Kyoto Tea Ceremony & Matcha Experience – Traditional Townhouse & Tea Room
Available for individuals, groups, and private sessions
Experience Matcha in Two Iconic Locations
Kyoto Tea Ceremony at a Glance
- Price: From ¥3,850
- Duration: Approx. 1 hour
- Language: English, Chinese, Japanese (Korean upon request)
- Locations: Oike Bettei (100-Year-Old Townhouse) or Gojo Shop
- Perfect For: Beginners, Couples, Families, and Groups (Ages 7+)
Yumeyakata provides an authentic Kyoto tea ceremony in the heart of Kyoto, allowing you to immerse yourself in the Way of Tea (Chado). Guided by an experienced tea master, you will learn fundamental etiquette, prepare your own bowl of premium matcha, and enjoy seasonal Japanese sweets.
Price & Plans
Yumeyakata offers tea ceremony plans starting from ¥3,850. You can choose between a historic 100-year-old townhouse at Oike Bettei for a deeply traditional setting, or our convenient Gojo Shop for a one-stop kimono rental and matcha experience.
Not sure which venue to choose?
Compare their features below.
| Locations | Oike Bettei (Traditional Kyoto townhouse) |
Gojo Shop (Main Branch) |
|---|---|---|
| Atmosphere | 100-year-old traditional Kyoto townhouse with a small garden | Authentic Japanese-style tea room inside our kimono shop |
| Access | 3-min walk from Karasuma Oike Sta.
Tea ceremony at Oike Bettei. If renting a kimono, please visit Gojo Shop first (just 2 subway stops away). |
3-min walk from Gojo Sta. (Tea ceremony and kimono rental in one location) |
| Convenience | Traditional tea ceremony in a historic Kyoto townhouse | One-stop experience (Kimono rental & Tea ceremony in the same building) |
| Best For... | Couples, families, and those seeking a deeply traditional, photogenic setting | Travelers with a tight schedule seeking a smooth, hassle-free cultural experience |
Oike Bettei (Kyoto townhouse)
Gojo Shop(Traditional-style tea room)
(Enjoy a Kyoto tea ceremony with other participants)
Kimono Rental + Tea Ceremony Experience
Total duration: About 2.5 hours
(50min kimono rental + 20min travel to Oike Bettei + 60min tea ceremony)
※Add 30 minutes for hairstyling or makeup.
Join a hands-on Kyoto tea ceremony and matcha tasting with included kimono rental.
/ per person7,680yen
/ per person9,430yen
(Enjoy a Kyoto tea ceremony with other participants)
Tea Ceremony Only
Total duration: About 1 hour
Discover the joy of Japanese tea through a hands-on, traditional Kyoto tea ceremony.
/ per person3,850yen
/ per person5,775yen
(Enjoy a Kyoto tea ceremony with your own group)
Kimono Rental + Tea Ceremony Experience
Total duration: About 2.5 hours
(50min kimono rental + 20min travel to Oike Bettei + 60min tea ceremony)
※Add 30 minutes for hairstyling or makeup.
Take part in a private Kyoto tea ceremony with your group, where you can make and taste authentic Japanese matcha.
Additional fee on Group Session price：
/ per group+11,000yen
/ per group+19,800yen
Mar 25 – Apr 10: Additional 19,800yen per group
(Enjoy a Kyoto tea ceremony with your own group)
Tea Ceremony Only
Total duration: About 1 hour
Experience a private Kyoto tea ceremony with your group, making and tasting authentic Japanese matcha.
Additional fee on Group Session price：
/ per group+11,000yen
/ per group+19,800yen
Mar 25 – Apr 10: Additional 19,800yen per group
Experience a 100-Year-Old Traditional Townhouse Authentic Tea Ceremony at “Oike Bettei”
Yumeyakata Oike Bettei offers an authentic Japanese tea ceremony and matcha tasting in a historic Kyoto townhouse over 100 years old. This beginner-friendly program guides you through traditional tea etiquette and manners, while you enjoy high-quality Uji matcha and seasonal sweets(Ohigashi, including delicate dry sweets). Multilingual support and flexible booking make it perfect for individuals, private sessions, or groups, ensuring a memorable Kyoto cultural experience.
