“Experience the Art of Authentic Japanese Tea Ceremony in a tranquil environment with Elegance” Step into a serene world of refined hospitality and cultural depth. At Omotenashi Tea Ceremony 南茶道教室, we offer an intimate and a sophisticate tea ceremony experience exclusively for discerning travelers who are seeking the essence of Japanese tradition. Hosted by a tea master in a private, elegant atmosphere, an experience that combines timeless rituals where you will enjoy flavoring an exquisite traditional Japanese seasonal sweets, and a premium matcha, sourced from Kyoto’s finest producers. Whether you are a cultural connoisseur or a first-time guest, you will discover the heart of Omotenashi—the spirit of selfless hospitality—in every detail. Ideal for couples, VIP guests, and private small groups up to ten who appreciate exclusivity, heritage, and depth.
Incredible experience in traditional tea ceremony with lovely host and her mother in their home. All of our family enjoyed it thouroughly and would recommend it to anyone. Thank you for everything!
Well worth doing. Informative and interesting. Warm and friendly family. Lovely old house. So delighted to have had the chance to see a proper tea ceremony and drink machan tea.
It was a wonderful opportunity to be shown the tea ceremony and learn more about the tradition of tea. It was in the host’s house and they were very kind and gracious. Afterwards, we had the opportunity to make our own tea.
It was conducted by a very graceful and gracious lady at her own home. It was almost like our own private tea ceremony. The hostess was informative, and took us through the steps of the tea ceremony with grace. And we got to make our own tea at the end. Enjoyed the session!!
It was a wonderful experience. The whole experience is carried out in the home of a lovely lady who wore authentic clothes and taught us about the tea ceremony. She carries out tea ceremonies for lots of important people who visit Japan and at shows and has been carrying out the ceremony for 20 years. We learnt a lot about the history of tea making and also how to prepare the tea and had some tea and a snack. A must do in Kyoto.
Minami-San and her mother were so welcoming and professional. They hosted us in their house that had a traditional tea ceremony room. It was a wonderful experience.
A wonderful experience inside a modern yet traditional Japanese home. I cannot recommend this tea ceremony enough. The host was extremely kind, welcoming and informative. 5/5 experience. Thank you.
Lovely to be welcomed into someone’s home and be a part of a ritual with a tea master who takes her craft seriously.
Very interesting, slightly interrupted by people that arrived too early but the host is very good. The house kept very cold for november.
A wonderful experience with a thoughtful and patient teacher. We would recommend this to anyone visiting the area.
Absolutely delightful tea ceremony. This was a relaxed way for us to learn about traditional matcha tea ceremonies without the pressure of many touristy places. Our host was kind and explained everything and made us comfortable. Highly recommend for anyone looking for an intro to tea ceremonies, looking to learn a little bit, or just a fun activity!
All things considered this got the job done when it comes to an authentic tea ceremony. Was a little rushed and not fancy - felt like you were in someone’s house (I think you are). If you are looking for an authentic tea house experience in old Kyoto this is not it, but if you want to learn about the tea ceremony and experience a simple version, this gives you that for less than $50.
Really informative and lovely experience. We ate sweets, drank tea, and learned how to prepare the tea ourselves.
Attending a traditional tea ceremony in Kyoto was an absolutely peaceful and unforgettable experience. From the moment I entered the tea room, I felt a sense of calm and mindfulness wash over me. The host’s movements were graceful and deliberate, every detail—from the placement of the utensils to the preparation of the matcha—felt intentional and beautiful. Sitting quietly and savoring each sip of tea, I felt fully present in the moment. It was more than just a cultural experience; it was deeply meditative and surprisingly fulfilling. I left with a sense of inner calm and a lasting appreciation for the elegance and harmony of Japanese traditions. This is a must-do for anyone visiting Kyoto who wants a serene, meaningful experience.
We really enjoyed this traditional experience. It was beautiful and calming watching her make our tea with every movement choreographed. It is truly a beautiful art. She showed us proper etiquette to enter the room and sit. Also the proper way to accept the tea and drink. Afterwards she shows you how to make your own tea. You can buy the matcha or treats from her also. There were no others signed up, so we got a personal tea.
Beautiful traditional experience and great tea! One of the hosts spoke beautiful English and explained everything to us so we understood. Was special to partake in the ceremony and then make our own! Our kids enjoyed it, as well - and when they did not like the sweet they provided, the host brought them Oreos!
Nice experience and very relaxing. The host was new but had a good knowledge. She was open for questions
Very educational. Enjoyed learning and partaking in the traditional process. Please note that if you are looking for the full experience by dressing in a kimono, that did not happen. No photos allowed where the tea ceremony takes place. This may change as they gain popularity. I appreciated not having to search for quality matcha in the city since a well-known brand was available for purchase at the end of the experience.
Mai was a great host and gave my family a wonderful detailed tea ceremony. I recommend it to anyone to experience the tea ceremony with Mai. She was very kind, graceful, and wonderful host. Dont contemplate, just book it!
A beautiful and peaceful tea ceremony. The host was warm and welcoming, and every detail was graceful and authentic. The tea and local sweets served were delicious. A truly memorable experience.
We had a great experience, staff is very polite and knowledgeable. Tasteful matcha and sweets. Very recommended.
Absolutely stunning from start to finish. Mai was a total gem, conveying both the depth and the aesthetics of the experience with total precision and attention to detail. Both professional and warm, she made us feel welcome and at ease. The tea itself was sublime and the best tasting matcha I have experienced. The quiet in the room while she prepared our tea was so relaxing and never tense. Her movements mesmerized us. The question and answer session was illuminating and fascinating. She was so personable. Could not recommend this business more highly. Truly special.
It was a very intimate tea ceremony. I was there by myself and the hostesses were very kind and warm.
wasn’t sure what to expect but it was a rly intimate and informative experience. they were experts and extremely friendly. would highly recommend
I am a guide in charge of a 12-day tour for a group of about 10 foreigners. One of the guests from the previous tour happened to find it and experience it for herself, and she strongly recommended it, so I brought seven guests this time. They will teach you the history, background and meaning of the tea ceremony and will give you an authentic tea ceremony experience with great Japanese sweets and matcha. You can also make your own matcha. I think it is a one-of-a-kind experience because Minami-san, who teaches tea in Gion Kobu, personally offers hospitality. Visit times are also easier to arrange in advance.
I loved that it was authentic, and the geisha is very skilled because she has years of experience as a teacher and professional in the tea ceremony. She has also been raised in Japanese customs and traditions. A marvel that will be unforgettable for our entire family
A lovely experience that you must know if you come to Kyoto. The host is the best!!! The attention, patience, and her experience in the art are among the best. Thank you
I was more disappointed than I thought. I don't recommend it. It was wasted money and time. No kimonos, no photos or videos. The staff has too long to prepare. If you're going, you should quit. It was a lousy shop.
We were stressed when we arrived too late and were still received very friendly. Thank you so much! The tea ceremony in a very nice, quiet tatami room and the really good, relaxed explanation beforehand we were able to enjoy very much and had already slowed down and arrived at ourselves during this time. Thank you very much for the pleasant, peaceful-private setting.
The experience is overall cute but disproportionate to the cost required. Our guest conducted the ceremony with grace and courtesy but everything was rather cold and cumbersome, perhaps also because of the location. I would have expected something more engaging, also in relation to the prices found online than other subjects who propose the same ceremony without the rental of kimonos.
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