Kanazawa Machiya: Private Tea Ceremony with a Local Tea Master

Kanazawa, Japan

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Booked 5+ times last week!

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

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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)
Breakfast

Traditional Japanese dry sweets (higashi)
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)

Reviews

5.0

based on 5 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

We perform checks on reviews

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

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.

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