Kyoto · KYOTO TEA CEREMONIES

The 15 Best Tea Ceremonies in Kyoto

37 tours  ·  from $7

A ceremony runs on one sitting at a time, so the room and the host matter more than the address. These 15 compare the machiya tea houses, the temple settings and the table-style sittings for guests who would rather not kneel, with prices and lengths.

Kyoto: Tea Ceremony in a Traditional Tea House in Kiyomizu - A 500-year tradition explained in plain English
Kiyomizu-dera Temple Tours, Kyoto Tea Ceremonies, Kyoto Tours, 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 Sannenzaka near Kiyomizu-Dera, an English-speaking host introduces 500 years of tea tradition before a tea master demonstrates the ritual. You then whisk your own matcha, taste a Japanese sweet, and take a group photo overlooking Ogawa Jihei VII’s garden. The 45-minute visit costs $49 and does not include kimono rental.

“Very relaxing and educational. A wonderful glimpse into the history and meaning of the Tea Ceremony. A great way to unwind for an hour between other activities.”

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Kyoto: Tea Ceremony Ju-An at Jotokuji Temple - Meeting at Jotokuji Temple
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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 English-speaking hosts at Jotokuji Temple, purify yourself at the fountain, then remove your shoes and enter the Grand Tearoom. A tea master demonstrates chanoyu, explains its meaning, and guides you as you prepare matcha. Kate, Taka, and Yaki are among the friendly teaching team.

“interesting facts about the ritual, fun and tasty matcha”

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Kyoto: 45-Minute Tea Ceremony Lesson Experience - Watching the tea master prepare matcha
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Kyoto: 45-Minute Tea Ceremony Lesson Experience

3.45-Minute Tea Ceremony Lesson Experience

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

At Tea Ceremony Koto near Kinkakuji, an English-speaking Urasenke tea master shows you the full thin-tea ritual, then guides you in making matcha. You will taste two green teas and Japanese sweets in 45 minutes, with private, public, candlelight, and kimono options.

“I did this with my mum and I and we rented Kimonos. We loved this part. They host put them on for us and she was soooo friendly and very knowledgeable. We had two different types of green tea and she explained all the history behind tea ceremonies and how to drink it properly. I loved her tea house and it was super easy to get to and find. Highly recommend.”

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Kyoto: Table-Style Tea Ceremony at a Kyo-Machiya - A welcome drink before the formal ritual
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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

Spend 90 minutes at a 100-year-old Kyo-Machiya in southern Kyoto. Learn tea ceremony manners in English, prepare frothy matcha with a bamboo whisk, taste sweets and a welcome drink, try calligraphy, arrange flowers, and take photos with fans, umbrellas, and a katana. Kimono rental is optional.

“It’s probably the best activity that I did while in Japan! Above all I was amazed by hospitality and friendliness of the host ladies - they were so lovely and ready to help and explain the nuances of each task. The activity is fully in English which makes it very easy to understand and ask questions. The guests will get to learn about tea ceremony, enjoy tea with yummy treats, make your own matcha tea, make a flower composition and try out calligraphy skills. If you are renting the outfit - you will make this moment even more special and memorable. Really recommend!”

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Kimono Tea Ceremony at Kyoto Maikoya, NISHIKI - Why the tea ceremony matters
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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, choose a traditional kimono, have your hair arranged, then join a tea master for a guided matcha ceremony on tatami. You’ll learn the ritual’s history, make your own tea, taste wagashi sweets, and have time for photos. Morning and afternoon sessions are available.

“It was such a peaceful process watching our hostess show us a traditional tea ceremony. And so much fun choosing our kimonos and having our hair done. Totally recommend this experience!!”

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Kyoto: Kimono Tea Ceremony at Orizuruya Gion - What the 90-minute schedule includes
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Kyoto: Kimono Tea Ceremony at Orizuruya Gion

6.Kimono Tea Ceremony at Orizuruya Gion

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

Choose from more than 200 kimono designs, get dressed with help from the Orizuruya Gion team, and learn to prepare matcha in a traditional tea room. Women receive simple hairstyling. Add Japanese calligraphy for a two-hour session, then, depending on your booking, keep the kimono on for a walk through Gion.

“it was a very smooth, very immersive, very unique experience! i loved the kimono, the way the attendants spoke with us, the tea ceremony and the fact that we could keep the kimono's on us for a quick temple visit (which is 10 minute walk). very unique, worth every second.”

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

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

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

In a 100-year-old Kyoto machiya, an English-speaking guide and tea master explain the history, etiquette, and meaning of tea ceremony. You taste matcha with a Japanese sweet, prepare your own bowl, and can add kimono rental, hairstyling, makeup, and a short machiya tour.

“Ling had very good knowledge about everything. It was spectacular!”

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Kyoto: Tea Ceremony Experience - Why the ceremony feels different from a tea tasting
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Kyoto: Tea Ceremony Experience

8.Tea Ceremony Experience

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

Spend 45 minutes in a traditional Kyoto tearoom learning about matcha, utensils, room design, and tea ceremony customs. An English-speaking host, including guides such as Ikuko, demonstrates the ritual, then helps you whisk your own bowl with a seasonal sweet.

