Kanazawa Machiya: Private Tea Ceremony with a Local Tea Master

Recommended by 100% of travelers

Badge of Excellence

Kanazawa, Japan

Great choice

10+ bookings last month.

1 hour 10 minutes (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English

Why travelers loved this

5.0

· Alan_B ·

May 2026

This was an excellent experience learning about the samurai tea ceremony with all of its details including the various parts used to prepare the tea in a very precise procedure. We had a delightful conversation about the tea ceremony details, and Japanese history and culture. We even prepared our own tea. In our modern world, this experience was calming and refreshing.

· Susan_S ·

May 2026

If you want a really wonderful traditional experience, this is a must! Yute was very kind in welcoming us into his home and did a great demonstration. We will remember this for the rest of our lives.

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Overview

What's Included

Fully private tea ceremony (no shared sessions)
Tea ceremony demonstration by a practitioner with 19 years of experience
Hands-on matcha preparation (make your own bowl of thin tea)
English narration and Q&A throughout
Commemorative photo
Admission Fee - Use of a private tea room in a 100-year-old machiya

Private transportation

Transportation to/from venue

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

TEA BASE 白澤
2-chōme-3-28 Nomachi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa 921-8031, Japan
Come directly to 2-3-28 Nomachi, Kanazawa. Look for a traditional wooden machiya with a small sign “TEA BASE” beside the entrance. Your host Yuta will greet you at the door. 10 min by taxi from Kanazawa Station, or 5 min walk from Nishi Chaya District. Please arrive 5 minutes early.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

Nishi Chaya District

Myoryuji - Ninja Temple

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Not wheelchair accessible
Stroller accessible
Near public transportation

Infant seats available
Not recommended for travelers with back problems
This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate

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Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

Traveler Photos

Gallery picture 1 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 2 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 3 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 4 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 5 (from a traveler's review)

Featured review

Roland_W

We had the great honor of attending Yuta-san’s tea ceremony. After the ceremony, we felt deeply grateful and truly moved by the experience. It gave us a glimpse into the depth and long tradition of the Japanese tea ceremony. It was much more than just an activity. It felt like an encounter with a culture shaped by mindfulness, respect, and harmony. What impressed us most was the authenticity. Being welcomed into Yuta-san’s home created a very special and intimate atmosphere. From the very beginning, we felt surrounded by a deep sense of respect. The ceremony was carried out with great care, precision, and mastery. Although we are not experts, it was clear how much dedication and attention to detail was present in every movement. Afterwards, we felt a deep sense of calm and inner peace. It was as if we had been gently guided toward a quieter state of mind. The exchange with Yuta-san was very warm and kind. This experience will remain in our hearts for a lifetime. We are truly grateful and would wholeheartedly recommend it.

Reviews

5.0

based on 24 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

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Sort by: Most insightful

Matcha tea with tea master

Yuliya_K, Jul 2026

The matcha tea experience was wonderful! The tea master Yuta was incredibly personable, welcoming about sharing the traditions and artistry behind the Japanese tea ceremony. Every step was explained with patience and care, making the experience both educational and relaxing. Yuta kindly answered all questions my husband, my son and I had. It was fascinating to learn about the preparation techniques, the history of matcha tea, and the cultural significance of the ritual. The freshly prepared matcha was delicious, and the peaceful atmosphere made the entire experience feel authentic and memorable. We left with a much deeper appreciation for Japanese tea culture and would highly recommend this experience to anyone visiting Japan.

