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Practicing Zen through Japanese Tea Ceremony

Tokyo, Japan
  • 1 hour 15 minutes (approx.)
  • Group discounts
  • Mobile ticket
  • Offered in: English

Overview

Learn the foundations of a Japanese tea ceremony with a 'tea master' who teaches its connection to Zen practice. Enjoy wagashi sweets paired specifically for matcha’s flavor profile, then participate in each step of the ceremony. This hands-on session gives travelers a calm pause from city exploration while offering insight into the aesthetics, architecture, and mindfulness that shape Japan’s approach to hospitality and dining.
  • Experience a quiet cultural pause during busy travel
  • Gain insight into Japan’s aesthetic traditions beyond museums
  • Practice preparing matcha using classical ceremonial methods
  • Taste local sweets selected to complement ceremonial matcha

Sample Menu

Main

Matcha Green Tea

Main

Wagashi Sweet

A traditional Japanese sweet made from rice flour.

What's Included

  • Bilingual licensed tea master
  • Authentic matcha green tea
  • Traditional Japanese sweet confections
  • Tea ceremony performance with a tea master of 5+ years’ experience
  • Second tea ceremony performed by yourself (with instruction)
  • Explanation of tea ceremony, Zen practices, Japanese hanging scrolls and tea utensils in English.
  • Pick-up & drop-off services
  • Any extra food or beverages

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

  • Kikai Shinkō Kaikan
    3-chōme-5-8 Shibakōen, Minato City, Tokyo 105-0011, Japan

    Please meet your instructor at the main entrance of the Kikai Shinko Kaikan building on the 1st floor. (The building is right opposite side of Tokyo Tower.) In case you cannot find the instructor, please visit True Japan Tour (Room# B208) on the B2 floor of the building.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

Additional Info

  • Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Stroller accessible
  • Near public transportation
  • Transportation is wheelchair accessible
  • Surfaces are wheelchair accessible
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 28 travelers

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)

Reviews

4.7
based on 6 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

Cultural immersion through the art of tea

Lucy_L, Oct 2025
We thoroughly enjoyed every moment of this experience. The setting was comfortable, serene, and welcoming, creating an intimate atmosphere that felt truly special. Miyuki was not only knowledgeable about the history and culture of matcha and the Japanese tea ceremony, but also deeply passionate in her teaching. It was a privilege to watch her graceful demonstration of the tea ceremony rituals and to learn how to properly whisk matcha in a chawan ourselves. If you’re looking to add something meaningful and culturally enriching to your Tokyo itinerary, I highly recommend this unique and memorable experience.

Response from Host, Dec 2025

Thank you very much for your wonderful review. We are delighted to hear that you enjoyed the matcha experience and Miyuki’s guidance. It means a lot to us that you found the ceremony meaningful and memorable. We hope to welcome you again on your next visit to Tokyo.

Harmony, tranquility, respect

Gem_L, Apr 2023
This was the most relaxing event I’ve booked with Viator. We learned so much on the value of having a tea ceremony as we delved in Japanese history. Yuuko san was everything when it came to giving us a warm welcome. She spoke very well in both Japanese and English as well. Everything she had discussed had made the event worth coming. She even added some meditation and snacks.

Response from Host, Jun 2023

Thank you for taking the time to write such a nice review! It's really great to hear that you enjoyed the ceremony! We hope we can see you again! :)

Wonderful Tea Ceremony Experience

Charlotte G, Dec 2019
I attended a tea ceremony on my last full day in Tokyo. Learning about the history of tea and it’s influence on Japanese culture was incredibly fascinating and I highly recommend anyone visiting Japan to add this ceremony onto their list of activities. My host was welcoming, spoke good English & clearly very passionate about the tradition. Overall I found the experience of making/drinking the tea thoroughly enjoyable and was glad to have taken part.

Response from Host, Dec 2019

Thanks for such a lovely review, Charlotte! We love to share our knowledge of Japanese culture with our guests. We hope you enjoy your newfound tea ceremony skills!

Cultuur ervaring

Erik_H, Aug 2023
Enthousiaste dame die presenteerde. Luistert goed naar de reacties van deelnemers. Meer theeceremonie dan Zen theorie/praktijk.

Tolle Teezeremonie, leider im Keller, nette Teemeisterin

Cynthia_H, Apr 2023
Die kurze Meditation war sehr schön! Dass wir uns gegenseitig selbst Tee machen durften hatte ich nicht erwartet und das hat mir besonders gefallen. Die Teezeremonie fand in einem Kellerraum in einem Bürogebäude statt, die Atmosphäre hat darunter leider etwas gelitten. Der Raum war zu groß und hätte durch Trennwände schöner gestaltet werden können. Die Japanerin die die Teezeremonie geleitet hat, könnte sehr gut Englisch und hatte eine angenehme Ausstrahlung.

From $63.54

per person

up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)

Book ahead!
On average, this is booked 7 days in advance.

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