Kimono Tea Ceremony at Kyoto Maikoya

Experience the beauty of a kimono-adorned tea ceremony in historic Kyoto at the award-winning MAIKOYA venue. Immerse yourself in Japanese culture and tradition while enjoying the serene ambiance of two picturesque tea gardens.

Duration: 1 hour, 30 minutes
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Kimono Tea Ceremony Kyoto Maikoya at Nishiki - This award-winning tea ceremony provides both cultural delight and educational value. Led by a skilled tea master and welcoming staff, participants will observe each step and understand the importance of the tools, movements, and traditions involved. Additionally, they will learn about the history of…
What's Included
  • Hairstyling (simple style)
  • Green tea
  • Kimono costume
  • Utensils
  • Snacks
What's Not Included
  • Transportation
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
Meal Options
  • wagashi &matcha
Additional Information

Why opt for this tea ceremony experience in Kyoto?

  • Recipient of the Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Award for four years in a row
  • Conducted in a genuine traditional townhouse (machiya)
  • Participate in an authentic Japanese tea ceremony within a tatami room
  • Includes kimono rental for both men and women
  • Gain insights into Japanese culture,…
Location
KIMONO TEA CEREMONY KYOTO MAIKOYA at NISHIKI
⚠️ We have multiple branches in Kyoto. Please double-check your route. ⚠️ From Hankyu Kawaramachi Station (Exit 9), go west and turn right at the corner with LACOSTE. Walk 5 minutes along Gokomachi Street. Maikoya will be on your left.
Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings
4.8
(965 Ratings)
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Darko_p
Apr 18, 2026
I didn't show up cause of... - I didn't show up cause of health problema but rate is fair cause I want to support this local experiences.
Review provided by Viator
185hilaa
Apr 18, 2026
Fantastic - Very cute and fun. Yea ceremony was great and good instructions
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Vanessa_l
Apr 16, 2026
5/5 stars - I would 100% recommend this experience to everyone. What a beautiful time and informative ceremony. The process of getting into ceremonial outfits was very nice as well. I’m very glad I did this.
Review provided by Viator
Deb_m
Apr 16, 2026
Feeling beautiful! - Very cool to be dressed in traditional clothing. Wear comfortable clothing to wear underneath. Expecting to sit on tatami mat for 30-40 minutes. Eat before you go!
Review provided by Viator
Traveler1234z
Apr 15, 2026
Best Tea Ceremony - Unbelievable experience. Every detail of the experience was carefully thought through. Getting my hair done and being fitted for a kimono was so much fun! The actual ceremony was enjoyable and delicious.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Skyadventures123
Apr 15, 2026
A Traditional Tea and Mindfulness Masterclass in the Magical Maikoya - For a quintessential Kyoto experience that balances culture, aesthetics, and mindfulness, this hands-on tea ceremony at Kyoto Maikoya in Nishiki is an absolute must. It isn’t just a simple tasting; it is a full immersion into the spirit of Japanese hospitality. The building itself feels like stepping into a dream—a stunning architectural gem featuring zen gardens with trickling bamboo water features and manicured stones that set a peaceful mood before the ceremony even begins. At the entrance, you'll find a variety of interesting information to browse, making the wait as educational as it is visually pleasing. Because they limit groups to about 3–10 people for 30-minute intervals, the atmosphere remains serene, transportive, and blissfully free of crowds. A shoutout to Aiha, Kuji and Kaho for making this experience so wonderful and smooth. The ladies who assist with the dressing are truly amazing and inclusive, and I felt so grateful for their warmth. They are incredibly thoughtful regarding gender expression and personal preference, ensuring everyone receives a kimono that aligns with how they feel. Once you’ve selected your favourite design, they coordinate your look with expert care. They are also private changing curtains and lockers where they keep your clothes and shoes as you enter the experience. They provide a matching bag so you can take your essential belongings like your phone into the tea ceremony. For the hairstyling, you can choose two or three beautiful flower clips to tuck into your hair, with the staff offering expert recommendations on which colours best complement your Kimono. The attention to detail extends to the smallest comforts: you’re provided with traditional tabi (sandal socks) that you get to keep and the traditional sandals that are exceptionally comfy. Throughout the process, photography is highly encouraged, especially in the dedicated areas where you can pose with traditional props like umbrellas and fans. The heart of the session takes place in a serene room with traditional tatami flooring. Our host, Aiha, was incredible; her love for learning about new cultures made the experience feel so personal. The building felt like a paradise, adorned with beautiful wall paintings that served as the perfect backdrop while Aiha expertly answered all our questions. She explained the deep significance of the calligraphy on the wall scroll (tokonoma) well, ichi-go ichi-e (一期一会), meaning the "one time, one meeting" to foster harmony, respect, purity, and tranquillity (Wa, Kei, Sei, Jaku) within each element of the ceremony. It truly meant that each tea gathering is unique and can never be repeated, prompting both the host and guests to fully cherish the present moment and treat it as a once-in-a-lifetime experience alongside the ritual of the ringing bell, which brought me a true sense of inner peace. The most fascinating part of the ritual that Aiha taught us about was that historically, before war, soldiers and samurais would have a tea ceremony to celebrate peace over victory and bloodshed. That taught me the power of this ceremony, that a simple act of a tea ceremony fosters humanity and mindfulness even in the most pressing times. This can ground an individual and make their worries fade. It definately did for me! What truly sets this experience apart is the hands-on approach. Rather than just watching a demonstration, its interactive as you are taught how to handle the traditional utensils and whisk high-quality matcha powder into a perfect froth yourself. Aiha shared the history behind every precise movement, making ancient traditions feel accessible and engaging. The ceremony concludes with a moment of reflection as you enjoy the rich, earthy bitterness of the matcha, perfectly balanced by the delicate sweetness of wagashi treats, providing a authentic taste of Japanese flavours . With flexible sessions you can book throughout the day, this is a fantastic value for anyone wanting to move beyond being a spectator and truly participate in authentic Japanese tradition.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Paula
Apr 15, 2026
Amazing experience with Mari - private session. A lot of interesting information and a closing moment. - We had a pro to session with Mari and the experience was amazing. Careful, attentive, gave us a lot of information
Review provided by Tripadvisor
J_drzejo2026
Apr 14, 2026
Sana is better! - Sana is better! Ceremony is beatyfull. Macha is very good!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Mxxxx247
Apr 13, 2026
Wonderful Immersive Experience - The team was friendly and helpful. They were very accommodating. I was a solo booking and they helped me take lots of photos. There was a wide selection of Kimonos and accessories available. The tea ceremony was informative. The hostess was full of knowledge and explained the history and meaning behind each process. Her voice and demeanour was very calming and I felt transported to another time (Ichi-go ichi-e, 期会) 😊. Thank you to the team for making this a wonderful and memorable experience.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Christinejoana_z
Apr 15, 2026
Stressful experience - everything is very rushed, I felt stressed through the process of getting ready u couldnt enjoy it. Also they have only a small collection of kimonos and the hair was made in a rush with no option of choosing a different style. Dont go there! Wouldnt recommend
Review provided by Viator
From $51
up to 6 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).