Experience the Yabuuchi-ryu style tea ceremony, where the movements are reminiscent of a samurai! We want you to experience not only the matcha, but also everything about the tranquil and calming tea room. The hanging scroll, the flower arrangement—everything has meaning.
About Activity
What's Included
Includes
- Explanation of tea ceremony philosophy and etiquette
- Cultural conversation and Q&A with the host
- Guided introduction to the tea room and traditional Japanese house
- Seasonal Japanese sweets (wagashi)
- One bowl of freshly whisked matcha per guest
- Private tea ceremony in the Yabunouchi tradition
Excludes
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Transportation to and from the meeting point
- Meals other than the provided seasonal sweets
Departure & Return
Departure Point
- You will be greeted by a man dressed in traditional kimono who will be waiting for you in front of the shop.
Return
- You will be greeted by a man dressed in traditional kimono who will be waiting for you in front of the shop.
Itinerary
During this 90-minute experience, you will: Begin in the machiai (waiting room), where you will learn about the philosophy and cultural meaning behind the Way of Tea (Japanese tea ceremony). Purify your hands and spirit at the tsukubai stone basin. Enter the tea room through the nijiriguchi, expressing humility as you step inside. Observe a traditional demonstration of matcha preparation, noticing the subtle sounds, movements, and atmosphere that define the tea ceremony. Enjoy a bowl of freshly whisked matcha accompanied by two types of Japanese sweets: a traditional fresh Japanese sweet (omogashi) and delicate dry sweets (higashi). Take part in a hands-on matcha-whisking experience, preparing your own bowl of tea under gentle guidance. Spend a quiet moment in cultural conversation and personal reflection, allowing space for questions and deeper understanding. Afterwards, take a guided walk through our family’s traditional Japanese house, shaped by my grandfather’s refined aesthetic sensibilities and attention to detail. At the end of the experience, receive a small heartfelt gift to take home as a reminder of your time in the tearoom.
Language Offered
Additional Info
Cancellation Policy
Reviews
My wife and I booked a tea ceremony with Ryo, and it was phenomenal. Ryo explained the history, techniques, and meaning behind each part of the ceremony, and executed everything flawlessly. Learning that the practice is rooted in samurai traditions made the experience even more unique and insightful. The matcha was incredible, and we even got the chance to make it ourselves. It was easily the best matcha we have ever had. He patiently answered all of our questions and showed us around the home where the ceremonies take place. We also met his grandfather and visited their family kimono shop, which was amazing. Truly one of the kindest families we met in Japan, with exceptional matcha and beautiful kimonos.
Book this tea experience! We had 4 participants. It was just us and the tea master. First of all, the cab dropped us off just steps away from the tea-house. It was very easy to find. One of our friends used a rolling walker and she had no trouble at all. We descended a staircase while she went down the sloped road to the side of the steps. Ryotaro Conducted our tea ceremony. He was dressed in authentic traditional clothing. First of all he was very kind. Secondly his English is perfect! We were able to ask all sorts of questions and now we understand the Samurai tea culture. This was our final tour while in Japan. We saved the BEST for last. Also met his family and heard the story of his grandfather who built the teahouse. Beautiful experience!
from beginning to end, the matcha tea ceremony was special peaceful and informative. our host answered all of our questions and was very patient. watching all of the motions and movements of our host were so intricate and meaningful and methodical. the matcha was extremely delicious and to be able to drink it in a ceremonial setting was a profound experience. 10/10 recommend!
This is a very elegant and ancient tea ceremony. He explains every movement and apparatus. He answered all questions and was very kind and very gracious. His English is better than mine! I loved being able to have a private tea ceremony with friends. The 4 of us were able to ask all sorts of questions about the tea ceremony, Samurai culture, and his personal experience. His Grandfather built the tea house we were in. Amazing experience. Amazing family. Don’t miss this experience.
While Miyashita-san's tea ceremony is rooted in deep tradition, he is not limited by rigid schools or cultural boundaries. His openness to different cultural perspectives brings a remarkable depth to his practice. The room is softly lit to avoid straining the eyes, which enhances other senses such as hearing and taste, making the experience more immersive. You can also enjoy tea paired with seasonal Japanese sweets. It’s definitely a place I would love to visit again!
Phenomenal experience! Ryotaro was friendly and informative and made the experience even more worthwhile
Such a magical experience! I visited with a friend recently. The owner was very kind in teaching us, and they were incredibly knowledgeable about the tea ceremony. It was a fascinating experience. The matcha was delicious, and the traditional sweets (wagashi) were beautiful. If you want to understand the heart of Japanese hospitality (Omotenashi), you must try this.
Miyashita Kyoto Guide offers an authentic slice of Kyoto’s tradition. The atmosphere is serene, with the beautiful old house and gentle scent of wood making you feel transported in time. The tea ceremony here is genuine and carefully performed, with delicious matcha and a chestnut sweet, in a gorgeous tea room. The host is truly knowledgeable and passionate, sharing the traditions and spirit of Kyoto in perfect English. I left with a deeper appreciation for Japanese manners and culture. If you want a heartfelt, meaningful Kyoto experience, this place is a hidden gem I highly recommend.
