Traditional Tea Ceremony with Matcha and Sweets in Kyoto
Recommended by 99% of travelers
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Kyoto, Japan
- 1 hour (approx.)
- Group discounts
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
The tea ceremony is a cornerstone of traditional Japanese culture, but participating can feel intimidating to visitors. This small-group experience in Kyoto's Gion district lets you approach 'the way of tea' in a relaxed way, without the typical formality. Learn about the history of tea in Japan and how Zen philosophy shaped the ceremony while watching a master prepare tea. Afterward, make your own bowl of matcha and enjoy traditional sweets.
- Enjoy the intimate experience of a small-group experience
- Sit on a chair rather than cross-legged on the floor
- Feel free to ask any questions about the experience
- Receive instructions to take home for enjoying matcha in your daily life
What's Included
- Matcha drink from local tea farm
- Japanese traditional sweets for tea ceremony selected by tea master
- Hand out recipe for enjoying Matcha in your daily life
- Guidance for making Matcha, and history by tea master
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- Tea Ceremony Kyoto Gion by Japan Wonder TravelJapan, 605-0802 Kyoto, Higashiyama Ward, Yamatochō, １ 5階
Please arrive 5 minutes before the start of the session. Please note that if you are late, you will not be able to join the session once it has begun, and no refund required. The meeting point is located 5th floor of this building. Please come up to the meeting point with elevator.
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.What To Expect
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Wheelchair accessible
- Near public transportation
- Transportation is wheelchair accessible
- Surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Please arrive 5 minutes before the start of the session. Please note that if you are late, you will not be able to join the session once it has begun, and no refund required.
- This experience is held on in English.
- Ages 5 and younger are not permitted.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 12 travelers
Supplied by
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Featured review
Had the best experience. The ceremony was wonderful. Very informative and educational. The matcha was delicious.
Reviews
4.9
based on 184 reviews
Sort by: Most insightful
It was very interesting, first we're introduced to the history of the ceremony and what it is about, and then we experience it, we liked it very much
We were late, which was our fault, so we were unable to attend. But I definitely appreciate the professionalism and how they handled it. They even offered an opportunity to come another time. But due to our schedule, we were unable to take up their offer.
Response from Host, Sep 2026
We genuinely appreciate you taking the time to share your feedback, despite the circumstances.
We acknowledge that you were unfortunately late and unable to attend the experience, and we appreciate your understanding that this was unforeseen. We are pleased to learn that you valued our team's professionalism and how they handled the situation, including offering an alternative opportunity. We sincerely regret that your schedule prevented you from accepting that offer.
We deeply appreciate you sharing your thoughts and understanding. We hope to have the chance to welcome you in Japan for a delightful experience in the future, should your travels bring you back.
Kenta is a Matcha Star. We loved how dedicated and passionate he is about the Matcha Ceremony and the history. His skill and precision and personal touch were a sight to see. This was a highlight of our time in Kyoto and trip to Japan.the rest of the staff were also friendly and welcoming.
Response from Host, Sep 2026
It is with profound joy that we receive your truly exceptional feedback.
It's wonderful that Kenta is a Matcha Star! You clearly cherished his dedication and profound passion for the Matcha Ceremony and its history. His skill, precision, and personal touch were truly a sight to behold, making this a definitive highlight of your time in Kyoto and your entire trip to Japan. The amiability and welcoming nature of the rest of the staff further enhanced your experience.
We will certainly convey your exceptional commendation directly to Kenta and the entire team.
We profoundly appreciate you sharing this comprehensive account of your memorable journey. We eagerly anticipate the opportunity to welcome you back to Japan for future captivating cultural immersions.
This tea ceremony was absolutely wonderful. The woman leading the ceremony, Yuko, was so kind and welcoming. She was also extremely knowledgeable about tea ceremony practices and the history of these practices in Japan. The matcha was also delicious! Highly recommend.
Response from Host, Sep 2026
It is with profound joy that we receive your truly exceptional feedback.
It's wonderful that this tea ceremony was absolutely magnificent! Yuko, the woman leading the ceremony, was clearly so kind and welcoming. She was also extremely knowledgeable about tea ceremony practices and their historical context in Japan. The matcha was also evidently delicious! Your strong recommendation is deeply valued.
We will certainly convey your exceptional commendation directly to Yuko.
We profoundly appreciate you sharing this comprehensive account of your memorable journey. We eagerly anticipate the opportunity to welcome you back to Japan for future captivating cultural immersions.
