got to partake in it. The hostess was so graceful and so knowledgeable. As a group, we learned some history on tea harvesting and traditional homes in Kyoto. There was also the opportunity to make our own matcha and there was a tour of the house. I highly recommend!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
900shilpas
Apr 24, 2024
Unique and interesting experience - I really enjoyed this tea ceremony experience in a 100 year old house. We learnt about tea ceremony from our lovely host. We entered the room in a traditional way (you'll see!) and we shown how the ceremony is performed. We were then able to make our own matcha (which was delicious) and then ask questions. We got a tour of the house and learnt about the interesting hidden features. I would recommend this tea ceremony for tourists in Kyoto!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
W4262frmaggiew
Apr 24, 2024
Great tea ceremony experience - The master is very nice and professional to show me how the matcha tea ceremony to be conducted . Other than the tea ceremony, the master also teaches me about the greetings during tea ceremony, types of Japanese tea. I also have the chance to make matcha by myself under the guidance of the master. After the tea ceremony, the master also show me around the traditional Kyoto house which let me understand the architectural characteristics of traditional Japanese house. If you would like to know more about Japanese culture, please join this event.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Estellejoycei
Apr 24, 2024
Wonderful first hand tea ceremony experience - I've been living in Japan for a while but it's my first tea ceremony experience. Details were explained very well plus having it in a traditional Japanese house made it a very wonderful experience. Being in a small group enabled the master to focus on each one of us so we were able to make our own tea perfectly. I love how they organize their tour in a small group so we can maximize the tour. Would definitely recommend to my friends.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
_c8573xy
Apr 24, 2024
Highly recommended Tea ceremony experience in Kyoto - I was very satisfied with this amazing experience. Started with a historical explanation at the beginning, and our host lectured whole process and manner for the Tea ceremony. The explanation made it easy for even a beginner to understand the flow. Then, I was able to drink matcha tea that I made myself. The house tour of Kyoto-certified machiya townhouses was also very worthwhile! Highly recommended!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
M4647gw_
Apr 22, 2024
A must visit place while you’re in Kyoto! - Today I had a great opportunity to enjoy real tea ceremony at a one-hundred years old Japanese house. First, the tea master explained the main rules of the ceremony, for example, ways of bowing depending on the situation and showed how to prepare the tea. Then each of us could try to make tea for ourself using traditional instruments as same as our teacher used. After enjoying the tea time we had an explanation concerning japanese lifestyle in a traditional house. I was very surprised to find a secret door and a hidden stairs there! It was absolutely new experience because nowere in Europe or other countries of the world you can find such a different culture. So, to many other travellers reading about this activity and think to take part in it or not to take, I’d like to give a strong advice to choose the tea ceremony here. Surely, after visiting such kind of activity you’ll be able to see the hidden side of Japan.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
G2864wu_
Apr 22, 2024
Tea ceremony - Thank you very much for your initiation into the sacrament of the tea ceremony. It was very interesting. We were in a friendly atmosphere. The story was easy to understand. The tour of the house was amazing. I learned a lot of interesting and new things today. The tea is truly the best. it was delicious and beautiful. I was happy that I came.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Compass127574
Apr 22, 2024
Great experience about japanese culture - This tea ceremony was a great experience. It was interesting to learn about the history of tea ceremony and to discover the specificities of a traditional japanese house. The explanations in english were very clear and the host was nice.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Tourist03180153436
Apr 18, 2024
Enriching Japanese Tea Ceremony - I had a wonderful experience at a Japanese tea ceremony with a friend. Our host was not only knowledgeable but also very friendly, creating a relaxed and engaging environment. She provided a comprehensive introduction to the historical background of the tea ceremony. We learned about various types of teas, their regions of origin, and the appropriate courtesies during a tea ceremony. Each piece of information was thoughtfully presented, making it easy and enjoyable to learn. Beyond the ceremony itself, our host also gave us a tour of the makiya (traditional wooden house) where the ceremony took place. She explained the architectural significance of the building and its surroundings, adding another layer of appreciation for the location and the cultural context. Recommendation: I highly recommend this tour to both novices and connoisseurs of tea culture. Whether you're looking to deepen your knowledge or simply want a unique Japanese experience, this tea ceremony is perfectly brewed to satisfy your curiosity.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Mimintod
Apr 17, 2024
Exciting Tea Ceremony Experience - Very good experience with the tea-making ceremony in a traditional Japanese house in Kyoto (Kyo-machiya). I also learned about the tea culture in Japan and understand more about the best quality of tea from Kyoto.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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up to 10 guests
1 Adult
September 2024
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