I think it's a good idea to experience the tea ceremony at least once in your lifetime in Kyoto, the birthplace of the tea ceremony. Please come and experience the Japanese spirit.
I was genuinely impressed by the quality and depth of this tea ceremony experience. The host welcomed me warmly in the waiting room, wearing a beautiful kimono, and guided me to the chashitsu while explaining each step with clarity and kindness. Inside the tea room, I received detailed and engaging explanations about every movement, utensil, and tradition of sadō. The insights into the room’s layout and decorations created a calm and elegant atmosphere that made everything even more memorable and meaningful. The wagashi was beautifully crafted, delicious, and carefully chosen for the season, as were the utensils. When the matcha was prepared, I could truly feel the harmony and mindfulness behind each gesture. Overall, it was an authentic and enriching cultural experience that I highly recommend. Even if, like me, you have never taken part in a tea ceremony before, it is a safe and welcoming place for everyone, where you can freely ask questions and interact with the host, who gently guides you through the deeper layers of Japanese spirit and culture.
I had a wonderful experience participating in the tea ceremony. I thoroughly recommend this place to anyone looking to experience traditional Japanese culture.
I enjoyed a quiet, peaceful time in an authentic tea room. While preparing the tea, the host—dressed in a kimono—explained the meaning of the hanging scroll and shared many fascinating insights about the tea ceremony and other aspects of Japanese culture. Through this experience, I was able to connect more deeply with Japanese culture.
I had a truly wonderful experience taking part in this tea ceremony. He is incredibly friendly, welcoming, and patient, and he takes the time to explain every step in a way that feels natural and easy to follow. Nothing felt rushed at all. The atmosphere is calm, supportive, and respectful, which makes it perfect for people who have never experienced a tea ceremony before. You never feel afraid of making mistakes, and he encourages you to ask as many questions as you like. It’s a great opportunity to dive deeper into Japanese culture in an approachable and enjoyable way, especially if you're curious about the tradition but don’t know where to start. Whether you’re traveling alone or with a small group, it’s an experience that feels personal and meaningful. The matcha he served was exceptionally delicious, and the traditional sweet that accompanied it was amazing as well. Overall, it was a memorable and enriching experience, and I can highly recommend it to anyone looking to learn more about tea ceremony culture in a warm and welcoming setting.
I was given the opportunity to experience it in a small, atmospheric tea room built in a Japanese house with goodwill called Miyashita Gofukuya. It was fun to walk into the nijiriguchi, with its uniquely Kyoto corridors and interior as a kimono shop. The host is polite and friendly and very easy to talk to. Ask questions and you will find out about everything from the operation and history of the tea ceremony to the intentions of the teahouse architecture. I had no formal image of the tea ceremony at all, and I could enjoy my host's story with delicious sweets and tea.
They talked about various things, such as the changing attire of the tea room according to the season, the differences in tea utensils, and the differences in sweets that come out. I felt the depth of the owner's story, which was unique to him growing up in Kyoto.
I had the chance to experience matcha. We had a refreshing Japanese experience by entering through the Nijiriguchi in the wonderful tea room and by having matcha tea in an authentic space with charcoal, incense, flowers and hanging scrolls. I also had the experience of a host making tea, but I was a total amateur, but I was gently and happily guided and it was a really good experience.
I was invited by a friend to experience the tea room after a long absence I was nervous, but I could ask questions casually and enjoyed it with an at-home atmosphere. Of course, the tea room and tools are authentic. I was impressed by the way you were able to do things in natural light. I'd like to come again in a different season. The location is also within walking distance of the Okazaki area and close to Konkaikomyoji Temple, which has a good view, making it easy to incorporate into tourist routes. I wanted to recommend it to customers from overseas.
I was able to experience it alone. The tea and Japanese sweets were of course very good, and I was able to have a deep discussion with the teacher about art. The place had a very seasonal feel and was lovely.
A tea ceremony with a pleasant rustic atmosphere in a tea room. It is a wonderful experience, with simple tools and careful manners, that heals the hasty minds of modern people and teaches them true richness.
The other day, I had a tea ceremony experience with a friend. The taste and atmosphere of the matcha was wonderful, and I was thrilled that they instructed me carefully. I would like to visit again if I have the opportunity.
It was such a wonderful experience. We were able to spend a quiet and calm time in an authentic tea room. The host was very kind and explained the tea ceremony operation, tools, meaning of hanging scrolls, etc. in an easy-to-understand manner and answered my questions politely. Seasonal Japanese sweets and matcha were also very delicious, and I could feel the depth of Japanese culture from the gestures of the tea ceremony. It is a warm and peaceful experience that even first-timers can join with confidence. I highly recommend it.
Monday through Friday 9 am to 7 pm EST
Reach us by phone
Reach us by email
