Uji Matcha Tasting & Tea Ceremony with Former Geiko + Uji Walk
Overview
Available languages
2 hours
Mobile ticket
The greatest feature of this activity is that it is a fully private experience combining a guided walk around the UNESCO World Heritage Site Ujigami Shrine with an authentic matcha experience.
Led by a former maiko, the experience goes beyond the taste of matcha to introduce the essence of Japanese culture through movement, space, and ma. The subtle sense of pause and harmony, explained in a clear and approachable way.
After tasting several varieties of matcha, you will also prepare your own bowl of matcha in a traditional tearoom. By seeing, listening, tasting, and practicing, you can experience Japanese tea culture in a truly immersive way.
As this is a completely private experience, it allows families and couples to enjoy a calm and intimate time without concern for other participants.
Additional Info
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Specialized infant seats are available
What To Expect
You will meet your guide near Keihan Uji Station and stroll through the historic town of Uji while learning about its deep connection to Japanese tea culture. Along the way, you will pass the UNESCO World Heritage site Ujigami Shrine. After about 30 minutes, you will arrive at Tōka-an, a quiet traditional house where the matcha experience takes place. Here, the host—a former geiko who spent many years immersed in Kyoto’s traditional arts—will introduce you to the beauty and depth of Japanese tea culture in an intimate and authentic setting. This experience offers three unique options. Please select your preferred experience when booking: Sencha Tasting, Matcha Tasting, or Kimono & Tea Ceremony Experience (including both koicha and usucha). Each option provides a different way to explore Japanese tea, from tasting rare teas to experiencing the elegance of kimono and traditional tea ceremony. A special moment to slow down, connect, and experience the true spirit of Japan. At the end of the experience, your host will accompany you to the entrance, where the activity concludes.
Options
Sencha Tasting Experience
Sencha Tasting Experience: You will taste and compare three types of premium Japanese tea: sencha, gyokuro, and tencha—the raw leaf used to make matcha.
Kimono & Tea Ceremony Experien
Kimono & Tea Ceremony Experien: Dress in a beautiful kimono and enjoy a private cultural experience. Experience both koicha (thick tea) and usucha (thin tea) Duration: 3 hours: Duration is about 3 hours. For smaller groups (1–2 participants), it may finish in about 2.5 hours.
matccha tasting,+babysitter
babysitter: If you need a babysitter, you can request one when making your reservation.
Uji Matcha Tasting & Tea Ceremony with Former Geiko + Uji Walk
What‘s Included
Guided walk at Ujigami Shrine, matcha tasting with Japanese sweets, and tea ceremony guidance.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
5 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
A rare opportunity to try both thin and thick tea and dress in a kimono for the tea ceremony.
Daria K,May 28, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00I would really like to thank Ruriko-san and Eri-San for an amazing experience. I’ve visited a couple of tea ceremony experiences before, but never expected it to be so professional. We started with a walk and Eri-San was kind enough to brief us on tea production details and even tea producers who use an ancient method of tea shading. I’m not a first timer in Uji and I thought I more or less tried all the tea producers there but it turned out even I had some new information to pick up. We also visited several places on our way to the tea house while talking about tea. As we ordered a kimono dressing, we were able to choose from a variety (even I as a 175 cm tall had several options). It’s a very nice add-on option as a tea ceremony experience without kimono is not authentic. You should definitely try it at least once because wearing a kimono makes you move in a different way. Ruriko-San is an exceptional master I greatly enjoyed watching her movements. The tea included both thin and thick kinds (usucha and koicha) which is also a rare experience because so far I’ve only been served thin kind on the other ceremonies I visited. The garden was also nice and beautiful we went there before the ceremony to clean our hands and mind. Overall the experience was extremely satisfying I will definitely come back again.
A wonderful day
Katherine F,May 11, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The ladies were so warm and welcoming. We felt like this was perfect mother daughter experience. The walk was very informative next to a tea field and then in a quaint neighborhood. They carefully dressed us in kimonos and let us see a wonderful book that featured life as a geiko. The tea ceremony was beautifully performed.
Outstanding experience of...
Benoit D,May 7, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Outstanding experience of traditional Japanese culture in Uji! We had tea ceremony in kimono in a peaceful traditional house and our host was so kind.
Best experience we could have asked for.!
Heather S,Apr 23, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00My daughter (13) and I both love matcha. We wanted to find a tea ceremony that wasn't kitschy or commercialized. When I read that this was a private experience with a retired geiko I had high hopes, but even my expectations fell short. Our guide/translator is an aficionado of matcha, and thus has educated herself on the history, farming, and strains in the area (much like a wine sommelier, though she will deny the title). Normally we would have a small tour of Uji, but due to the rain we went straight to the beautiful house along the riverwalk. Our elegant and sweet host was incredibly gracious and made sure we were warm and dry while chatting with us. The tea ceremony itself is beautiful, and I could think of no one better to show us and teach us than a geisha with decades of experience. We even received directions on some great spots to buy the matcha we liked best (we tasted 4 varieties during our time). It was one of the highlights of our trip, and also got us down to Uji, which we would have bypassed otherwise amd missed out on it's unique beauty.
Really great experience!...
Amaru A,Apr 8, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Really great experience! The owners were incredibly friendly and helpful, and I truly felt involved throughout the entire ceremony—even traveling solo. The tea, matcha, and sweets were all delicious, and the performance was absolutely beautiful. The kimonos were stunning, and they thoughtfully considered all my preferences. Highly recommend—such a special and memorable experience!
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