This was more than just a tea ceremony - it was a history lesson combined with a traditional cultural experience. We had a large group of 9 (including a 2-year-old). We got a little lost trying to find them, but they came and found us wandering around. Our tea ceremony master Yukari was so knowledgeable, and she patiently answered all the questions we had. We didn't have to take off our shoes or sit on the floor. After explaining the history and significance of the tea ceremony, she taught us how to properly make the matcha and how to enjoy it with the traditional sweets. It was a very enjoyable experience.
Response from Host, Aug 2026
It is with profound joy that we receive your truly exceptional feedback.
It's wonderful that your experience was more than just a tea ceremony – evolving into a captivating history lesson combined with a traditional cultural immersion! We acknowledge your group of nine, including a two-year-old, and are pleased our team came to your assistance when you were momentarily lost. Our tea ceremony master, Yukari, was clearly profoundly knowledgeable, patiently addressing all your inquiries. The convenience of not needing to remove shoes or sit on the floor was evidently appreciated. After illuminating the history and significance of the tea ceremony, she meticulously guided you on how to properly prepare matcha and savor it with traditional sweets. It sounds like a very enjoyable experience.
We will certainly convey your exceptional commendation directly to Yukari.
We profoundly appreciate you sharing this comprehensive account of your memorable journey. We eagerly anticipate the opportunity to welcome your group back to Japan for future captivating cultural immersions.
A wonderful experience. A highlight for our three week trip to Japan. Do this excursion to emerse yourself in the beautiful, historic and spiritual culture and tradition of Japan. Our Guide and Tea Hoast , Akemi, was one of our favorites of any travel excursion of all time. Highly recommended.
Response from Host, Jul 2026
It is with profound joy that we receive your truly exceptional feedback.
It's wonderful that your experience was so magnificent, standing out as a definitive highlight of your three-week journey to Japan! We are deeply pleased that you recommend this excursion to immerse oneself in Japan's beautiful, historic, and spiritual culture and traditions. Akemi, your Guide and Tea Hostess, was clearly one of your all-time favorites among any travel excursion. Your highest recommendation is profoundly valued.
We will certainly convey your exceptional commendation directly to Akemi.
We profoundly appreciate you sharing this comprehensive account of your memorable journey. We eagerly anticipate the opportunity to welcome you back to Japan for future captivating cultural immersions.
Very educational and interesting. Our tea ceremony teacher shared lots of historic information. We learned a lot! A lovely experience for our family.
Response from Host, Jul 2026
We are truly delighted to receive your excellent feedback.
It's wonderful that your experience was so profoundly educational and interesting. We are especially pleased that your tea ceremony instructor shared such a wealth of historical insights, and that your family gained so much knowledge. It clearly stood out as a lovely experience for everyone.
We will certainly convey your high praise directly to your tea ceremony teacher.
We deeply appreciate you sharing your insights. We eagerly anticipate the opportunity to welcome you back to Japan for future captivating cultural immersions.
We had a great experience learning about the traditions of Matcha. It’s a beautiful experience and I was glad to witness the matcha ceremony.
Response from Host, Jul 2026
We are genuinely pleased to receive your thoughtful feedback.
It's wonderful that you had such a great experience gaining insights into the traditions of Matcha. It's truly pleasing that it was such a beautiful occasion, and that you were glad to witness the matcha ceremony.
We deeply appreciate you sharing your insights. We eagerly anticipate the opportunity to welcome you back to Japan for future captivating cultural immersions.
Katodo was knowledgeable and explained everything very well. We enjoyed the experience and would recommend it.
Response from Host, Jul 2026
We are truly delighted to receive your excellent feedback.
It's wonderful that Katodo was so knowledgeable and explained everything with such clarity. We are especially pleased that you thoroughly enjoyed the experience and would recommend it.
We will certainly convey your high praise directly to Katodo.
We deeply appreciate you sharing your insights. We eagerly anticipate the opportunity to welcome you back to Japan for future captivating discoveries.
Our family really enjoyed learning about the Matcha traditions and tasting the traditional Matcha. Ken-ta was a great teacher.
Response from Host, Jul 2026
We are truly delighted to receive your excellent feedback.
It's wonderful that your family genuinely enjoyed gaining insights into Matcha traditions and savoring the traditional Matcha. We are especially pleased that Ken-ta was such an outstanding teacher.
We will certainly convey your high praise directly to Ken-ta.
We deeply appreciate you sharing your insights. We eagerly anticipate the opportunity to welcome your family back to Japan for future captivating cultural immersions.
