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
19 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Beautiful Tea Ceremony
Y3582MDshanem,Apr 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My wife and I booked a tea ceremony with Ryo, and it was phenomenal. Ryo explained the history, techniques, and meaning behind each part of the ceremony, and executed everything flawlessly. Learning that the practice is rooted in samurai traditions made the experience even more unique and insightful. The matcha was incredible, and we even got the chance to make it ourselves. It was easily the best matcha we have ever had. He patiently answered all of our questions and showed us around the home where the ceremonies take place. We also met his grandfather and visited their family kimono shop, which was amazing. Truly one of the kindest families we met in Japan, with exceptional matcha and beautiful kimonos.
Amazing experience!
180bernadinee,Apr 6, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Book this tea experience! We had 4 participants. It was just us and the tea master. First of all, the cab dropped us off just steps away from the tea-house. It was very easy to find. One of our friends used a rolling walker and she had no trouble at all. We descended a staircase while she went down the sloped road to the side of the steps. Ryotaro Conducted our tea ceremony. He was dressed in authentic traditional clothing. First of all he was very kind. Secondly his English is perfect! We were able to ask all sorts of questions and now we understand the Samurai tea culture. This was our final tour while in Japan. We saved the BEST for last. Also met his family and heard the story of his grandfather who built the teahouse. Beautiful experience!
peaceful and traditional tea ceremony!
L2745QPhannahm,Apr 6, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00from beginning to end, the matcha tea ceremony was special peaceful and informative. our host answered all of our questions and was very patient. watching all of the motions and movements of our host were so intricate and meaningful and methodical. the matcha was extremely delicious and to be able to drink it in a ceremonial setting was a profound experience. 10/10 recommend!
Authentic and Beautiful
Bernadine E,Apr 4, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This is a very elegant and ancient tea ceremony. He explains every movement and apparatus. He answered all questions and was very kind and very gracious. His English is better than mine! I loved being able to have a private tea ceremony with friends. The 4 of us were able to ask all sorts of questions about the tea ceremony, Samurai culture, and his personal experience. His Grandfather built the tea house we were in. Amazing experience. Amazing family. Don’t miss this experience.
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.
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Operated by Miyashita Kyoto Guide