Private Authentic Matcha Tea Ceremony in a Kyoto Tea Room
5588569P7
5588569P7
5588569P7
5588569P7
5588569P7
5588569P7
5588569P7
5588569P7
5588569P7
5588569P7
5588569P7
5588569P7
Overview
Hosted by a Kyoto local from a kimono family, this is not a demonstration, but a quiet and personal cultural experience.
Inside a real tea room, you will observe the careful preparation of matcha and learn the meaning behind each movement, tool, and gesture. Every element reflects centuries of tradition and the intention to create harmony between host and guest.
You will be welcomed as a guest and served matcha and traditional Japanese sweets, allowing you to experience the atmosphere of a genuine tea gathering.
This fully private experience offers a rare opportunity to step away from the crowds and encounter the living culture of Kyoto in an intimate and meaningful way.
Tour at a glance
What's included
- 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
Not included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Transportation to and from the meeting point
- Meals other than the provided seasonal sweets
What you'll do
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.
Meeting & pickup
Everyone meets at the start point.
Schedule
Good to know
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Traveller reviews
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.
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.
Reviews are collected by Viator and Tripadvisor from verified travellers.
Frequently asked questions
How long does this experience last?
It lasts 1h 30m.
Is hotel pickup included?
Everyone meets at the start point.
Can I cancel for free?
Yes. Cancel up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund.
Which languages is the guide available in?
Guide languages: JA, EN
On which days does it run?
It runs Every day. Starts 09:00, 11:30, 14:00, 16:30
How fast is the booking confirmed?
Instantly. Your e-ticket arrives by e-mail right after booking.
Is this a private tour?
Yes, this is a private experience for your group only.
Where do I complete the booking?
On viator.com, a Tripadvisor company, with live availability and secure payment. TourViaGo is a Global Partner of Viator.
Product code 5588569P7
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