Deep Japanese Tea Ceremony Experience in Kyoto

This program is designed to provide a deeper understanding of the teachings of tea ceremony and the “spirit of Japan.” Participants will be divided into groups or pairs and will serve tea to each other with care, embodying the spirit of “Ichigo Ichie” (one-time encounters) and hospitality. This hands-on experience, combined with learning the “Four Rules and Seven Principles” of Sen no Rikyū, will provide insights on how to apply these teachings to your personal and professional life.

Option 1: Yumeyakata Oike Bettei
Located in the heart of Kyoto just a 2-minute walk from Karasuma Oike Station, YUMEYAKATA Oike Bettei offers an authentic Japanese tea ceremony in a beautifully renovated traditional Kyo-machiya with over 100 years of history. Step into a historic space connected to Toyotomi Hideyoshi’s city renovations and the early Edo period financial district. Guided by a highly experienced Tea Master, visitors can savor premium Uji matcha and seasonal Japanese sweets while learning traditional tea manners. With full multilingual support, beginners and international visitors can fully enjoy Kyoto culture and heritage, making this an unforgettable cultural experience.

Option 2: Yumeyakata Gojo
Just 3 minutes from Gojo Station, YUMEYAKATA Gojo combines authentic Kyoto tea ceremony and kimono rental in one convenient location. Situated in a historic district known for kimono merchants since the Edo period, this venue allows international visitors to enjoy traditional Japanese culture without extra travel. Launched by a long-established kimono brand with over 160 years of history, the experience features premium Uji matcha, seasonal Japanese sweets, and expert guidance from experienced Tea Masters. Multilingual support ensures that visitors from around the world can fully immerse themselves in Kyoto’s tea ceremony and kimono culture, making it ideal for private sessions or group experiences.

No, you can fully enjoy an authentic Kyoto tea ceremony experience without renting a kimono. Kimono rental is optional and can be requested after booking, allowing you to combine traditional Japanese tea culture with a personalized experience. Please check availability to ensure kimono rental can be arranged for your preferred time. This beginner-friendly, multilingual-supported tea ceremony is perfect for international visitors seeking an immersive Kyoto cultural experience.

Yes! The tea ceremony experience is designed for beginners. The first part covers basic greetings and how to prepare and drink matcha, ensuring that everyone is guided step by step. The second part includes learning the deeper philosophical aspects of tea, which will help you understand how to incorporate the teachings of tea into your life.

Yes, we welcome international participants. Staff fluent in English, Chinese and Korean support are available for an additional fee of 5,500yen per group. Please inquire to confirm availability.

Closed from December 31 to January 3. Open year-round otherwise.

Yes, but a separate quotation is required. Please feel free to contact us.

At least one day in advance to confirm availability of the tea master and interpreters.

Yes, by paying the private session fee. The room rental fee varies depending on the number of participants.

This program (In-Depth Tea Ceremony Experience) is connected to the SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals) by merging deep cultural traditions with contemporary sustainable values. As a traditional art, Japanese tea ceremony fosters a spirit of harmony with nature and respect for the surrounding environment. Specifically, the connection of this program to the SDGs is reflected in the following four aspects:

• 1. Sustainable Lifestyle (SDG 12):The tea ceremony avoids luxury and waste, respecting modest and sustainable lifestyles. In the way of tea, natural materials and handmade utensils are valued, and the use of local resources is encouraged.
• 2. Conservation of the Natural Environment (SDG 15):The tea ceremony emphasizes harmony with nature, celebrating the changing seasons and the beauty of nature. In the design and management of the tea room, consideration for the natural environment is made, and the protection of ecosystems is taken into account.
• 3. Cultural Preservation and Promotion (SDG 11): Tea ceremony is a part of Japan's traditional culture, and its preservation and promotion contribute to SDG goals that respect cultural diversity. Through the tea ceremony experience, opportunities to engage with Japanese culture are provided, fostering cultural exchange and understanding.
• 4. Promoting Peaceful and Inclusive Societies (SDG 16):The tea ceremony offers a space where people from different social strata and cultural backgrounds can gather and calm their minds in a peaceful environment. The spirit of tea emphasizes mutual understanding and respect, contributing to the promotion of peaceful and inclusive societies.

The tea ceremony experience can integrate traditional and modern sustainable values, contributing to the achievement of SDGs.