Kyoto Private Tea Ceremony with Tea Master at Home
Overview
Available languages
1 hour
Mobile ticket
Enjoy a private Kyoto tea ceremony in a traditional home, guided by an experienced tea master. Learn the meaning behind each movement in a calm, authentic setting.
This experience offers rare private access, expert guidance, and original Uji matcha in an authentic Kyoto setting.
【Highlights】
・Private tea ceremony in a traditional Kyoto home — not a tourist venue
・Guided by an experienced tea master, focusing on learning and authenticity
・Original Uji matcha, handcrafted Kyoto tea bowls, and seasonal wagashi
・Held in authentic tea rooms (Koma and Hiroma) with a calm, respectful atmosphere
・Ideal for adults seeking a quiet, refined cultural experience
【Important Notes】
Age: Adults only (13 and under not permitted)
Punctuality: Late arrivals over 15 minutes cannot join; no refund
Dress code: Long pants or skirt; tops with sleeves required
Socks: Required (available for purchase if needed)
Kimono: Not included
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
Wheelchair accessible
【Age Policy】 Children aged 13 and under are not permitted to join this class. If you arrive with a child without prior notice, you will not be able to attend and no refund will be issued.
【Punctuality 】Please arrive on time. Guests arriving more than 15 minutes after the start will not be able to participate, and no refund can be provided.
【Socks Requirement】 For hygiene and to protect the tatami mats, please wear socks (not bare feet). If you forget, socks are available for purchase on site.
【Appropriate Attire】 Please wear a long skirt or long pants and a top with sleeves. Sleeveless tops, shorts, or mini skirts are not permitted.
【Perfume & Fragrance】 Kindly refrain from wearing perfume (including musk-based scents), as it can disturb the tea room atmosphere. Guests wearing fragrance may be asked to remove it before entering.
【Seating】Small chairs are available for guests who need them. Please inform us in advance.
This experience is best suited for guests who appreciate quiet settings, cultural depth, and traditional etiquette.
What To Expect
A Discreet Kyoto Retreat — Where Living Tradition Is Shared Privately Step into Sakura Experience Japanese Culture, a serene private home near Nijo Castle, where Japanese traditions are practiced as living arts rather than performances. This quiet retreat has welcomed dignitaries, cultural figures, and museum professionals seeking an authentic, respectful encounter with Kyoto culture. Experiences take place in traditional tea rooms, Koma and Hiroma, guided by certified masters of tea ceremony, ikebana, and calligraphy. Guests engage directly with Kyoto craftsmanship—custom-made tea bowls commissioned from Kiyomizu and Raku potters, original matcha sourced from historic tea gardens in Uji, and seasonal wagashi prepared by a long-established Kyoto confectioner. Privacy, depth, and cultural integrity define this experience, making it ideal for travelers seeking quiet refinement rather than staged entertainment.
Sample Menu
dessert
Japanese Sweets
Seasonal wagashi from a long-established Kyoto confectioner, made without eggs, nuts, gluten, or animal products.
main
An original premium matcha
An exclusive original matcha crafted at a historic Uji tea farm. Served in hand-crafted Kiyomizu and Raku bowls, and available for purchase.
Options
private session
private: you do not need to attend the others Duration: 1 hour 2cups of Matcha: 3 different type of Japanese sweets
What‘s Included
Two bowls of matcha prepared with our original blended matcha from Uji
Original tea ceremony booklet A concise guide to the spirit and etiquette of tea.
Seasonal Three types of handcrafted wagashi from a long-established Kyoto confectioner
Demonstration and hands-on experience Guided explanation and matcha preparation by a tea master.
Kimono rental is not included.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
63 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great immersive experience
Martha A,May 29, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00One of our favorite experiences in Kyoto! We loved learning about the history and significance of the tea ceremony which made the actual practice that much more special. The traditional setting provided an ambiance that enhanced the immersive experience resulting in an unforgettable memory! Highly recommend our host - she expertly guided our experience and answered all our questions. To be able to purchase matcha tea and one-of-a-kind artist made tea cups is great for those who want to continue the practice at home.
A must have experience, if you are interested to make your own Macha tea
Robin S,May 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The tea ceremony is held in Aya’s home, and the tea room is beautiful. You’ll receive a clear explanation of the history of the tea ceremony and matcha, observe the ceremony itself (I wish I had asked more questions at the time), and have the chance to whisk your own second cup. Aya also provides a couple of recommendations on where to buy tea locally. Note that the water is not boiling—the actual temperature is around 80°C. If it’s hotter, you may ruin the tea, so keep that in mind when preparing it yourself. Many thanks Aya, Robin Soole
Aya treats her guests right!
949shear,May 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The tea ceremony was very cool, but the 5 star review is due to Aya herself. She was sweet and personable from beginning to end, and showed a real willingness to help us that went outside of the scope of duties of teaching us about tea! For example, she was helpful in giving us directions to Osaka, our next stop, and saved us money in her recommendations. She also made us aware that it is Golden Week (a long holiday weekend in Japan) and urged us to book our bullet train tickets for our trip from Osaka to Tokyo sooner rather than later. Because of her, we got tickets just in time, and were able to select the option of traveling with large luggage. If we hadn’t done that, we would have been in trouble, and couldn’t have taken our suitcases with us! She even called us a taxi after the service and waited until we got in safely. In conclusion: Aya is the best part of the tea ceremony. We loved meeting her and having tea with her. I’m sure you will, too.
An absolute must-do!!
I9281OEcynthian,Mar 26, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My husband and I left the tea ceremony and both agreed it was probably the best thing we’ve done on our trip. It was detailed, educational and fun. It is absolutely worth it for a hands-on, true experience. I cannot recommend this enough. A hidden gem that will bring the culture of Kyoto to life!
The Best Tea Ceremony!!
S6987YIsamg,Mar 15, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was the best thing I have ever done in Japan, hands down. Aya was extremely friendly, knowledgeable, and truly made our experience special. I had accidentally booked the experience for one person when it was for two people and she allowed me to pay the difference and modified the ceremony on the spot. She also gave us recommendations for food places and all of them were fantastic. We purchased her custom matcha and we are excited to make it at home. My fiancee and I agreed this was a truly incredible experience and well worth the money.
Very good experience!
Julien B,Dec 30, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Very interesting, we are immediately put at ease and the hosts are really adorable. That's very well explained. I highly recommend!
Very recommended and wonderful experience
Yvonne M,Dec 4, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We can highly recomend this place. The tea master is originally from Kyoto. She is very knowledgeable and sympathetic. The ceremony itself was wonderful and we learned a lot.
authentic Japanese tea ceremony
Rashed A,Nov 25, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The tea ceremony lesson was excellent and smooth. The explanation was comprehensive, detailed, and connected to Japanese tradition. The host was very professional, kind, and welcoming. highly recommend
Best Japanese experience so far.
K1ngk0,Nov 8, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Aya welcomed us into our home and it was beautiful She spent her time explaining the importance and the meaning behind each step and actions And it literally felt like if I was some fuedual samurai being served tea honourably. It was a truly wonderful and cultural experience Will 100% recommend It's more authentic than the other tea ceremony Because you're not being treated as a tourist but a genuine guest.
Aya-sensei is an...
Merry G,Oct 24, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Aya-sensei is an incredible master of her art. She led such a beautiful team ceremony. From the minute we entered her tea ceremony room every moment was savoured, all 5 senses drawn upon and enjoyed. Highly recommend this experience. Aya is a true professional, with a warmth and friendliness that enables you to really feel comfortable to ask questions and soak up the whole experience!
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