Our award-winning tea ceremony offers both cultural enjoyment and meaningful learning. Guided by a professional tea master and friendly staff, you'll observe each step and learn the significance behind the tools, movements, and traditions. You'll also gain insights into the history of the tea ceremony, the cultural heritage of Kyoto, and proper etiquette passed down through generations. You will then prepare your own bowl of matcha using high-quality green tea , whisked under the tea master’s guidance. This hands-on moment allows you to experience the calm, focus, and hospitality at the heart of Japanese tea culture. A selection of elegant kimonos is available, and our staff will assist with dressing to ensure a refined appearance. Please note that children under 6 are not permitted. If your group includes a child under 6, we kindly ask that you refrain from booking this activity. Tripods are not allowed during the ceremony. Photo and video recording may be limited—please follow the tea master’s instructions regarding appropriate timing and manners.
There is a lot to learn. You can’t take videos of the ceremony. You can keep your kimono until 6pm that day. The staff were fantastic and walked us thru the whole process.
Such a highlight of our trip. We were looked after very well. You can choose your own kimono. My hair was styled simply but beautifully. We were made to feel special. The tea ceremony was so elegant and interesting. We were allowed lots of photos and could keep your kimono on and go for a walk until 6pm. Allow plenty of time to get to your location so you don't feel rushed. Highly recommend
Very pleasant experience with a wonderful hostess performing the ceremony. The dress up in kimono enhances the experience. Very serene and I highly recommend this.
This was a beautiful experience with warm and knowledgeable guides. Highly recommend this experience to anyone looking for a fun way to learn about traditional culture.
Very well organized and routined operations. Professional make over staff. Would have rated five stars had it not been for the huge group of loud Spanish speaking ppl that (despite it being clear in advance that English would be the language used) live translated for each other during the ceremony and proceeded to ask me as a paying participant to be their photographer, which however led the hostess to jump in and handle.
Really enjoyed the experience. The host was amazing and they really explained the process of tea ceremony and were really accommodating.
The staff was very courteous. They did not rush us through the process. They explained everything fully and were very helpful. It was very informative and a great experience.
Loved, loved, loved this! There is something quite special about having your hair done and getting dressed in the most beautiful kimono by experts. I wish I could experience that every day! The tea ceremony was also great, being walked through each step. Would highly recommend this experience if you are in Kyoto.
Very fun to dress up in kimono , pick fabrics and colors, hair was done up for me ., picture backdrops everywhere , cell phone pics and no pressure to purchase photos , tea ceremony was nice and very ceremonial, unlike usa tea drinking
We cruised into the port of Osaka and took the train up to the venue. It was easy to find (thank you Google maps) A friendly reception, then separated to our respective male/female changing area. First I changed in my private cubicle, into the undergarments robe. You are assisted with the tightening of this white garment. Then comes the kimono - so many beautiful colours and patterns to choose from, an amazing array. Once chosen I was assisted into the kimono by the helpful, friendly staff. I chose a coordinating obi (a sash or belt) Then I chose flowers for my hair and the assistants gently styled my hair in a traditional way, adding the flowers. Then back to the waiting area to join my husband in his traditional robes. We took part in the Tea Ceremony, my husband had requested a chair as his knees are creaky. It was a fascinating experience as we were guided through the intricate ceremony by our assistant. The tea ceremony itself was peaceful, zen-like and educational. Our host spoke flawless English and shared history, philosophies, and customs behind the tea ritual. We ate traditional sweets and a biscuit, before making our own tea. There were plenty of photo opportunities throughout this wonderful experience, both indoors and out in the peaceful garden area. Plenty of time to take the train back to the ship in Osaka What an amazing, authentic way to celebrate our 40th Wedding Anniversary, it will never be forgotten.
We were absolutely thrilled with this experience. Mariko was fantastic and made it truly unforgettable. Thank you so much, Mariko! 😊
We have experienced the Maikoya Karasuma Shijo to witness one of the most sacred rituals of this country: the preparation of matcha tea. We did so after experiencing the thrill of wearing traditional kimonos, enchanted by the grace and precision of our host Tomoko. An ancient ritual of slow movements, bitter matcha, and the scent of tatami: dreamy eyes, calm breathing, and the sensation of living and touching something ancient. Truly an experience recommended even for the little ones, who will have the opportunity to witness something from another era! Recommended.
