Private Tour
Private Authentic Matcha Tea Ceremony in a Kyoto Tea Room
Overview
Available languages
1 hour 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
Experience an authentic private matcha tea ceremony in a traditional Kyoto tea room, guided in the spirit of omotenashi—Japan’s philosophy of wholehearted hospitality.
Hosted by a Kyoto local from a kimono family, this is not a demonstration, but a quiet and personal cultural experience.
Inside a real tea room, you will observe the careful preparation of matcha and learn the meaning behind each movement, tool, and gesture. Every element reflects centuries of tradition and the intention to create harmony between host and guest.
You will be welcomed as a guest and served matcha and traditional Japanese sweets, allowing you to experience the atmosphere of a genuine tea gathering.
This fully private experience offers a rare opportunity to step away from the crowds and encounter the living culture of Kyoto in an intimate and meaningful way.
Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
During this 90-minute experience, you will: Begin in the machiai (waiting room), where you will learn about the philosophy and cultural meaning behind the Way of Tea (Japanese tea ceremony). Purify your hands and spirit at the tsukubai stone basin. Enter the tea room through the nijiriguchi, expressing humility as you step inside. Observe a traditional demonstration of matcha preparation, noticing the subtle sounds, movements, and atmosphere that define the tea ceremony. Enjoy a bowl of freshly whisked matcha accompanied by two types of Japanese sweets: a traditional fresh Japanese sweet (omogashi) and delicate dry sweets (higashi). Take part in a hands-on matcha-whisking experience, preparing your own bowl of tea under gentle guidance. Spend a quiet moment in cultural conversation and personal reflection, allowing space for questions and deeper understanding. Afterwards, take a guided walk through our family’s traditional Japanese house, shaped by my grandfather’s refined aesthetic sensibilities and attention to detail. At the end of the experience, receive a small heartfelt gift to take home as a reminder of your time in the tearoom.
What‘s Included
Explanation of tea ceremony philosophy and etiquette
Cultural conversation and Q&A with the host
Guided introduction to the tea room and traditional Japanese house
Seasonal Japanese sweets (wagashi)
One bowl of freshly whisked matcha per guest
Private tea ceremony in the Yabunouchi tradition
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Transportation to and from the meeting point
Meals other than the provided seasonal sweets
Options
Private Authentic Matcha Tea Ceremony in a Kyoto Tea Room
Reviews
16 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Highly Recommended Tea Ceremony in Kyoto
Climber16392497054,Mar 17, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00While Miyashita-san's tea ceremony is rooted in deep tradition, he is not limited by rigid schools or cultural boundaries. His openness to different cultural perspectives brings a remarkable depth to his practice. The room is softly lit to avoid straining the eyes, which enhances other senses such as hearing and taste, making the experience more immersive. You can also enjoy tea paired with seasonal Japanese sweets. It’s definitely a place I would love to visit again!
Authentic tea ceremony experience
千恵梅,Mar 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I had the chance to experience matcha. We had a refreshing Japanese experience by entering through the Nijiriguchi in the wonderful tea room and by having matcha tea in an authentic space with charcoal, incense, flowers and hanging scrolls. I also had the experience of a host making tea, but I was a total amateur, but I was gently and happily guided and it was a really good experience.
Fantastic, authentic, friendly
FarAway09515855489,Mar 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Phenomenal experience! Ryotaro was friendly and informative and made the experience even more worthwhile
Recommended for beginners from overseas
長谷川里,Mar 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I was invited by a friend to experience the tea room after a long absence I was nervous, but I could ask questions casually and enjoyed it with an at-home atmosphere. Of course, the tea room and tools are authentic. I was impressed by the way you were able to do things in natural light. I'd like to come again in a different season. The location is also within walking distance of the Okazaki area and close to Konkaikomyoji Temple, which has a good view, making it easy to incorporate into tourist routes. I wanted to recommend it to customers from overseas.
Tea ceremony
Vacation49207085006,Jan 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Such a magical experience! I visited with a friend recently. The owner was very kind in teaching us, and they were incredibly knowledgeable about the tea ceremony. It was a fascinating experience. The matcha was delicious, and the traditional sweets (wagashi) were beautiful. If you want to understand the heart of Japanese hospitality (Omotenashi), you must try this.
Tea experience alone
Navigator28527538363,Jan 6, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I was able to experience it alone. The tea and Japanese sweets were of course very good, and I was able to have a deep discussion with the teacher about art. The place had a very seasonal feel and was lovely.
Wabi Sabi Healing Tea Ceremony
yupingl2026,Jan 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A tea ceremony with a pleasant rustic atmosphere in a tea room. It is a wonderful experience, with simple tools and careful manners, that heals the hasty minds of modern people and teaches them true richness.
It was a calm space and I had a relaxing time. The warm hospitality of the owner and the combination of matcha and Japanese sweets are exquisite. Thank you for explaining it to foreigners in an easy way
労易,Jan 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The other day, I had a tea ceremony experience with a friend. The taste and atmosphere of the matcha was wonderful, and I was thrilled that they instructed me carefully. I would like to visit again if I have the opportunity.
Must try!!
Trip37554976979,Jan 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Miyashita Kyoto Guide offers an authentic slice of Kyoto’s tradition. The atmosphere is serene, with the beautiful old house and gentle scent of wood making you feel transported in time. The tea ceremony here is genuine and carefully performed, with delicious matcha and a chestnut sweet, in a gorgeous tea room. The host is truly knowledgeable and passionate, sharing the traditions and spirit of Kyoto in perfect English. I left with a deeper appreciation for Japanese manners and culture. If you want a heartfelt, meaningful Kyoto experience, this place is a hidden gem I highly recommend.
Great experience
Vacation09067600928,Jan 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was such a wonderful experience. We were able to spend a quiet and calm time in an authentic tea room. The host was very kind and explained the tea ceremony operation, tools, meaning of hanging scrolls, etc. in an easy-to-understand manner and answered my questions politely. Seasonal Japanese sweets and matcha were also very delicious, and I could feel the depth of Japanese culture from the gestures of the tea ceremony. It is a warm and peaceful experience that even first-timers can join with confidence. I highly recommend it.
Related Experiences
Operated by Miyashita Kyoto Guide