Kanazawa Machiya: Private Tea Ceremony With A Local Tea Master

Extremely interesting. We knew nothing about a Japanese Tea Ceremony and the entire process was explained to us and we also learned to make Macha tea ourselves.

3 of us (spouse and I, plus a friend) enjoyed a tea ceremony with Yuta-San in his century-old home near the Nishi Chaya district of Kanazawa. This was incredibly informative, as we learned some of the history and details of the tea ceremony from our kind and very knowledgeable host, and even had the opportunity to prepare matcha ourselves (my wrist action needs a lot of practice!). Japan has become very "touristy" in the post-pandemic era, but this was truly one of the more off-the-beaten-path, "real Japan" experiences we had while there. Highly recommended if you find yourself in Kanazawa. (Of note, we really appreciated our time in Kanazawa in general, and could have spent more time there than the 1.5 days we allotted. Even Kanazawa has definitely been "discovered" by tourists, however; so don't think you'll have the city to yourself!)

Having a tea ceremony with Master Yuta Takahashi was truly a rewarding and memorable experience. Located in the heart of the tea district, the ceremony took place in a charming house that is 104 years old, adding a wonderful sense of history and authenticity to the entire experience. Master Takahashi introduced us to the rich history, traditions, and significance behind this special Japanese ceremony. Beyond learning how to prepare and enjoy matcha, I gained a deeper appreciation for the mindfulness, precision, and tranquility that make the tea ceremony so unique. The entire experience was calming and meditative, offering a peaceful moment to slow down and appreciate the beauty of Japanese culture. I enjoyed it so much that I’m inspired to get my own matcha and tea set so I can recreate this special ritual at home. **Highly recommended for anyone visiting Japan!** Whether you are a tea lover or simply curious about Japanese culture, this is a wonderful opportunity to experience a beautiful tradition in a truly special setting. An experience I will cherish and carry with me long after my visit.

It is an authentic experience rather than an off-the-shelf tourist attraction. The Tea Master invites you to his house and performs tea ceremony, which is followed by your own tea preparation. Highly recommended.

Thank you so much, we had a really enjoyable experience and would definitely recommend to others. Thank you also for the sweet shop recommendation!

很特别的体验，感受传统日本茶道；老师彬彬有礼，从容不迫，对提出的问题也很有耐心解答 It was a very special experience immersing myself in the traditional Japanese tea‑ceremony. The instructor was polite and composed, and patiently answered all my questions

Wonderful experience in the privacy of the tea master's home. Plenty of time to ask any question and make your own cup of delicious matcha tea. The tea ceremony itself is a meditative experience enjoyed in silence. Would not have wanted to miss this experience.

Our tea ceremony with Yuta was a truly memorable and moving experience. He warmly welcomed us into his home and guided us through a traditional Japanese tea ceremony. The matcha was exceptional, and the conversation was both fascinating and enriching.Yuta is a wonderful person, and we felt privileged to spend time with him and learn more about Japanese culture through his personal insights and hospitality. This was a genuinely special experience that we will remember for a long time.We wholeheartedly recommend this experience to anyone visiting Japan. It is an opportunity not to be missed.

This was one of our favorite experiences in Kanazawa, from beginning to end. Our host, Master Yuta, shared his passion and knowledge of Japanese tea with such warmth and dedication that the whole experience felt truly special. We loved watching him prepare the tea with such care and attention to detail, and it was even more enjoyable when he invited us to prepare our own matcha. It was a wonderful opportunity to learn by doing and to appreciate the tradition behind every step. What made the experience even more memorable was the conversation with Master Yuta. He shared his knowledge and perspective in such a calm and genuine way, creating a peaceful atmosphere where we could slow down, listen, and truly enjoy the moment. We left feeling relaxed, inspired, and with a much deeper appreciation for Japanese tea culture. A beautiful experience that we would absolutely recommend to anyone visiting Kanazawa. Thank you, Master Yuta, for such a memorable and peaceful experience! 🍵✨

For us, it was much more than simply taking part in a tea ceremony. It was a unique, intimate, and truly special experience that allowed us to discover not only the beauty of the ritual, but also more about your story, Yuta, and everything that lies behind such a rich tradition. Our conversation made the experience even more special. Being able to learn from you, ask questions, and explore the subject more deeply, while experiencing so much kindness and generosity in the way you shared your knowledge with us, was truly a gift. We are so happy with our choice, and we are taking away memories and learnings that go far beyond the ceremony itself. We believe that nothing happens by chance, and we were certainly meant to be there at that moment. 🍵✨

Wow! The tea ceremony experience with Yuta-san was truly unforgettable. Yuta-san and his wife, Narumi-san, welcomed us into their home with such warmth and hospitality. We were led upstairs to the tea room, where Yuta-san shared more about himself and his experience with the tea ceremony before beginning the demonstration. Watching him perform the more than 200 movements involved in the ceremony was absolutely captivating. Every movement felt intentional and graceful, and the experience left us feeling relaxed, peaceful, and incredibly grateful to be a part of it. The ceremonial-grade matcha was delicious, and we then had the opportunity to prepare the matcha ourselves, which made the experience even more interactive and memorable. We also enjoyed a chance to ask Yuta-san questions and hear his thoughtful replies. We absolutely loved this experience and would highly recommend it to anyone visiting Kanazawa. It was a beautiful way to learn about Japanese culture and experience the mindfulness and artistry of the tea ceremony firsthand.

