Kyoto · KYOTO MATCHA EXPERIENCES
Grinding your own on a stone mill takes twenty minutes for two grams, which is the whole lesson. The 10 below range from museum tastings to full whisking classes, priced, timed and clear on how much tea you drink.
Spend four to four and a half hours walking through Arashiyama with guides such as Tim, Amy, Nay, and Gabriele. Visit Tenryu-ji, the bamboo grove, Nonomiya Shrine, Togetsukyo Bridge, and Monkey Park Iwatayama, with temple, monkey park, and matcha drink costs included.
“The bamboo forest felt so peaceful, and we couldn’t stop laughing at those silly monkeys at the park.”
At Chazuna in Uji, an English-speaking instructor such as Hideko or Keiko guides you from tencha leaf to freshly whisked matcha. You will use a stone mill, learn brewing technique, taste your tea with sweets, and explore the included interactive museum. Arrive 15 minutes early.
“I really enjoyed learning about matcha and visiting the museum. It would be nice to take the matcha we ground home instead of just using one portion.”
In a 45-minute small-group session at Kyoto’s aeru gojo, an English-speaking tea master introduces the Omotesenke tradition, demonstrates the ceremony, then guides you in whisking your own matcha. You’ll enjoy a Japanese sweet and browse handcrafted utensils and souvenirs.
“Our host Aki and her assistant were welcoming and friendly and demonstrated a true Japanese tea ceremony. Then Aki showed us individually how to make the matcha tea so that we could demonstrate to our family and friends. We enjoyed the casual atmosphere and small group of other foreign tourists and learned a lot. The space was contemporary Japanese and easy to find. We have no hesitation in recommending it to other tourists. Thank you Aki!”
Dress in a choice of kimono, have your hair styled if you have long hair, then join an English-led tea ceremony in Kyoto. A tea master explains the tools, etiquette, and Zen ideas before you whisk your own matcha and enjoy seasonal wagashi sweets.
“My brother and I really enjoy this tour. The Japanese lady that explain to us about the tea ceremony is wonderful! She speak slow for everyone to understand and actually wants us to participate. I recommend! 🙂”
Spend about five hours walking through Arashiyama with a small group of up to 12. Your guide leads you through the bamboo grove, Okochi Sanso Garden, Tenryu-ji, the shopping street, and Togetsukyo Bridge before handing you a Monkey Park ticket for the steep uphill walk. Guides such as Toru, Karim, Tom, and Francis are praised for their stories, local tips, and friendly pacing.
“Toru was an absolutely awesome guide! He was incredibly knowledgeable and had a great sense of humor that made the tour both informative and fun. Visiting Arashiyama Bamboo Forest and the surrounding temples was so much more Read more”
Travel from Kyoto to Nara and Uji with an English-speaking guide such as At-chan, Nanami, Mai, or Tsubasa. Visit Todaiji, Kasuga Taisha, and Byodoin Temple, feed Nara’s deer, enjoy optional Japanese lunch, and make matcha in Uji.
“Tsubasa was an excellent tour guide as we adventured through Kyoto, Nara, and Uji! We learned so much about Japanese culture, history, and more. Tsubasa made sure the tour ran efficiently! We were in and out of destinations with a reasonable time to explore, eat, take photos, and shop.”
In Gion, an English-speaking tea master explains tea history, performs an elegant ceremony, and guides you in whisking matcha from a family-run farm. You’ll taste traditional sweets, ask questions, and take home a simple recipe. Chair seating makes this a comfortable cultural introduction.
“As soon as the hot pot started whistling I got pretty relaxed! A calm and peaceful tea sip indeed. I enjoyed learning the history behind matcha in Japan, and learning how to properly mix quality matcha into bubbles. Def recommend.”
Meet your English-speaking guide, possibly Vincent, at Kyoto Station for a four-hour walk through Uji. Visit Byodo-in and Uji Shrine, grind tea leaves with a stone mill at Fukujuen Ujicha Kobo, then drink your matcha with Japanese sweets or ice cream.
“We had a great experience with Vincent! The tour ended up being a private tour which allowed us to go with the flow a bit more. He was great in showing us several temples and shrines, and talked us through the matcha making experience. We would definitely recommend it!”
Ride a stylish BROMPTON bicycle through Uji with an English-speaking navigator, stopping at Chazuna, historic shrines, Koshoji Temple, the Uji River, and tea shops. The small group format, gentle pace, and flexible route suit curious visitors who want more than Byodo-in alone.
“We had an amazing tour with Takashi. He was a great guide!”
Spend 270 relaxed minutes exploring Uji by BROMPTON bicycle with an English-speaking local navigator. Visit Chazuna, peaceful shrines, Kosho-ji, the Uji River, Tō-no-shima Island, and Byodoin, then stop for matcha treats. Groups are limited to six, and the route can be adjusted to your wishes.
“We had the pleasure of having Takashi-san as our guide, and the experience was simply beautiful and relaxing. The tour offered a wonderful opportunity to visit charming shrines that, refreshingly, weren’t too crowded. Riding the bikes calmly along the river provided plenty of scenic photo opportunities. Takashi himself is an excellent guide—attentive, pleasant, and always considerate of our needs and requests. This tour is highly recommended for anyone wis hing to explore a more rural, tranquil side of Kyoto while enjoying a peaceful and memorable day.”
Pick a lane, a temple or a tea room.
