Whether you are visiting Japan on a short holiday or in the country for months, you can’t go far without encountering the tea ceremony. In the city of Kyoto, which was once the center of imperial power in the country and where the emperors ruled until the 1800s, there are several places where you can enjoy a tea ceremony in a traditional setting. The city still has much of its cultural heritage that predates the Second World War as it did not witness much damage. As a result, it is considered by tourists as a good place to experience Japanese culture in its pristine form. If you want a quick tour of the best places to enjoy a tea ceremony in Kyoto, you are in the right place to learn more. Check out our list of the best places to enjoy tea ceremony in Kyoto.
1. Ju-An at Jotokuji Temple (from USD 21.76)
At this tea ceremony, participants get to experience the making of matcha and sample it afterward. The popular green tea is a refreshing drink, and the ceremony focuses on how it is prepared and the rituals surrounding it. As the tea ceremony is held at Jotokuji Temple, the participants will get to experience the surroundings of the temple first and sit on its striking red benches. Also included in the ceremony, which lasts for about 1 hour and 10 minutes, is a purification process only done according to local rituals.
Kyoto: Tea Ceremony Ju-An at Jotokuji Temple
Duration: 70.0 minute
2. ran Hotei (from USD 36.0)
Experience the “ryurei” style of tea ceremony and gain insight into Japanese hospitality with this byFood experience. This unique cultural immersion takes place at ran Hotei, a classic teahouse. The place is owned by tea master Randy Channell Soei, a non-Japanese tea ceremony advocate and author.
On this tour, you’ll get to discover the nuances of matcha varieties and traditional sweets while observing the proper etiquette of enjoying them. You’ll also have the opportunity to prepare your matcha bowl and savor it with traditional Japanese sweets.
Tea Ceremony in a Traditional Kyoto Machiya
Duration: 1.5hours
3. Tea ceremony near Kyoto Imperial Palace (from USD 58.0)
Embark on a captivating journey into the heart of Kyoto’s rich heritage and culture through this Japanese tea ceremony. A licensed expert will help you master the art of brewing matcha tea using traditional bamboo whisks and tea bowls. Immerse yourself in the timeless rituals against the backdrop of Kyoto’s storied history and delight in delectable gluten-free and vegan Japanese sweets from a celebrated confectioner.
Read through the complimentary booklet to delve deeper into the intricacies of this ceremony and capture these cherished moments with photographs, preserving the essence of your Kyoto visit.
Kyoto Tea Ceremony and Sweets Experience
Duration: 1hours
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4. Tea house near Ryoan-ji Temple (from USD 92.0)
Visit this teahouse overlooking the Zen Rock Garden at Ryoan-ji Temple and experience the practice of the Japanese tea-making ceremony. This byFood experience becomes truly immersive as you take up the bamboo whisk to craft your very own matcha bowl brimming with frothy Japanese green tea. Savor the delectable Japanese sweets with green tea as you enjoy the soothing atmosphere of the tea house surrounded by a lush garden.
Book this tour to experience the Japanese zen culture and learn about its history from a local expert.
Private Tea Ceremony Next to a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Duration: 1hours
5. Tondaya Tea House (from USD 101.0)
The focus of this tea ceremony is on the traditions that are involved in it. Participants get to experience the “Sado” which means “The Way of Tea” in Japanese. The tea ceremony is conducted in a traditional way and wearing a kimono is encouraged. The space in which the ceremony is held is a wooden Japanese house known as “machiya.” In addition to learning how to prepare and serve matcha, participants also get to socialize and share traditional lunch with other tourists.
Kyoto: Traditional Tea Ceremony in an Historic House
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
6. Maikoya Kimono Tea Ceremony (from USD 57.0)
First-time visitors who want to experience Japanese culture as practiced by the locals, find this tea ceremony a good option. The ceremony is conducted by a master, and participants get to experience and understand the culture and aesthetics that are associated with it. The art of the tea ceremony is especially focused on this tour. For a more traditional experience, participants are also provided with a kimono to wear with a hairstyle to match. Since the tour lasts for over two hours, the teahouse offers guests free snacks and drinks.