Yuko was wonderful and so knowledgeable. She covered the history of Macha and the tea ceremony. Then she was patient with us as she walked us through making our own Macha.
Response from Host, Jul 2026
We are truly delighted to receive your exceptional feedback.
It's wonderful that Yuko was so magnificent and profoundly knowledgeable! She clearly provided a comprehensive overview of the history of Matcha and the tea ceremony. We are especially pleased that she demonstrated such patience while guiding you through the process of preparing your own Matcha.
We will certainly convey your high praise directly to Yuko.
We deeply appreciate you sharing your insights. We eagerly anticipate the opportunity to welcome you back to Japan for future captivating cultural immersions.
Great information and the ability to sit rather than kneel. Showing the way of the ceremony and explaining the 'why' of the different types of ceremony was very informative. Thankyou
Response from Host, Jul 2026
We are truly delighted to receive your excellent feedback.
It's wonderful that you received great information, and that the option to sit rather than kneel was appreciated. The clear demonstration of the ceremony and the insightful explanations regarding the 'why' behind different types of ceremonies were clearly very informative.
We deeply appreciate you sharing your insights. We eagerly anticipate the opportunity to welcome you back to Japan for future captivating cultural immersions.
Our tea master, Kenta, was excellent. I am not typically a matcha drinker, but the tea we made was delicious. We enjoyed learning about the history and process of matcha tea making. Highly recommend.
Response from Host, Aug 2026
We profoundly appreciate your exceptionally enthusiastic feedback on your recent tea ceremony.
It is genuinely rewarding to learn that our tea master, Kenta, was excellent! We are especially pleased that, despite not typically consuming matcha, you found the tea you prepared utterly delectable. You clearly savored gaining insights into the heritage and meticulous process of matcha preparation. Your fervent recommendation truly resonates with us.
Your outstanding comments will certainly be shared with Kenta; he will be absolutely thrilled to know the profound impact he had on your cherished day.
We are deeply appreciative of you taking the time to share your perceptions. We eagerly anticipate the opportunity to welcome you back for another memorable adventure on your next visit to Japan.
Kento, our host, was great. He was very knowledgeable, had a great manner about him, and spoke fantastic English. He clearly explained the tea ceremony process, as a good teacher does, and made the session very special. We sat on stools, so didn’t have to kneel for an hour (as he did!). 1 hr was the perfect length of time. The matcha was great and thankfully we didn’t have to dress up as fake Japanese!
Response from Host, Aug 2026
We profoundly appreciate your exceptionally enthusiastic feedback on your recent tea ceremony.
It is genuinely rewarding to learn that Kento, your host, was truly superb! He was clearly extensively insightful, possessed a magnificent demeanor, and communicated with fantastic English proficiency. He thoughtfully elucidated the intricate tea ceremony process with the skill of an excellent instructor, profoundly enhancing the session and making it truly unique. It is particularly pleasing that you were able to comfortably utilize stools, avoiding the need to assume a kneeling posture for an hour, while he, with admirable dedication, maintained the traditional form. The one-hour duration was evidently perfectly suited to the experience, and the matcha was undeniably delectable. We also note your appreciation for the absence of a requirement to don "fake Japanese" attire, ensuring an authentic and comfortable immersion.
Your outstanding comments will certainly be shared with Kento; he will be absolutely thrilled to know the profound impact he had on your cherished day.
We are deeply appreciative of you taking the time to share your perceptions. We eagerly anticipate the opportunity to welcome you back for another memorable adventure on your next visit to Japan.
This was the best tea ceremony. Yuko was so welcoming and knowledgeable while also engaging all participants in a personal way. I learned about the history of tea in Japan and we each made our own matcha.
Response from Host, Aug 2026
We profoundly appreciate your exceptionally enthusiastic feedback on your recent tea ceremony.
It is genuinely rewarding to learn that this was unequivocally the finest tea ceremony you have experienced! Yuko was clearly remarkably welcoming and extensively knowledgeable, thoughtfully engaging each participant in a personal manner. You clearly gained insights into the heritage of tea in Japan, and the opportunity to personally craft your own matcha truly enhanced your enjoyment.
Your outstanding comments will certainly be shared with Yuko; she will be absolutely thrilled to know the profound impact she had on your cherished day.
We are deeply appreciative of you taking the time to share your perceptions. We eagerly anticipate the opportunity to welcome you back for another memorable adventure on your next visit to Japan.