“We loved the whole experience. This is one that everyone should experience. It’s mesmerising and beautiful! Thanks so much for explaining and demonstrating this amazing ritual.”

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Kyoto: Tea Ceremony Meditation - Make Matcha with Tea Master - What happens during the 45-minute session
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Kyoto: Tea Ceremony Meditation – Make Matcha with Tea Master

9.Tea Ceremony Meditation – Make Matcha with Tea Master

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

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!”

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KYOTO Tea Ceremony with kimono near by Imamiya Jinjya Shrine - The photo session before tea
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KYOTO Tea Ceremony with kimono near by Imamiya Jinjya Shrine

10.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 with 30 years of practice for a 90-minute ceremony near Daitoku-ji. You’ll learn the meaning of kimono patterns, taste matcha with seasonal sweets, and prepare tea yourself, with help from an instructor.

“We were a bit nervous about this experience, wondering if it was going to be silly or overly touristy. It was the best experience. The dressing in the kimono was a a multi person/multilayered affair which made us respect the art of wearing this traditional dress. We learned about the steps of the ceremony from a wonderful tea master and were able to perform (a very inept and inprecise) ceremony ourselves. We would highly recommend.”

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Kyoto: Japanese Traditional Sweets Making and Tea Ceremony - Learning Matcha Etiquette After the Sweets
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Kyoto: Japanese Traditional Sweets Making and Tea Ceremony

11.Japanese Traditional Sweets Making and Tea Ceremony

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

At a Kyoto classroom one minute from Gojo Station, you’ll color and shape two seasonal nerikiri sweets using bean paste from long-established Kyoto shops, then prepare single-origin Uji matcha. Instruction is in Japanese, with English help available. The class runs 95 minutes and costs $18 per person.

“Sadly I can’t remember our hosts name but she was very good. We did the ceremony today at 1pm and really enjoyed the experience! The hostess was so lovely and extremely informative. It was fun making our own sweets and following her clear instructions and learning about a traditional matcha tea ceremony.”

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Kyoto: Kimono and Tea Ceremony Experience at Cultural Asset - Choosing and putting on the silk kimono
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Kyoto: Kimono and Tea Ceremony Experience at Cultural Asset

12.Kimono and Tea Ceremony Experience at Cultural Asset

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

At Tondaya, a 140-year-old Kyoto machiya, you’ll choose a silk kimono, receive help dressing, tour the house and gardens, and watch a tea master prepare matcha. Expect a group setting unless you book privately, plus photo time and some translation-device assistance.

“I liked the traditional house it was in and the history”

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Kyoto: Nishiki Market Tea Ceremony with Koto Performance - What happens when you arrive
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Kyoto: Nishiki Market Tea Ceremony with Koto Performance

13.Nishiki Market Tea Ceremony with Koto Performance

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

At KOTOLILY KYOTO near Nishiki Market, Yurika guides you through matcha making, tea etiquette, sweets, and a live koto performance in English or Japanese. The small group is limited to eight. Kimono photos and a short koto lesson are available for an extra fee.

“We thoroughly enjoyed our experience. The tea ceremony was very elegant and the music was beautiful. Our host was very friendly and personable. I would highly recommend this experience to anyone visiting Kyoto.”

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Kyoto: Newly Opened Tea Ceremony - Sanjo Chasuian - The opening explanation with Yuko or Reina
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Kyoto: Newly Opened Tea Ceremony – Sanjo Chasuian

14.Newly Opened Tea Ceremony – Sanjo Chasuian

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 288 reviews · 1 hour · from $31

At Sanjo Chasuian, five minutes from Karasuma Oike Station, you learn the meaning behind Kyoto tea ceremony with an English-speaking host such as Yuko or Reina. Watch one bowl prepared, whisk your own, taste seasonal wagashi, and enter through a traditional nijiriguchi.

“It was very informative, fun, and the instructor is beautiful and kind. We learned a lot about the history and meaning behind the tea ceremony. I liked that we could purchase matcha and tea ceremony items, although it was certainly not pushed on us.”

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Kyoto: Tea Ceremony with Maiko Premium - What the 90-minute program actually includes
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Kyoto: Tea Ceremony with Maiko Premium

15.Tea Ceremony with Maiko Premium

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 280 reviews · 1h 30m · from $50

Meet a maiko or geiko near Gojo Station for a 90-minute program with matcha preparation, two Japanese sweets, questions about her life, two traditional dances, a game, photos, and a Senjafuda charm. English help is available when requested, though the instructor language is Japanese.

“Honestly Go for the premium to get the whole experience. Play games with her, watch a captivating show, 5 STARS! Maiko are beautiful and very elegant it was such an authentic experience for us in Kyoto. Experiences like this really are wonderful and should the opportunity come to try this Take It! I couldn't recommend any more!!”

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