I chose a kimono (it was tough to decide on the color & pattern as they were all so beautiful), then was dressed in it by 3 lovely women (they were all so kind & helpful!), next I had my hair done delicately, them I choose lovely artificial flowers for my hair, lastly I was escorted to the tea room; Ito spoke English well and was very knowledgeable about the tea ceremony traditions. It was such a honor to learn about and be witnessed the special tradition. Then I had the privilege to continue to wear my kimono the rest of my day in Kyoto!!
Amazing experience attending the geisha game show and tea ceremony. Was definitely a highlight of our Japan trip. Was such a personable warm experience. We first were brought into the changing rooms to change into kimonos . They had a huge selection to choose from. We set this up ahead of time and got the OK to wear the kimonos for both experiences. The tea ceremony was very informative and the geisha experience was truly breathtaking. The geisha was so exquisite and her dance so memorizing. My wife made me play the game with her and it ended up being an unforgettable experience. This is a must. The grounds are perfect for taking tuns of photos. Don’t hesitate to book this.
This was a truly unique and valuable experience. Our family was so well taken care of and the tea ceremony was fantastic
This was a great mother-daughter experience! We loved dressing in the beautiful kimono, having our hair styled, learning about the tea ceremony and enjoying the tea and sweets. I recommend for anyone visiting Japan!
It was fun getting dressed in a kimono. I was disappointed that they didn't have the color kimono that I would have liked. But they were efficient at getting us all dressed and our hair done. Slippers were uncomfortable and dangerous. Tea ceremony was informative and fun. The tea ceremony presenter was entertaining and funny.
Very accommodating. We showed up at the wrong tea house and we're able to participate. Very informative when explaining how to make tea. Dressing in Kimono and having hair tied up was a great experience for my daughter and I.
Wonderful experience where we got to dress in kimonos and experience a tea ceremony in an old tea house. The whole process was very well explained and we had a demonstration and were then able to have a go and make our own tea. There is a very small garden where we were able to take photos and there is the option to keep the kimono until 6pm.
The tea ceremony was something we really wanted to experience, and it exceeded our expectations. Our tea master explained the history and meaning behind the ceremony, making it both informative and memorable. The experience also included kimono dressing, which was a great addition. They offer kimono rentals for use outside the venue as well, but we chose to enjoy it as part of the ceremony experience. It was wonderful to learn more about this important Japanese tradition and experience it firsthand. The concept of ichi-go ichi-e made the experience even more meaningful and special.
Fantastic experience. The guides were extremely welcoming and knowledgeable. Had a great experience of the tea ritual. Totally worth the visit.
Tea Ceremony plus excellent courtesy and history. Very enjoyable. Very kind dressers into our kimonos and willingness to take our photos for the folks back home. No one will recognise us.
It was an amazing experience.
We did the family tea ceremony where orange juice is provided for the kids (although they still get to make the matcha tea). Its a slow experience, so maybe not for all kids, but its a calm, cultural experience.
I booked this for my partner who tells me she had great fun. It provided a good overview of the traditional dress and tea ceremony, without being too formal. The ceremony itself takes about 45 minutes and whilst you can sit on the floor, there are low stools available if you’d rather not. You are able to stay in your kimono for a while after the ceremony has taken place (if you want to), giving you lots of photo opportunities. All the staff were really friendly and helpful.
We had such a wonderful experience at the Kimono Tea Ceremony in Kyoto. It was so meaningful to learn about the history and symbolism behind the tea ceremony and to understand why each movement and detail matters. The ceremony itself was beautiful, peaceful, and incredibly well done. The hosts explained everything clearly and made the entire process feel welcoming and special. One of the best parts was being able to keep the kimono until 6 PM. Everything was organized and seamless from start to finish. We truly had the best time and would highly recommend this to anyone visiting Kyoto!
Wonderful way to experience traditional matcha tea ceremony. The staff dressed us beautifully and you can stay in kimono dress until 6pm. The process was educational and beautiful. Our host had the perfect mix of humor and knowledge.
This was an amazing experience that my daughter and I really enjoyed! Megumi was a beautiful host, very knowledgeable, who explained the whole tea ceremony and gave a beautiful presentation! We enjoyed every moment!
Very fun and unique experience. Definitely worth i it to be in your itinerary. We d definitely do it again.