This was a lovely tea ceremony educating us on the tradition of matcha in Japan. We learned a short history of matcha and were able to watch the ceremonial movements of making the matcha as well as try ourselves. Toyoko was a very passionate, kind teacher.
it was informative, peaceful, and an all around great way to learn about tea ceremonies. Ken really new his craft.
We had an amazing experience at this tea ceremony. We learnt a lot and also made and drank our own tea with traditional sweets. It was extremely interesting. Highly recommended.
What a wonderful experience it was to attend this experience and learn so much! Totally worth the visit. Highly recommend the experience.
Response from Host, Jul 2026
We profoundly appreciate your exceptionally enthusiastic feedback on your recent experience.
It is incredibly rewarding to learn that this was such a truly magnificent encounter, and that you gained a wealth of insights! It was evidently unequivocally worthwhile. Your fervent recommendation for the experience truly resonates with us.
We are deeply appreciative of you taking the time to share your perceptions. We eagerly anticipate the opportunity to welcome you back for another memorable adventure on your next visit to Japan.
Great accessible way to experience a tea ceremony for those unable to sit on the floor for a prolonged time. Ryo was an excellent tea master and helped itnroduce us to the history and tradition in a great way
Response from Host, Jun 2026
We are truly delighted to receive your excellent feedback.
It's wonderful that your experience provided such an excellent and accessible avenue to participate in a tea ceremony, especially for those unable to sit for extended periods. We are especially pleased that Ryo was an outstanding tea master, introducing you to the rich history and traditions in a truly engaging manner.
We will certainly convey your high praise directly to Ryo.
We deeply appreciate you sharing your insights. We eagerly anticipate the opportunity to welcome you back to Japan for future captivating experiences.
The experience was absolutely lovely. Yuko was the most wonderful and kind tea master. she shared the rich history of matcha, demonstrated the traditional ritual, and taught us the proper techniques. It was an extraordinary and deeply meaningful experience. It felt like such a privilege to connect with Japanese culture in this way. we even found ourselves getting a little emotional by the end.
Response from Host, Jun 2026
We are truly delighted to receive your exceptional feedback.
It's wonderful that your experience was so incredibly lovely! We are especially pleased that Yuko, your tea master, was so remarkably wonderful and kind. Her ability to share the rich history of matcha, demonstrate the traditional ritual, and teach proper techniques clearly made for an extraordinary and profoundly meaningful experience. Feeling such a privilege to connect with Japanese culture in this manner, and even experiencing emotional resonance by the conclusion, is truly heartwarming.
We will certainly convey your exceptional commendation directly to Yuko.
We are deeply appreciative of you sharing your memorable journey. We eagerly anticipate the opportunity to welcome you back to Japan for future captivating cultural immersions.
Beautiful experience. Ideal for beginners, to get to understand the tea ceremony. Casual setting for foreigners
Response from Host, Jun 2026
We are genuinely pleased to receive your thoughtful feedback.
It's wonderful that your experience was so serene and tranquil. We are especially pleased that it provided an ideal introduction for newcomers to comprehend the nuances of the tea ceremony, all within a relaxed setting tailored for international visitors.
We deeply appreciate you sharing your insights. We eagerly anticipate the opportunity to welcome you back to Japan for future captivating experiences.
If you come to Japan you have to attend a traditional tea ceremony and learn how to make Matcha tea. I attended several ones while in Japan but I like this one particularly.
Response from Host, Jun 2026
We are genuinely pleased to receive your thoughtful feedback.
It's wonderful that you recognize the profound significance of attending a traditional tea ceremony and learning to prepare matcha tea while in Japan. We are particularly pleased to learn that, among several you attended, this specific experience resonated most deeply with you.
We deeply appreciate you sharing your insights. We eagerly anticipate the opportunity to welcome you back to Japan for future captivating cultural immersions.
A wonderful, peaceful and informative tea ceremony. Ruo was a fantastic tea ceremony master. Thoroughly enjoyed.
Response from Host, Jun 2026
We profoundly appreciate your exceptionally enthusiastic feedback on your recent tea ceremony.
It is incredibly rewarding to learn that this was a truly wonderful, serene, and insightful encounter! Ruo was clearly a fantastic tea ceremony master. You clearly thoroughly savored the entire experience.
Your outstanding comments will certainly be shared with Ruo; she will be absolutely thrilled to know the profound impact she had on your cherished day.
