Private Tour
Traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony at Master's Private Tea Room
Overview
Available languages
2 hours
Mobile ticket
While many Machiya buildings have lost their original appearance, our house still shows how life was in those days. Machiya architecture follows a certain format, and how each house pursued beauty within that format is quite different. Our townhouse was formerly run as an obstetrics and gynecology clinic. The combination of the main house and the clinic is very unique, and the strange harmony of the two is very beautiful.
You will get to know the Machiya architecture and enjoy Japanese tea with seasonal fruits and sweets.
Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Machiya refers to the merchant houses of the Edo period. It is characterized by its long and narrow shape, which is hard to imagine from its narrow entrance. Hida craftsmen used the best materials available at the time in the best possible form to create beautiful machiya architecture. Even after more than 200 years, the machiya is not only beautiful, but also sturdy and convenient. We hope to introduce this traditional Japanese machiya house, which is still intact, to you and invite you to enjoy a cup of tea and reminisce about life in the olden days.
What‘s Included
Snacks
Coffee and/or Tea
Options
Traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony at Master's Private Tea Room
Reviews
13 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Unforgettable experience!
Fjaco97,Apr 10, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This is an intimate experience where you get to experience both a traditional ceremony hosted by the master in his home, as well as a more informal session to practice and make your own matcha. Tomoa is a great, spontaneous host who speaks English perfectly! Would recommend!
This is a unique...
Floor J,Apr 4, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This is a unique experience where you learn about traditional tea ceremonies in an intimate setting. Also you will be able to ‘lead’ the ceremony afterwards and prepare tea yourself! Thanks you Tomoa for the amazing experience!
Amazing experience with Bob
maikm2025,Sep 18, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a really great time at the cooking class with Bob, everything was perfect! You learn a lot of things and you can dive into Japanese Culture, highly recommended!
Such a delight!
483larkb,Apr 13, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I think this is the highlight of my 3 weeks in Japan! Class was in a beautiful and traditional 7th-generation family home. We made so many things, including miso soup from scratch, homemade tofu, grilled salmon, delicious Hida beef, Japanese rolled omelet, and onigiri. It was a thoroughly memorable day.
Great guide and dining experience in the heart of Takayama!
svenjans,Mar 26, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great experience. First walked through the old part of the city with Hisa. Then prepared and ate a Japanese meal at her home. Once in a lifetime experience. Privilege to be in Hisa’s original home in Takayama. Had a great day. And more than delicious food. Really very, very special!
Cultural tour in Takayama
aggellig,Mar 25, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We spent amazing 3 hrs with Hisha! We felt like locals and came closer to the traditions of Takayama, tasting local food.
Very excellent.
Robert W,Nov 17, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00Bob-san was an incredible host. Friendly and kind, he showed us how to make great green tea and macha. He was so great. We can’t recommend this enough.
Wonderful cooking experience!
Flyer822138,Jun 8, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our time with Hisa san and “Bob” san was amazing. We toured the morning market and several old town merchant streets before going to their home to cook. Their home is an amazing old home directly on a merchant street in old town TAKAYAMA. We learned a few recipes and enjoyed eating the dishes we helped make! We left very full and warmed by their hospitality and joy! This was a altered tour from the one listed here.
Highly recommend this unique Takayama experience!
shannonmK8884UP,Jun 4, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Hisa and Bob were very welcoming hosts. We had so much fun learning to cook traditional Japanese tempura and egg soup while trying local sake. We were fortunate enough to visit during the season for sushi made with local leaves. It was also a unique experience to see their house which is one of the few houses in old town that still exists as a house (rather than storefront). We absolutely loved it and would highly recommend this experience!!
Perfect private guide for Takayama!
blunder2014,Mar 23, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Hisa is a very good, fun and enthusiastic guide. She showed us a lot and told us a lot about Japan and of course about Takayama. Definitely a recommendation!
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