Very enjoyable and entertaining. Very well organised and friendly hosts. We loved the blend of kimonos with traditional tea ceremony.
Great way to learn tradition Japanese items. Yuki wax a great translator and host. Great energy and English. Gyiza veg were best !
Excellent afternoon spending time with Yuka who was lovely and patience in showing us the matcha tea ceremony and asking our questions. We booked a private tour as was our sons bday and well worth the extra for the private ceremony and we all still got to dress up, was one of our favourite things we did in Kyoto. So knowledgeable and kind and the ladies who help dress you are incredible at what they do. Highly recommend.
Such a cool experience. The kimono dressing was very cool and there’s some time given to take photos downstairs before starting the tea ceremony. Yoko hosted the ceremony and she was very informative and I learned a lot. Would definitely recommend.
We had the private Kimono Tea ceremony for a family of 5. After dressing up in the traditional Kimono, including the ladies having their hair done, our host explained the history of the tea ceremony and what was involved before we then made our own tea. The lovely location meant we could take some fantastic family photos after enjoying this special experience. Wonderful time had by us all.
This was a brilliant experience! The staff were so welcoming to the guests and the ladies who helped us to get ready (hair-styling, dressing and choosing kimono and shoes) were so talented and professional. The tea ceremony was really interesting and a lovely insight into traditional Japanese tea culture. Highly recommend this experience to anyone visiting Kyoto.
It was absolutely fabulous carefully picked our Komono and shoes and bag then we got our hair styled then onto the whole tea experience it was just the best. Easy to find just 25 minute walk from Kyoto train station.
I am so happy that we did this! During the ceremony, you learn about Japanese culture and also how the ceremony is performed. You get to make your own tea in a kimono of your own choice! This makes for unforgettable pictures 😉
They do your hair, dress you and teach you about proper tea, matcha, preparation and drinking. We learned why and how. We giggled in our beautiful kimonos.
So much fun! We learned a lot about the Japanese tea ceremony and met lots of wonderful people from around the world. Our tea master was so adorable and quite humorous. We loved dressing up in the kimonos.
The experience getting ready in your kimono was amazing. Matcha tea ceremony was very informative. Enjoy wearing are kimono till 6:00 pm
This experience was perfect. It was traditional, informative, fun, and just what we were looking for. I can't recommend it enough.
Great time. Great guide. Great experience. Just be sure you are clear about how many people are in your experience. We were put in with 12 while our tour clearly notes no more than four. But, the place understood and changed it to four for us. It was great.
Excellent experience, must do . Highly recommended.. The process was clearly explained and the timings were perfect to enjoy the experience .
This was a good experience, but I did not see the value for the money spent. They have a packed scheduled schedule and you move quickly from one part to other
This was a really great experience. I was comfortable even as a solo traveler. My instructor guided each step and shared the rich history of tea ceremonies. Don’t think twice, book this experience!
We really enjoyed this experience even we don’t drink matcha .. we loved the dress up in kimono part and photo taken Even my 13 years old son enjoyed it Our tea lady was absolutely fantastic and super friendly she made whole our experience special He name sound like Mummy but I don’t know how to spell it!! Her English was very good she lived before in South Kensington/London We would definitely recommend this experience 5 *****
It was amazing from start to finish! The ladies who prepared us by dressing us us in kimonos and doing our hair were sweet and accommodating all while making us look so beautiful! Then our tea hostess was even more amazing! She was knowledgeable, funny and so sweet! She really made this a memory of a lifetime for me and my daughter! Highly recommend this activity!!
They literally dress you up in kimono with great care. And the tea ceremony together with the lessons about matcha etiquette was very well organised and adequate. Highly recommend, it is not a tourist trap.
Very professional and polite. You get to spend the 1st 30 minutes dressing v you up in the kimonos and taking photos. The tea ceremony last 50 minutes and the host was very knowledgeable and made everyone comfortable. We took the group option and there was only 11 guests. There was plenty of space and time for everyone. The whole group enjoyed the experience. We did the 2nd slot at 09:30. There was no rush in getting people changed. When I went back the hosts were helping people getting dressed and undressed. So highly recommend you book the 1st two slots.
Perfect glimpse into the Japanese culture. It was fun, professional and informative. Our tea ceremony master was great
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