Tea Ceremony Venue:
About “Yumeyakata Oike Bettei”
Experience an authentic Kyoto tea ceremony inside a traditional Kyoto townhouse preserved since the Meiji era. Our venue features classic Kyoto architecture—lattice windows, a small garden, and an engawa veranda—offering a space where you can enjoy the charm of Kyoto throughout the four seasons. Step inside and feel a calm, nostalgic atmosphere, as if time itself moves more gently here.
Whether you are a beginner or an international visitor, anyone can join with ease. Our instructors carefully guide you through the etiquette and movements of the tea ceremony. Enjoy premium Uji matcha and seasonal Japanese sweets(Ohigashi, including delicate dry sweets) while experiencing the depth of the Way of Tea and the spirit of Japanese hospitality with all five senses, making this a true Kyoto traditional tea ceremony experience.
Conveniently located just a 3-minute walk from Exit 2 of Karasuma Oike Station (Subway Karasuma and Tozai Lines), the venue is within walking distance of Nijo Castle, Kyoto Imperial Palace, Nishiki Market, and the Kyoto International Manga Museum. Enhance your Kyoto trip with a peaceful and culturally rich matcha ceremony Kyoto experience that fits perfectly into your sightseeing itinerary.
Age Requirement
【Please Note】
Please keep an eye on your children at all times.
If, despite guidance from our staff or tea instructor, your child’s behavior makes it difficult to continue the session, we may ask you to leave the room. Thank you for your understanding.
【For children 6 or younger】
For children under 6, a private room fee will be required.
Please contact us for details.
(The private room fee varies depending on the number of participants.)
3–4 people: 11,000yen
5–27 people: 19,800yen
Capacity
Please contact us for groups of 15 or more.
Available Languages
Korean available upon request (+3,300yen)
The Highlights of the Tea Ceremony and Matcha Experience
at Yumeyakata OikeBettei in Kyoto
History & Atmosphere
Enjoy an authentic tea ceremony and matcha experience inside a Traditional Kyoto Townhouse that is over 100 years old, surrounded by a calm and historically rich atmosphere.
Beginner-Friendly
Even first-time participants can join with confidence, learning the basic etiquette and movements with careful guidance. It’s a relaxed and accessible way for beginners to experience Kyoto’s traditional culture.
Depth of Learning
You can experience the gestures of the tea ceremony and the spirit of Japanese hospitality with all five senses. As you savor premium Uji matcha and seasonal Japanese sweets(Ohigashi), you can enjoy the profound depth of the tea ceremony.
Convenience & Flexibility
Reservations are available from just one person, with options for private or group sessions. Multilingual support is provided, making it easy to join even between sightseeing activities.
Oike bettei Only Special Tour Option
The tour consists of a 20-minute guided introduction to the Traditional Kyoto Townhouse and a 10-minute free photo-taking time.
+3,300 yen per person
*Total duration: approx. 30 minutes (including free photo time)
*Depending on your preferred date, reservations may be difficult to secure.
*This tour option is exclusively available at the Oike bettei.
*Please note that transportation to the Yumeyakata Oike bettei is at your own expense.
Oike Bettei: Kyoto Tea Ceremony in a Historic Kyoto Townhouse
(Enjoy a Kyoto tea ceremony with other participants)
Kimono Rental + Tea Ceremony Experience
Total duration: About 2 hours
(50min kimono rental + 60min tea ceremony)
※Add 30 minutes for hairstyling or makeup.
Join a hands-on Kyoto tea ceremony and matcha tasting with included kimono rental.
/ per person7,680yen
/ per person9,430yen
(Enjoy a Kyoto tea ceremony with other participants)
Tea Ceremony Only
Total duration: About 1 hour
Enjoy a Kyoto tea ceremony with other participants and explore Japanese tea culture in a hands-on way.
/ per person3,850yen
/ per person5,775yen
(Enjoy a Kyoto tea ceremony with your own group)
Kimono Rental + Tea Ceremony Experience
Total duration: About 2 hours
(50min kimono rental + 60min tea ceremony)
※Add 30 minutes for hairstyling or makeup.
Take part in a private Kyoto tea ceremony with your group, where you can make and taste authentic Japanese matcha.