Traditional Tea Ceremony wearing a Kimono in Kyoto MAIKOYA
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
7. Jotokuji Temple (from USD 21.76)
During this tour, the attention of the participants is focused on the tradition and culture of a tea ceremony in Japan. Conducted in Kyoto City, the ceremony is offered in English and other languages. The master who conducts the ceremony has been trained in the famed Urasenke School. Participants are provided with a detailed history of the ceremony and the importance placed on the preparation and drinking of matcha. Several versions of the tea ceremony are offered and participants can choose to attend the one they prefer.
Kyoto: 45-Minute Tea Ceremony Experience
Duration: 45.0 minute
8. Daitoku-ji
Kinkaku-ji Temple which translates to “Golden Pavilion” is a vital part of this tea ceremony. Participants who opt to buy a ticket to this ceremony get to visit the temple which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Aside from that, it is known by locals as one of the most striking temples in the city of Kyoto. The focus of the tour is the history around the tea ceremony and the cultural significance that has been attached to it over the years. Participants can also make tea after watching the ceremony.
Daitoku-ji
Address: 53 Murasakino Daitokujicho, Kita Ward, Kyoto, 603-8231, Japan
Opening hours: 10am - 4:30pm (daily)
9. Camellia Garden (from USD 30.0)
Created for those who want to experience an interactive tea ceremony, this tour lasts about 45 minutes. Participants who opt for the tour get to experience a traditional ceremony first hand and see how tea is prepared and served by the locals. In addition to tasting the tea as part of the ceremony, participants can also learn about the historic significance of tea in the country and its importance in Japanese culture and households. Bowls and whisks are also provided to the participants so that they can make matcha.
Authentic Kyoto Tea Ceremony
Duration: 45 minutes
10. Taihoan teahouse
Taihoan teahouse is located in the historically significant city of Uji, which is a short distance from Kyoto. Participants who opt for the tour will be accompanied by a knowledgeable guide who will take them on a train trip until they reach the city of Uji. Before engaging in the ceremony, participants can walk to Uji-bashi Bridge and take in the vistas beyond. At Taihoan teahouse, the ceremony focuses on the traditions, history, as well as its cultural significance. Before they return to Kyoto, participants can visit the interior of the Byodoin Temple, a Buddhist temple built in the late Heian period.
Uji Walking Tour with Tea Ceremony from Kyoto
Duration: 4 hours
11. Wakwak-kan (from USD 39.0)
The tea ceremony on offer at Wakwak-kan is led by a master who provides participants with a detailed overview. Participants get to taste matcha and make it themselves while indulging in the snacks provided. The ceremony is held in a traditional Japanese house made of wood. Guidance is provided so that participants can learn the art of sitting with correct posture, making and serving tea. Two options of the course are available and participants can wear a kimono.
Kyoto Wakwak-kan Japanese Tea Ceremony with a Tea Master
Duration: 1 hour
12. Gion Tea Ceremony (from USD 125.0)
Visitors to the city of Kyoto get to experience the tradition, art, and culture that are all important to the locals. The tour lasts over four hours and visitors can also witness the dancing of maiko who is an apprentice geisha. Also included in the tour is a performance of puppets and an introduction to a traditional Japanese flower arrangement. The tea ceremony is a highlight of this tour, and it is conducted in a room illuminated by candlelights. After the ceremony, participants get to have a sumptuous dinner.
Gion Evening Culture Tour with Dinner and Show from Kyoto
Duration: 4 hours
13. Yasaka Shrine (from USD 74.0)
During this walking tour that lasts over three hours, participants can explore streets in the quaint Kiyomizuzaka neighborhood. Here, the streets are planned according to the traditional style. A visit to the colorful Yasaka Koshindo Temple is included in the tour along with a stop at a local waterfall. At Kiyomizudera, participants get to enjoy a tea ceremony in which sweets and snacks are provided after paying a visit to the said temple. The ceremony is conducted using traditional utensils while a local guide provides information about it.
Kyoto Tea Ceremony & Kiyomizu-dera Temple Walking Tour
Duration: 3 hours
Participate in one of the traditional tea ceremonies in Kyoto
Today, most Japanese people are fascinated by the latest technology; however, the tea ceremony has managed to keep pace with the changes in the country. If you want to learn more about the importance of tea in Japanese culture, then you should include these teahouses in your Kyoto itinerary.
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