Response from Host, Jul 2026

Dear Yuliya san, Thank you so much for these generous words — reading them was a real joy. To hear that the three of you left “with a much deeper appreciation for Japanese tea culture” is, honestly, the whole reason I do this. Sharing the tea ceremony is never simply about the matcha in the bowl; it’s about the history, the gestures, and the quiet meaning behind each step — and there is nothing I love more than watching that unfold for guests who are truly curious. Your family’s questions and openness made the session a pleasure to host, and moments like that stay with me long after the tea has cooled. It means a great deal that the experience felt, in your words, “authentic and memorable.” Should your travels ever bring you back to Kanazawa, the kettle will be waiting — and until then, I wish you and your family many more wonderful discoveries in Japan. With warm gratitude, Yuta TEA BASE Hakutaku (白澤), Nishi Chaya, Kanazawa

A Special and Personal Tea Ceremony

Alan_B, May 2026

Response from Host, Jun 2026

Thank you so much for taking the time to share these thoughtful words — it truly means a great deal. Reading your reflection on the samurai tea ceremony and the precision of its procedure is genuinely moving. The Enshu-ryu lineage we practice carries over four centuries of refinement in exactly those small, deliberate gestures, and it is a quiet joy to know they spoke to you so clearly. The afternoon conversation around the history and culture of chanoyu was equally rewarding from this side of the tea bowl. And I am especially glad that whisking your own matcha became part of the experience — to participate, rather than only observe, is where the ceremony often begins to truly settle within a person. Your final reflection — that this experience felt calming and refreshing amid the noise of modern life — is perhaps the kindest thing a tea host can hear. It is exactly what a machiya tea room in Kanazawa is meant to offer. Thank you for choosing TEA BASE Hakutaku. Wishing you safe travels through the rest of Japan, and a gentle journey home. With warm regards, Yuta TEA BASE Hakutaku

Yuta-san provided us with...

Joel_K, May 2026

Yuta-san provided us with a most amazing experience. He was very kind and knowledgeable and instilled in us a meaningful understanding of tea ceremony in Japan. My wife and I really enjoyed the conversation with him. He made sure we understand his thoughtful conversation despite the language barrier.

Response from Host, May 2026

Thank you so much for these kind words — it truly means a lot. Your wife’s questions during the session were remarkably thoughtful, and I found myself stimulated by her perspective just as much as I hoped to share something with you both. Conversations like ours — between people from different countries and different cultural backgrounds, meeting quietly inside a Kanazawa tea room — are, for me, deeply suggestive of what the tea ceremony has always been about at its core. The original spirit of chanoyu is to create a temporary, shared world where guest and host meet as equals, regardless of where each of you has travelled from. That afternoon with the two of you felt like that very spirit, alive and present. Language may have moved a little slowly between us, but understanding was never the issue — attention was already there. Thank you again for choosing TEA BASE Hakutaku, and please give my warm regards to your wife. Until we meet again, perhaps once more here in Nishi Chaya. With warm regards, Yuta TEA BASE Hakutaku

Wonderful Experience

Christy_B, May 2026

Our private tea ceremony with Yuta-san was such a great experience! I highly recommend if you are in Kanazawa, definitely the highlight of our time.We appreciated being invited into his beautiful, sacred space, and learning about the tea ceremony and especially his journey to become a tea master. He performed a wonderful ceremony, and we had great conversation, like visiting with friends. He is also very patient and understanding, as our taxi took us to the incorrect area first. A must in Kanazawa!

Response from Host, May 2026

Thank you so much for choosing to visit TEA BASE Hakutaku during your trip to Japan! It was an absolute honor to host you and your husband. I truly enjoyed our time together and the wonderful conversations we shared. I am so happy that you both enjoyed the ceremony and the experience of whisking your own tea. It means a lot to me that you took the time to share your kind feedback here. Guests like you are exactly why I love being a host! I hope you both have a fantastic time continuing your travels through Japan. Should your journeys ever bring you back to Kanazawa, please do not hesitate to reach out—I would love to welcome you back anytime! Warmly, Yuta Takahashi TEA BASE Hakutaku

Very interesting and...

Emelia_T, May 2026

Very interesting and amazing experience. Tea master was very kind and knowledgeable. We would definitely recommend this experience.