Additional fee on Group Session price：
/ per group+11,000yen
/ per group+19,800yen
Mar 25 – Apr 10: Additional 19,800yen per group
(Enjoy a Kyoto tea ceremony with your own group)
Tea Ceremony Only
Total duration: About 1 hour
Join a private Kyoto tea ceremony with your group and experience authentic Japanese matcha.
Additional fee on Group Session price：
/ per group+11,000yen
/ per group+19,800yen
Mar 25 – Apr 10: Additional 19,800yen per group
Experience Kimono Dressing & Tea Ceremony All in One Place Authentic Tea Ceremony at “Gojo Shop”
Yumeyakata Gojo offers a unique and convenient way to experience both authentic Japanese tea ceremony and kimono rental in the same building. Perfect for travelers, this beginner-friendly, fully guided program with multilingual support ensures a smooth and enjoyable experience, allowing you to fully immerse in Kyoto culture and return your kimono immediately after the session. Ideal for individuals and groups alike, it guarantees a memorable cultural experience.
About the Tea Ceremony Venue:
Yumeyakata Gojo Shop
Enjoy an authentic tea ceremony Kyoto and matcha ceremony Kyoto experience at Yumeyakata Gojo Shop, located in the same building as Kyoto’s popular kimono rental shop.
Just a 3-minute walk from Gojo Subway Station, 10 minutes from Kiyomizu-Gojo Station, or a 10-minute taxi ride from Kyoto Station, this convenient location makes it easy to fit a Kyoto traditional tea ceremony into your sightseeing itinerary.
After the tea ceremony, return your kimono on-site and continue exploring hands-free. Nearby attractions include Kiyomizu-dera, Gion, and Fushimi Inari Shrine, allowing you to enjoy a relaxing moment of Japanese tea culture alongside your Kyoto travels.
Age Requirement
【Please Note】
Please keep an eye on your children at all times.
If, despite guidance from our staff or tea instructor, your child’s behavior makes it difficult to continue the session, we may ask you to leave the room. Thank you for your understanding.
【For children 6 or younger】
For children under 6, a private room fee will be required.
Please contact us for details.
(The private room fee varies depending on the number of participants.)
3–4 people: 11,000yen
5–27 people: 19,800yen
Capacity
Please contact us for groups of 15 or more.
Available Languages
Korean may not be available depending on staff availability.
The Highlights of the Tea Ceremony & Matcha Experience
at Yumeyakata Gojo Shop in Kyoto
One-Stop
Tea Ceremony Experience
At Yumeyakata Gojo Shop, everything—from kimono rental to the tea ceremony and kimono return—takes place in one location. This allows for an efficient, time-saving experience that you can easily enjoy between sightseeing activities. It’s an ideal option for anyone looking to experience tea culture casually and conveniently in Kyoto.
Beginner-Friendly
Tea Ceremony
Even first-time participants can join with confidence. Our experienced instructors will carefully teach you the basic etiquette and essential gestures of the tea ceremony. You can relax and enjoy Kyoto’s traditional culture with all five senses, making this program perfect for beginners.
Multilingual &
Flexible Reservations
We offer support in multiple languages, including English. Reservations are available for solo participants, private sessions, or group experiences, making this a popular choice among international travelers. It’s an ideal cultural activity to enjoy during your trip to Kyoto.
A Special Memory
for Your Kyoto Trip
Savor premium Uji matcha and seasonal Japanese sweets(Ohigashi), and make your trip to Kyoto even more memorable. Since the experience offers authentic tea ceremony practice in a short time, it can be enjoyed efficiently alongside your sightseeing plans.
Gojo Shop: Kyoto Tea Ceremony in a Japanese-Style Tea Room
Optional Photography
Commemorative photos of your tea ceremony experience taken by a professional photographer!
(shot inside the tearoom)
+16,500 yen
*Shooting time: approx. 45 minutes
*Number of photos: approx. 50 images (delivered as digital data)
*Please note that the traditional garden is available only at Oike Bettei
※A 20% surcharge will apply on certain days during peak seasons (cherry blossom and autumn foliage seasons).
Please refer to the reservation calendar for details.
