Tea ceremony and kimono experience at Kyoto, Tondaya

Overview

Available languages

Japanese

English

1 hour 30 minutes

Mobile ticket

Tondaya is a traditional Kyoto machiya house, which was registered as National Cultural heritage in 1999 and also enlisted as Structure of Landscape Importance in Kyoto in 2007. We originally started Kimono wholesale business 140 years ago, but currently, we operate Nishijin Lifestyle Museum to promote the education of traditional Kyoto lifestyle culture here in Tondaya. You can have a great experience of Japanese traditional culture

Additional Info

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What‘s Included

Kimono experience

Entrance fee

Tea ceremony experience

Lunch

Make up

Hair styling

Socks (please bring your own socks or you could buy one here)

Geta (traditional Japanese wooden sandals)

What To Expect

Visit a traditional Japanese townhouse, known as a machiya, and partake in a tea ceremony while dressed in traditional attire in Kyoto. First, upon your arrival, an authentic silk kimono will be promptly fitted for you. After that, you're welcome to take photos around the house. Explore the machiya, originally built during the Meiji period. Inside the house, you can experience the gentle flow of seasonal breezes. Tea is an inseparable part of Japanese culture. Watch a traditional tea ceremony performance and immerse yourself in the space. This experience is conducted in a group with other participants. If you prefer a more private setting, please select the private experience option. Feel free to take as many photos as you'd like during your visit and experience Japanese culture to the fullest. Estimated tour time The maximum experience time for the activity is set at 1.5 hour. Please note that the time may vary depending on how crowded the tour is. An introduction video of how to wear kimono and the process of the tea ceremony ※Please bring socks to protect cultural assets.

Options

Standard plan

Kimono Tea Ceremony: Have a tea ceremony in our kimono and immerse yourself in the atmosphere of Kyoto's old townhouse.
Duration: 1 hour

Reviews

4.07

89 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

Memorable Experience
candice k,
Nov 9, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Highlight of our Kyoto visit. Very quaint, authentic experience. The traditional garments are well made, you choose colors then you are dressed over your own clothing. The home is very authentic, historical home. Beautiful gardens. The tea ceremony is highly informative and interesting. Worth the money for this experience.
Amazing experience
258erint,
Oct 22, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
This experience completely exceeded our expectations from start to finish! We got to choose our own kimonos and matching hairpieces, and the woman who helped us with the fitting was so funny and incredibly sweet. The tea-making process was explained in great detail, with our guide using Google Translate to make sure we understood everything perfectly. After the ceremony, we were given a tour of the home, which was absolutely beautiful. Highly recommend this experience!
A small taste of tea ceremony history
Getaway46695103218,
Oct 13, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
The tea ceremony experience was fantastic. It was in a historic building that made you feel like you went back in time. You get the chance to explore the building and enjoy learning about the history of the building and ceremonies before taking part in one. While the experience had a few more people than expected the ceremony itself was fantastic and our host was wonderful.
Tea Ceremony & Kimono Experience
Mrsmurff,
Jun 29, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
This event was a true highlight during my 2 week visit to Japan. The staff was very friendly! They let me select my kimono and dressed me expertly, then took several photos and videos of me in the lovely garment around the property. The tea ceremony was brief, but the information presented was thorough. After the tea ceremony, the host led us on a short tour around the building and explained many cultural & historical aspects. During the tea ceremony and again after the tour, I was allowed and encouraged to take videos and pictures, and again, the host offered to take pictures of me, as I am a solo traveler. The small group size & courteous staff made this experience something I can't recommend enough.
Fabulous tour with Michael
SamIAmAllDay,
Jun 22, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We LOVED this tour for our family of 5 - and Michael was a fantastic tour guide that made the experience. It was incredibly informative, fun, light-hearted and felt like we were getting a true glimpse into life in Kyoto. We loved learning about the journey of geishas, the delicious 1000 year old store and everything in between. Michael was funny, considerate, very knowledgeable and engaging. Great tour and the bikes were awesome.
Authentic experience in historical home
Margaret H,
Jun 9, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
This tea ceremony was performed in a private room. The women assisting with the kimonos were very respectful and kind. This is not touristy. It is very authentic. Beautiful historical home.
Beautiful tea ceremony
Roz C,
May 26, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
It was a recovery experience, dressing up in a traditional kimono with accessories, having photos taken and then participating a in a tea ceremony and drinking matcha tea with a sweet.
Perfect experience for lovers of tea, architecture, and history!
thatnavinraj,
May 3, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
A perfect experience. My mother was visiting Japan from the United States and said that doing a tea ceremony and trying on a kimono were at the top of her experience list. As a family, we also love architecture, gardens, and history. If any of these things ring true for you, then the tea ceremony/kimono experience at Tondaya cannot be missed. The number one part of this experience was the friendly, knowledgeable, accommodating staff. They were highly organized, guiding us from putting on clothes to the tea ceremony with ease and fluent English. They made putting on the clothes simple. Most importantly, they were so knowledgeable about history and culture. We particularly enjoyed finding similarities between our own Indian culture and their Japanese culture. A particular thanks to the young woman who was our primary guide. She not only dressed us and performed the tea ceremony, but answered all our questions and took beautiful photos of us. She’s a true professional! Next, the setting cannot be missed. The Tondaya townhouse is gorgeous. It has six beautiful gardens. On a warm day, they opened the sliding doors and a gentle breeze came through that added to our enjoyment. The house is rich in history too. We really enjoyed learning about the Noh performances that took place there. I could say more and more. Needless to say, don’t miss this experience. It’s also great for those, like us, who are too shy to wear the kimonos out in town, but are curious about the experience. It’s a private way to enjoy some delicious matcha tea in style. Thank you again! ありがとございました！またね！
Wish I could rate this higher but….
James H,
Apr 18, 2025
- Review from Viator
2.00
We have mixed feelings on this experience. We really enjoyed wearing the kimonos but felt the group was too large, it was difficult to see the tea ceremony and little explanation was given of the ceremony or kimonos etc. it was very expensive for what we received and experienced.
Tea ceremony experience
hisa6,
Apr 13, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
1.00
The person who made the tea was very nice. However, can't we manage the owner's amiability and smugness? In addition to that, it is also seen from above that they are showing off their valuable townhouses. I think it's better to learn customer service manners yourself before teaching others Japanese culture manners. Even if the staff are pleasantly and sincerely served, you are ruining the owner. Also, this is a tea ceremony experience, but instead of letting the guests make tea, they just watch and have tea. It is not suitable for people who want to stand up themselves.