Response from Host, May 2026

Dear Emelia san, Thank you so much for your kind words! It was an absolute honor to host you both. Beyond the tea itself, I truly treasure the time we spent together. Your unique backgrounds led us into such fascinating conversations, covering so many diverse topics—it was genuinely one of the most engaging sessions I've had recently. I especially want to thank your partner for their insightful comments during our time together. It gave me a fresh perspective on my own practice that I will carry with me as I continue my journey in tea. It is conversations like these that make being a host so incredibly rewarding. I am so glad you enjoyed the demonstration and our time together. Please do come back and visit us again whenever your travels bring you back to Kanazawa! Warm regards, Yuta

What a Wonderful Experience

Susan_S, May 2026

If you want a really wonderful traditional experience, this is a must! Yute was very kind in welcoming us into his home and did a great demonstration. We will remember this for the rest of our lives.

Response from Host, May 2026

Thank you so much for this incredibly sweet review! I am so deeply touched that our time together will stay with you for the rest of your lives. Honestly, having you both in my home felt like catching up with old friends, and I had just as much fun as you did! One of my absolute favorite memories from our afternoon was walking together to the local wagashi (traditional Japanese sweet) shop after the ceremony so you could buy some to take home. Sharing my favorite local flavors and exploring the neighborhood with you was a true highlight for me! Thank you for being such wonderful, curious, and warm guests. You have a permanent home here in Kanazawa, so please come back and visit us anytime! Wishing you both an amazing rest of your journey and a lifetime of happiness together. Let’s definitely stay in touch! Warmest regards, Yuta🍵

Great Tea Experience

Sophie_R, May 2026

This was a great experience. Yuta was masterful, friendly, and knowledgeable and the ceremony was very impressive. We really enjoyed the experience and highly recommend to anyone looking for a traditional tea ceremony.

Response from Host, May 2026

Thank you so much for your kind words! It was a true pleasure to host your lovely family at my home. I’m glad to hear that you enjoyed the ceremony and the atmosphere. Since I want all my guests to feel completely at ease, I was happy to provide chairs so you could relax and focus on the spirit of the tea without any physical discomfort. I was particularly impressed by your daughter’s keen curiosity. Her insightful questions about the tradition and the details of the ceremony made the session very engaging and special for me as well. It’s always wonderful to see the younger generation taking such a deep interest in Japanese culture. I wish your family a wonderful and safe journey through the rest of Japan. You are always welcome back here in Kanazawa! Warm regards, Yuta Takahashi TEA BASE Hakutaku

Authentic Japanese Tea Service

Barry_w, Apr 2026

Authentic Japanese tea service performed by an educated & experienced tea master in his 100 year old home.

Response from Host, Apr 2026

Thank you very much for your thoughtful review! It was an absolute pleasure to host you and your wife at my home. I truly enjoyed the time we spent together—not just practicing the tea ceremony, but also diving into various topics and sharing our different perspectives. It is these moments of genuine connection that make my work so rewarding. I am glad you appreciated the atmosphere of our 100-year-old Machiya. I believe that the depth of Japanese culture is best experienced through these personal interactions and authentic settings. I hope the rest of your journey in Japan with your wife was wonderful. Should your travels ever bring you back to Kanazawa, you are always welcome here! Warm regards, Yuta Takahashi TEA BASE Hakutaku

We would highly recommend

Jane_K, Apr 2026

A true devotee to the art of making matcha tea. A very interesting hour watching the precise movements Mister Takahashi made. We also go to make tea.

Response from Host, Apr 2026

Dear Guest, Thank you so much for your kind words. I am truly touched that you described me as a "devotee" to this art—it is indeed my life’s passion, and I’m glad the precision of the movements resonated with you. It was such a pleasure hosting you during your cruise stop in Kanazawa. To be honest, I enjoyed our conversation just as much as the tea! Discussing the Football World Cup while whisking matcha was a unique and memorable highlight for me. It’s amazing how both tea and sports can connect people so instantly. I hope the rest of your voyage is filled with many more "peaceful movements" and wonderful discoveries. Should your travels ever bring you back to our shores, you are always welcome at my Machiya. Safe travels and "Come on England!" (or your favorite team!) Best regards, Yuta Takahashi Tea Master | TEA BASE Hakutaku

Such a fun and unique...