Meet Our Tea Masters
Instructor Aya Suzuki
Urasenke Certified Tea Instructor【Tea Name: Sōbun】
Born in Osaka in 1964. With over 40 years of experience in Urasenke tea ceremony, she began her studies in her teens and frequently traveled to Kyoto to deepen her practice. As a highly qualified instructor with over 10 years of professional teaching experience, she has successfully guided thousands of international guests, introducing them to the profound spirituality and philosophy of Chado (the Way of Tea).
In addition to tea ceremony, she holds extensive knowledge in other traditional arts, including Japanese calligraphy and Ikebana (flower arranging).
Her hobbies include hot yoga and strolling around historic Kyoto. She firmly believes that “learning tea is polishing the heart—it is a lesson in how to live,” and she continues to refine her practice every day to provide the highest quality cultural experience.
【Message from Instructor Suzuki】
The world of tea holds many hints for enriching everyday life.
A single bowl of tea—enjoyed while feeling the season, appreciating flowers, and sensing the atmosphere of a Japanese room.
Would you like to discover the charm of tea ceremony?
I look forward to sharing a special moment of “ichigo ichie”—a once-in-a-lifetime encounter—with you.
Instructor Yuki Inoue
Urasenke Certified Tea Instructor【Tea Name: Sōyu】
Born in Osaka. Having transitioned from a successful career in the corporate world, she brings a unique, universally accessible perspective to the traditional arts. Her passion for Japanese temples, shrines, and historical gardens naturally led her to Chado—an art that values harmony, respect, and mindfulness.
As an active, certified Urasenke instructor, she has extensive experience welcoming international tourists, corporate groups, and cultural enthusiasts from all over the world. Her hobbies include listening to classical music, cooking, and singing Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony. She believes that studying tea means looking inward, cultivating empathy, and nurturing a deeper sense of awareness, and she is dedicated to making the authentic tea ceremony experience inspiring and welcoming for global audiences.
【Message from Instructor Inoue】
Don’t think of tea ceremony as something strict—first, simply enjoy being in the space.
Use all five senses: see, smell, hear, touch, and taste.
You may feel a comfort that is different from your everyday life.
With the spirit of “wakei seijaku” (harmony, respect, purity, tranquility),
I look forward to sharing a peaceful bowl of tea with you.
What Our Guests Say
Flow to Make Your Own Matcha
1. Introductory Tea Ceremony Lesson
Approx. 10 minutes / Includes a Yumeyakata original booklet
An introduction from the instructor about the Way of Tea—its meaning, history, and cultural background.
You will also learn about the alcove scroll (tokonoma) and tea utensils.
2. Instructor’s Tea Demonstration
Approx. 25 minutes
Watch the instructor’s tea-making procedure.
Experience the serene atmosphere and precise, meaningful gestures of the tea ceremony.
One representative participant will receive the first serving of Ohigashi and matcha.
3. Making Matcha Yourself
Approx. 25 minutes
Enjoy the matcha you prepare yourself as you experience the flow of the tea ceremony in a relaxed setting.
The instructor will carefully guide you through each step, making the experience enjoyable even for first-time participants.
Matcha & Sweets(Ohigashi)
Matcha
We use premium Uji matcha from a historic Kyoto tea house, preferred by the Urasenke school of tea.
Sourced from Uji, Kyoto—the heart of Japanese matcha—this high-quality matcha is used in authentic Japanese tea ceremonies.
Experience a Kyoto tea ceremony and enjoy its smooth texture, refined flavor, and gentle natural sweetness.
Seasonal Japanese Sweets(Ohigashi)
From a long-established traditional Japanese confectionery shop in Kyoto, near the Oike Bettei.
These charming Japanese dry sweets are inspired by Kyoto’s iconic landmarks and Japan’s four seasons
and are often served in traditional tea ceremonies.
Sweets(Ohigashi) may vary by season.
Tea Ceremony Concept Video
This Kyoto tea ceremony experience offers a welcoming traditional tea ceremony in Kyoto, introducing the essence of Japanese tea culture. Through a relaxed matcha ceremony, guests can enjoy Kyoto’s atmosphere, aesthetics, and hospitality while spending time in beautifully preserved traditional tea rooms.
