Available languages
1 hour 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
Why choose this tea ceremony experience in Kyoto?
・Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Award winner for 4 consecutive years
・Hosted in an authentic traditional townhouse (machiya)
・Experience a real Japanese tea ceremony in a tatami room
・Kimono rental included for both men and women
・Learn about Japanese culture, etiquette, and matcha in one session
Public transportation options are available nearby
Children under 7 can not enter the tea ceremony venue. If you have a child under 7 in your party, you can not make the reservation for this experience.
You can reserve maximum 2 people from Viator however we accept any other booking site and there will be more participants in your experience
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Our award-winning tea ceremony offers both cultural enjoyment and meaningful learning. Guided by a professional tea master and friendly staff, you'll observe each step and learn the significance behind the tools, movements, and traditions. You'll also gain insights into the history of the tea ceremony, the cultural heritage of Kyoto, and proper etiquette passed down through generations. You will then prepare your own bowl of matcha using high-quality green tea , whisked under the tea master’s guidance. This hands-on moment allows you to experience the calm, focus, and hospitality at the heart of Japanese tea culture. A selection of elegant kimonos is available, and our staff will assist with dressing to ensure a refined appearance. Please note that children under 6 are not permitted. If your group includes a child under 6, we kindly ask that you refrain from booking this activity. Tripods are not allowed during the ceremony. Photo and video recording may be limited—please follow the tea master’s instructions regarding appropriate timing and manners.
dessert
wagashi &matcha
Hairstyling (simple style)
Green tea
Kimono costume
Utensils
Snacks
Transportation
Hotel pickup and drop-off
971 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
malcomp152,Apr 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
Good place to go and enjoy a unique experience, Very complete experience, knewing new things about japan culture

Resort40155971662,Apr 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
Great experience, we learned a lot about Japanese rituals related to matcha consumption! Very nice hostess as a bonus, we highly recommend:)

Darko P,Apr 18, 2026
- Review from Viator
I didn't show up cause of health problema but rate is fair cause I want to support this local experiences.
185hilaa,Apr 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
Very cute and fun. Yea ceremony was great and good instructions



Vanessa L,Apr 16, 2026
- Review from Viator
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.
deb m,Apr 16, 2026
- Review from Viator
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!
ChristineJoana Z,Apr 15, 2026
- Review from Viator
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
Traveler1234z,Apr 15, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
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.
SkyAdventures123,Apr 15, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
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.














Paula F,Apr 15, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
We had a pro to session with Mari and the experience was amazing. Careful, attentive, gave us a lot of information

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