We very much enjoyed this activity. Watching the ceremony was beautiful and the tea itself was delicious. And then trying to make it ourselves was so fun! The tea master is also lovely to chat with. Would highly recommend.

Private ceremony, very nice to see. afterwards we made some matcha ourselves, this was more difficult then expected

The tea ceremony with Yuta was the most memorable occasion of our Japan holiday, the energy that was created in the tearoom left us very grateful that we had experienced a genuine guided ceremony with a true tea master The ongoing conversation after the ceremony was also enlightening thank you so much we would love to do this again.

This was an incredible experience for anyone traveling in the Kanazawa area. Yuta-san was so welcoming and kind. We were able to learn about and participate in the tea ceremony before chatting with Yuta. We learned so much just from speaking with the host and gained perspective that we will be sure to carry forward with us.

Yuta san met us with a friendly smile and welcomed us into his home. Yuta san gave us a lovely tea ceremony experience. You can instantly see his dedication and experience in his technique and craft. We had a lovely time and would highly recommended visiting Yuta san to experience an authentic tea ceremony in Kanazawa.

We had the BEST time with Fabi. He was flexible with our experience and made sure we were able to see Mt. Fuji from all angles. He recommended a boat view (extra cost) but it was stunning!! We were able to start at 5th station which is the furthest point and work our way back toward Tokyo with several stops along the way. Weather was VERY cooperative our day, so all of our stops were worthwhile. I would follow his recommendations if you didn’t have a great weather day as the travel is lengthy and if it’s cloudy 5th station would not be worth the distance. Would definitely do this again if we make it back to Japan!

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.

It was lovely to meet Yuta and be welcomed at his home and watch the tea ceremony at his tea room. Yuta explained the significance of the ceremony very well. The room was set up beautifully and I appreciated the effort that was made in presenting it for the ceremony. The chosen flowers and utensils made it =extra special. I was amazed to learn about the details of the tea ceremony and significance in history. It was lovely to have the chance to make some tea ourselves as well.

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.

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.

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!

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!

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

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.

In Kanazawa, I had the pleasure of visiting the tea room of Mr. Takahashi, whom I connected with through Instagram. Although it is located just steps away from the busy downtown area, the 100-year-old traditional house felt like a completely different world. I was welcomed by the gentle fragrance of incense and blooming plum blossoms, and deeply moved by the thoughtful hospitality — preparing charcoal and heating the kettle for tea in the upstairs tea room. As his tea tradition differs from my own school, every movement and procedure felt fresh and inspiring. From the use of feathers in the temae to the way he handled the fukusa and tea utensils, I could feel the beauty that comes only through years of training and practice. Each utensil also carried its own story. I was especially impressed by the tea bowl he once carried in his chabako while traveling on the Trans-Siberian Railway, as well as the plum-themed natsume. His words about sharing tea with guests from overseas — “allowing them to experience chanoyu without changing its essence” — also stayed deeply in my heart. It was truly a precious time to speak with someone of the same generation who has devoted himself to the world of tea. The experience reminded me once again of the spirit of hospitality and the profound depth of chanoyu. Thank you very much for such a memorable day.

What an amazing afternoon! This is the perfect balance of traditional and tourist friendly experience. Yuta was a wonderful host and answered all of our questions in detail.

I had an unforgettable time here with the tea master, Yuta-san. He is exceptionally polite, gentle, and professional. It was an honor to be welcomed by such a dedicated host, surrounded by carefully selected utensils and seasonal decorations displayed in the tokonoma alcove. I truly enjoyed watching Yuta-san’s meticulous and artful movements throughout the ceremony. Through our conversation, I also learned how deeply devoted he is to continuously studying and refining his understanding of tea culture, which is clearly reflected in the quality of the experience he provides. I would highly recommend this place to anyone hoping to experience an authentic Japanese tea ceremony.

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.

The experience with Tea master was amazing. The whole ceremony was mesmerizing experience and we were very lucky to see it. After that we had the oportunity to try to make our own Matcha and honestly I learned a lot and finally feel brave enough to make matcha at home. Tea master is very nice person and we learned a lot not only about matcha but also about japanese and Kanazawa culture and craft. Would definitely recommend.

An authentic experience with a charming & knowledgeable host. A highlight of our stay in Kanazawa!

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

If you are ever in Kanazawa and in search of an authentic and personal tea experience away from the tourist hotspots, this is the place. Yutasan invites you into his house and personal tea space and serves not only the greatest matcha but also great seasonal sweets. As a tea ceremony practitioner of over a decade he is very knowledgeable and answers all questions regarding the practice, Kanazawa and more with great enthusiasm.

Simply one of the most beautiful moments spent in Japan. If you want a traditional tea ceremony in complete privacy, this is where you must go. Yutah and his wife invite you into their home for an enchanted interlude. Grace and gentleness will be the key words of your time there. Thanks to both of them for this wonderful experience. You could listen to Yutah, a great enthusiast and master of the ceremony for over 20 years, talk for hours. Watching him perform this ceremony is a beauty to behold. You can go there with your eyes closed; you will not be disappointed.

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.

The young tea master welcomed us into his home with grace and professionalism. He naturally showed us the tea ceremony and then guided us in the preparation. There was certainly a pleasant conversation. Absolutely worth trying!