We are deeply appreciative of you taking the time to share your perceptions. We eagerly anticipate the opportunity to welcome you back for another memorable adventure on your next visit to Japan.
We really enjoyed the tea ceremony. It was very interesting to learn about the ceremony. I’ve never been a huge fan of matcha, but I probably didn’t have good matcha and it most likely wasn’t made right. I really enjoyed the matcha and treats that we had
Response from Host, Jun 2026
We profoundly appreciate your enthusiastic feedback on your recent tea ceremony.
It is incredibly rewarding to learn that you profoundly savored the experience, and that gaining insights into the ceremony was exceptionally captivating! It is especially pleasing to hear that you genuinely enjoyed the matcha and delectable confections you sampled, particularly since you hadn't been a significant enthusiast before – perhaps due to less optimal previous experiences.
We are deeply appreciative of you taking the time to share your perceptions. We eagerly anticipate the opportunity to welcome you back for another memorable culinary adventure on your next visit to Japan.
We enjoyed learning about the history of the tea ceremony and getting to make matcha tea ourselves. The tea master Ruo kept us engaged and helped us in getting our technique right while demonstrating first herself.
Response from Host, May 2026
We are genuinely pleased to receive your thoughtful comments.
It's wonderful to learn that you found the historical insights into the tea ceremony so enriching, and that the hands-on opportunity to prepare your own matcha was a highlight. We are especially delighted that Ruo, our tea master, maintained such an engaging atmosphere throughout and provided excellent guidance to perfect your technique after her own demonstration.
We will certainly convey your kind words directly to Ruo.
Your valuable insights are greatly appreciated. We sincerely hope to have the pleasure of welcoming you back to Japan for another captivating experience.
Akemi was a wonderful host! Very friendly and informative. You will learn the history and tradition of tea making in Japan.
Response from Host, May 2026
We profoundly appreciate your exceptionally enthusiastic feedback on your recent tea ceremony.
It is incredibly rewarding to learn that Akemi was such a wonderful host, and that this experience comes with your unequivocal 100% recommendation! She was clearly remarkably amiable and extensively insightful. You undoubtedly gained a comprehensive understanding of the heritage and customs of tea preparation in Japan.
Your outstanding comments will certainly be shared with Akemi; she will be absolutely thrilled to know the profound impact she had on your cherished day.
We are deeply appreciative of you taking the time to share your perceptions. We eagerly anticipate the opportunity to welcome you back for another memorable adventure on your next visit to Japan.
The experience was good. We learned about green tea ceremony with matcha and how to prepare it on our own.
Response from Host, May 2026
We profoundly appreciate your positive feedback on your recent tea ceremony.
It is incredibly rewarding to learn that the experience was excellent! You clearly gained valuable insights into the green tea ceremony, including how to meticulously prepare matcha independently.
We are deeply appreciative of you taking the time to share your perceptions. We eagerly anticipate the opportunity to welcome you back for another memorable adventure on your next visit to Japan.
This was a very informative experience and I learned the significance of tea ceremonies in the Japanese culture. Mei led our class and she was so precise with every movement. She mentioned how this was one of the simplest ways to perform a tea ceremony. I can’t imagine how much more complicated it can get.
Response from Host, May 2026
We profoundly appreciate your enthusiastic feedback on your recent family tea ceremony.
It is incredibly rewarding to learn that this was a very insightful experience, and that you gained such a profound understanding of the cultural significance of tea ceremonies in Japanese customs! Mei, who led your session, was clearly remarkably precise with every single movement. It is indeed fascinating to consider the depth of complexity that the full ceremony can entail.
Your excellent comments will certainly be shared with Mei; she will be absolutely thrilled to know the profound impact she had on your cherished day.
We are deeply appreciative of you taking the time to share your perceptions. We eagerly anticipate the opportunity to welcome you back for another memorable adventure on your next visit to Japan.
We had such a wonderful time! It was so interesting to learn about the history behind tea ceremonies, watch the ceremony, and learn how to make matcha.
Response from Host, May 2026
We profoundly appreciate your exceptionally enthusiastic feedback on your recent tea ceremony.
It is incredibly rewarding to learn that this was truly the best, and that you had such a wonderful time! It was clearly so captivating to delve into the rich heritage of tea ceremonies, observe the intricate ritual, and gain the knowledge of how to prepare matcha.
We are deeply appreciative of you taking the time to share your perceptions. We eagerly anticipate the opportunity to welcome you back for another memorable adventure on your next visit to Japan.
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$24.70
per personWas $26.00(-5%)
up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
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