Matteo_T, Apr 2026

Such a fun and unique experience! Yuta was warm and friendly and such an amazing host. The ceremony was very peace and a great insight into Japanese culture and tradition.

Response from Host, Apr 2026

Dear Guest, Thank you for such a vibrant and kind review! I am so happy to hear that you found the experience both "fun and unique." To be honest, I enjoyed our conversation just as much as you did! For me, the tea ceremony is not just about the ritual, but about the connection and the stories we share. Your curiosity and warmth made the session truly special and lively. While the world of tea can be very peaceful and meditative, I believe it should also be approachable and engaging. I’m glad you felt that balance and gained some new insights into our culture. I hope the rest of your trip was just as fun and filled with discovery. Please do come back and visit my Machiya again whenever you are in Kanazawa! Best regards, Yuta Takahashi Tea Master | TEA BASE Hakutaku

Fantastic tea ceremony experience!

kathy_e, Apr 2026

This was a fantastic tea ceremony experience in the Geisha district. It was personal and so enjoyable. I would recommend it to everyone. Mr Takahashi was exceptional in teaching us this fabulous tradition.

Response from Host, Apr 2026

Dear Guest, Thank you so much for your heartwarming review. It was a true pleasure to welcome you to our tea room in the Nishi Chaya District. I am delighted to hear that you enjoyed the "personal" nature of our session. At TEA BASE Hakutaku, I strive to move away from mass tourism and instead focus on a one-on-one connection, sharing the authentic spirit of Japanese hospitality. Knowing that you felt this personal touch means a great deal to me. The Nishi Chaya District, with its quiet and preserved atmosphere, is the perfect place to immerse oneself in tradition. It was an honor to be your guide through the history and rituals of our culture. I hope the memories of the tea and the tranquility of Kanazawa stay with you for a long time. Should you return to this beautiful city, the gates of our 100-year-old Machiya will always be open for you. Warm regards, Yuta Takahashi Tea Master | TEA BASE Hakutaku

We had the great honor of...

Roland_W, Apr 2026

Response from Host, Apr 2026

Thank you so much for your deeply moving and thoughtful review. It was a true honor to host both of you at my traditional house in Kanazawa. I am particularly touched to know that this visit was a birthday gift from your partner. To be chosen as the place for such a special celebration is the highest compliment I can receive as a tea master. I am incredibly happy that you felt the core values of the Japanese tea ceremony—mindfulness, respect, and harmony. My goal is to provide more than just an activity; I strive to offer a transformative experience where guests can find a "quieter state of mind." Hearing that you left with a sense of inner peace is truly the greatest reward for my work. Sharing the history of the Samurai-style ceremony with such appreciative guests made the day very special for me as well. I hope that whenever you look back on this birthday, the calm atmosphere of our tea room and the taste of the Matcha will bring a smile to your face. I wish you both a wonderful year ahead, filled with more beautiful discoveries. We hope to see you again in the Kanazawa area someday! Warm regards, Yuta Takahashi Tea Master | TEA BASE Hakutaku

Wonderful experience

Monica_R, Jul 2026

Without a doubt, a wonderful experience. The tea ceremony is performed with a great deal of affection. Yuta-san welcomes you with a smile in his beautiful tea room, where you will enjoy a completely private ceremony. During the experience you will discover how an authentic tea ceremony is performed. Yuta carries out every gesture with a care and dedication that reflect the deep respect and love he feels for this tradition. Every movement and every action has a meaning, and he explains them to you in detail so that you can understand them and feel, for a moment, part of this beautiful Japanese tradition. After showing you how the ceremony unfolds, he invites you to prepare a cup of exquisite matcha tea yourself, accompanied by a delicious traditional sweet. Throughout the experience, Yuta maintains a very pleasant and interesting conversation that allows you to learn not only about the tea ceremony, but also about many aspects of Japanese culture. Since it is a private ceremony, the experience is much more intimate and personal than those held in groups with people you do not even know. If you are thinking about doing a tea ceremony in Japan, do not hesitate: choose this one. I am convinced that you will not regret it.

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