Private Tour
Kyoto Private Tea Ceremony at a Japanese Inns
Overview
Available languages
1 hour 15 minutes
Mobile ticket
Step into a quiet evening in Kyoto.
While many famous sightseeing spots close at night,
this experience offers a rare opportunity to enjoy Japanese culture in a private setting.
Inside a historic ryokan, a special tea setting is carefully arranged in a spacious 20-tatami room, illuminated by traditional Japanese candles.
In this unique space, you will experience authentic kimono, tea ceremony, Zen meditation, and traditional Japanese culture — all in one evening.
This experience takes place in a room that is usually not open to the public.
This is a fully private experience, prepared exclusively for you.
We use a translation device to communicate in your preferred language, allowing smooth and comfortable interaction.
This is not a group activity, but a carefully prepared private cultural experience.
Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Specialized infant seats are available
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Experience Kyoto’s cultural charm after dark with a private tea ceremony at a historic inn. At ZEN: Tea Ceremony Experience in Kyoto, enjoy a peaceful evening in a 20-tatami room lit by candlelight inside a traditional Kyoto ryokan. This exclusive cultural activity includes: • Kimono dressing and photo shoot , wearing a bridal uchikake or men’s haori with props like folding fans and swords, plus professional lighting • Zen meditation to calm the mind in a serene space • Tea ceremony demonstration , where you are welcomed as a guest, receive a bowl of matcha, and experience the flow of a traditional tea gathering • Matcha whisking experience , where you make your own matcha Photos are welcome throughout. Translator devices are available, so no Japanese is needed. Location: Kyoto ryokan (private 20-tatami room) Group size: 2 to 6 people Advance reservation required
What‘s Included
Staff will assist with photography.
Katana,costumes,tea ceremony utensils,etc.
Licensed Guide
The tea ceremony experience includes matcha green tea and sweets.
Gratuities
Options
Kyoto Private Tea Ceremony at a Japanese Inns
Reviews
14 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
A must do experience if you are visiting Kyoto for the first time.
Jered W,Mar 29, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00From start to finish, this was a unique and amazing experience. The hospitality was genuine and we felt very welcomed. The ceremony was enlightening. We were able to ask questions along the way and learn so much. There were also plenty of laughs and fun too. We would do it all over again in a heartbeat. I will definitely book this experience when I visit again in the future with family.
An exceptional experience of traditional Japanese culture
seenellug,Nov 2, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Mayumi and Takatoshi are exceptional and very caring people. They took great care of us throughout this activity. We started with a photo shoot in traditional kimonos. Then the tea ceremony began with a moment of calm by candlelight. This allowed us to prepare to scratch the codes of Japanese culture. Then Mayumi, as a true mistress of ceremonies, taught us the art of preparing matcha tea. We don’t speak Japanese, but we were able to talk throughout this great time thanks to the voice translators provided by Mayumi and Takatoshi. It was a magical moment, out of time, enjoyed by the whole family. We highly recommend this tea ceremony experience!
Exceptionel tea ceremony
Mikkel J,Oct 4, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Great experience, very friendly hosts, both kind and full of joy. Using translator devices, there were no language barrier and even kids who can't speak english, can ask questions in their own language. Starting with a photosession, were we got to wear traditional Japanese kimonos, very beautiful. We went on to the tea ceremony itself, which was elegantly performed by the experienced hostess and we learned a lot about Japanese tradition and culture. Although it was very traditional, we got to ask questions regarding the various parts of the ceremony. We concluded the event by making our own matcha tea, which is harder than it looks. All in all, a great experience for the entire family, probably the best we had i Kyoto, and that we will keep with us for a long time.
Excellent experience
Fernanda S,Sep 20, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00It is a beautiful experience. I recommend it as a LIVE of Japanese traditions MAZDA AND MAYUSI are very friendly and predisposed to show you all the details OF THE CEREMONY! THANK YOU
Beautiful Japanese experience! Tea Ritual
paulalT2540VA,Sep 19, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Beautiful tea ceremony, very kind Mazda and Mayuimi taught us to take And prepare matcha tea, a beautiful to meet and connect with Japanese culture
A beautiful experience
Stay43773953645,Aug 6, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This tea ceremony was an unforgettable experience! The hosts were incredibly kind and welcoming, and the atmosphere was peaceful and authentic. The matcha was absolutely delicious. Highly recommended for anyone looking to enjoy a traditional and meaningful moment in Japan!
Absolutely a great experience
Aaron P,Jul 27, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Absolutely amazing experience. The hosts are amazing and made tonight so memorable for us. The tea was great but the experience is what makes the evening. I highly recommend.
We had a great time!
Seaside53132186883,Jul 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00They were such a lovely and kind couple! It was a great experience and I would definitely recommend it to others! We had a really great time!
Tea experience
O8076TTjacke,Jul 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was a great experience! Everyone was so friendly and it was really fun and interesting. 10 out of 10 I definitely recommend!
Nice experience!
MichPC,May 12, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My 2 daughters and 2 nieces went to this experience and loved it. They dressed them in beautiful costumes and took beautiful pictures of them. They loved learning how to matcha correctly. The hosts were very friendly and professional. WE HIGHLY RECOMMEND IT!!
Related Experiences
Operated by ZEN: Tea Ceremony Experience in Kyoto (茶道体験所 禅)