Tea Ceremony Q&A
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Q.
Do I have to sit on the floor during the tea ceremony?
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A.
No. You do not need to sit directly on the floor.
Low chairs are available in the tatami room, so guests of all ages can comfortably enjoy our authentic Kyoto tea ceremony experience.
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Q.
Do the Japanese sweets contain nuts or gelatin?
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A.
The traditional Japanese sweets (higashi) served during the tea ceremony do not contain nuts or gelatin as ingredients.
If you have any other food allergies or dietary restrictions, please let us know in advance.
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Q.
How long is the Kimono & Tea Ceremony Experience at Yumeyakata Oike Bettei?
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A.
The Kyoto Kimono & Tea Ceremony Experience at Yumeyakata Oike Bettei, a traditional Kyoto machiya townhouse, lasts approximately 140 minutes.
The experience includes:
- Kimono dressing by our professional staff
- Travel from the kimono rental shop to the tea ceremony venue at Oike Bettei
- An introduction to the Japanese tea ceremony
- A tea demonstration by a professional tea master
- A hands-on matcha making experience
- A Q&A session with the tea master
Please note: After kimono dressing at Yumeyakata Gojo Shop, guests will need to travel to Yumeyakata Oike Bettei for the tea ceremony. Transportation between the two locations is not included in the plan, and transportation costs must be paid separately by guests.
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Q.
How long is the Kimono and Tea Ceremony Experience at Yumeyakata Gojo Shop?
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A.
The Kyoto Kimono & Tea Ceremony Experience at Yumeyakata Gojo Shop lasts approximately 120 minutes.
The experience includes:
- Kimono dressing by our professional staff
- An introduction to the Japanese tea ceremony
- A tea demonstration by a professional tea master
- A hands-on matcha making experience
- A Q&A session with the tea master
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Q.
Can I join the Kyoto tea ceremony experience without renting a kimono?
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A.
Yes. You can enjoy our Kyoto tea ceremony experience without kimono rental.
Kimono rental is available as an optional plan, but guests who prefer to wear their own clothes can also participate in the authentic Japanese tea ceremony experience. Casual attire is perfectly acceptable.
Please note: Socks are required when entering the tatami room. Please be sure to wear socks for your tea ceremony experience.
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Q.
Where is the Kyoto tea ceremony held?
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A.
Our Kyoto tea ceremony experience is held at either Yumeyakata Oike Bettei (Traditional Kyoto Machiya Townhouse) or Yumeyakata Gojo Shop (Kimono Rental Shop), depending on your selected plan.
1. Yumeyakata Oike Bettei (Traditional Kyoto Machiya Townhouse)
The tea ceremony is held at Yumeyakata Oike Bettei, a beautifully preserved traditional Kyoto machiya townhouse. Located near Karasuma Oike Station, Nijo Castle, and the Kyoto Imperial Palace, this venue offers an authentic and peaceful atmosphere where you can experience traditional Japanese culture.
If you choose the Kimono & Tea Ceremony Plan, please note that kimono dressing takes place at Yumeyakata Gojo Shop. After getting dressed, you will need to travel from Gojo Shop to Yumeyakata Oike Bettei for the tea ceremony.
Please note: Transportation between Yumeyakata Gojo Shop and Yumeyakata Oike Bettei is not included in the plan. Guests are responsible for their own transportation costs.
2. Yumeyakata Gojo Shop (Kimono Rental Shop)
The tea ceremony is also available at Yumeyakata Gojo Shop, where kimono rental services are provided.
Conveniently located near Gojo Station and within easy reach of Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Gion, Yasaka Shrine, Nishiki Market, and the Kamogawa River, it is an ideal location to combine your Kyoto kimono rental and tea ceremony experience with sightseeing.
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Q.
Is it okay if I’m a complete beginner?
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A.
Yes. Our Kyoto tea ceremony experience is designed especially for beginners, and no prior experience is required.
Our tea master will guide you through the basics of Japanese tea ceremony, including traditional etiquette, bowing, and how to prepare matcha step by step. You can enjoy an authentic Japanese tea ceremony experience in a relaxed atmosphere, even if it is your first time.
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Q.
Can foreign visitors participate?
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A.
Yes. Our Kyoto tea ceremony experience welcomes international guests from around the world.
English and Chinese interpretation support is available. For other languages, including Korean, an additional fee of ¥3,300 per group is required, and availability depends on our staff schedule.
If you require Korean language support, please contact us in advance. We will confirm availability for your requested date and do our best to assist you in enjoying an authentic Japanese tea ceremony experience in Kyoto.
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Q.
Can I reserve a private session?
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A.
Yes. You can reserve a private session by paying an additional private session fee. Your group will have exclusive use of the tearoom and can enjoy a more intimate Kyoto tea ceremony experience.
The private session fee varies depending on the number of participants.
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Q.
Can I make a reservation for just one person?
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A.
Yes, you can. We welcome individual guests to participate in our Kyoto tea ceremony experience.
Please note that the price varies depending on the size of your party. For group sessions, the per-person price is determined based on the number of guests in your party. If you prefer a private tea ceremony experience, a separate private session fee applies.
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Q.
How far in advance should I book?
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A.
We recommend booking at least one day in advance so that we can confirm the availability of our tea masters and interpreters.
For last-minute requests, please contact us and we will do our best to accommodate your needs.
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Q.
What days are you closed?
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A.
We are closed from December 31 to January 3 for the New Year holidays.
Other than that, we are open every day of the year.
Reservations are accepted on weekends and holidays as well, so please feel free to contact us.
Reservation
Please pay attention to your reservation time if you are booking kimono rental together with the tea ceremony.
Recommended timing: Please reserve your kimono approximately 1 hour before the tea ceremony.
If you would like a hair styling as well, please reserve about 1.5 hours beforehand.
Notes
・Advance reservation is required.
・This experience is for ages 7 and above.
・If you do not receive a reservation confirmation email within 3 business days, please contact us by phone.
・Kimono rental, hair styling, and makeup services are available at “Yumeyakata Gojo Shop.”
・The tea ceremony experience takes place at either “Yumeyakata Gojo Shop” or “Yumeyakata Oike bettei.”
・Travel time from Gojo Shop to Oike bettei: approx. 15 minutes by taxi, or 20–25 minutes by subway.
・You may enter the tea ceremony venue (Yumeyakata Oike bettei) starting 10 minutes before the session.
＜Cancellation Policy＞
・Same-day cancellation: 100% fee
・Day-before cancellation: 50% fee
＜Session Availability＞
Sessions are held based on reservation requests.
※Please note that sessions may not be available on certain days due to circumstances.
Recommended for those who wish to explore the spirit of tea more deeply
Advanced Tea Ceremony Experience
in Kyoto
Enrich Your Daily Life and Work Through Tea Ceremony
Experience an authentic tea ceremony in Kyoto while learning about Japanese traditional culture.
Discover how the spirit of “hospitality” and refined “aesthetic sense” can be applied to your daily life and professional environment.
This hands-on program introduces the 500-year history of tea ceremony in a way that even beginners can enjoy with ease.
Held inside a Traditional Kyoto Townhouse, this experience is perfect not only for memorable travel moments but also for corporate training and team-building activities.
Learn practical insights from Japanese culture that can be used in both personal and professional settings.
Recommended Highlights
Create unforgettable memories with an authentic tea ceremony in Kyoto
Enjoy a luxurious moment with matcha and seasonal sweets—an experience unlike everyday life.
Combine it with kimono rental for a truly Kyoto-style, photo-worthy cultural experience.
Beginners are welcome, and the program offers meaningful insight into Japanese culture.
A valuable experience for teams and workplaces
Popular for MICE events, corporate training, and seminars, Kyoto’s tea ceremony program allows participants to experience the spirit of “respect,” “harmony,” and “hospitality.”
This naturally enhances teamwork and communication while learning practical wisdom and etiquette applicable to daily life and business.
Cultivate mindfulness and manners through tea
While experiencing the movements and spirit of tea ceremony, participants learn manners and insights that are useful in everyday life and the workplace.
Even beginners can join comfortably, enjoying matcha and traditional sweets while experiencing Japanese culture with all five senses.
If you have any questions about your Kyoto Tea Ceremony or Kimono Rental experience, feel free to contact us.