Tea Ceremony in the Grand Tea Room of Jotoku-ji Temple
Led by an experienced tea master, immerse yourself in the traditions of a Japanese tea ceremony on the spiritual grounds of a local temple in Kyoto.
Highlights
Tour the temple grounds with your guide and learn about the purification process
Enter the grand tea room and relax as a tea master demonstrates how to make matcha green tea in a traditional tea ceremony
Learn how to prepare the tea yourself with guidance from your tea master
Learn about the history, culture and philosophy intrinsically embedded in a Japanese tea ceremony
10 meals
Experience Details
Traditionally developed to help monks with their meditation practice, the Japanese tea ceremony or ‘chanoyu’ started in Zen Buddhist temples. Overtime became an activity of elegance and refinement for the elite, and since then, it has become a traditional practice that now locals and foreigners alike can experience. A Japanese tea ceremony is best for a moment of mindfulness and ritual, following each step of making and appreciating matcha green tea. Learn about ‘chadou’ (the traditional “way of tea” or “art of tea”) in Japan and the ethics and philosophy that accompany it. What better place than at a beautiful temple in Kyoto, the cultural capital of Japan?
As you enter the grounds through the main gates, immediately surround yourself in the peaceful tranquility of the local temple. Met by your friendly hosts, you will take a guided tour of the temple and learn how to purify yourself before the tea ceremony in an onsite tearoom. You can rent a kimono to wear for total cultural immersion (optional at an additional cost).
You will be welcomed to enter the grand tearoom and be greeted by the tea master. They will explain the steps of a tea ceremony in-depth with a detailed and relaxing demonstration. This experience includes in-depth learning about aspects of a Japanese tea ceremony, including the meanings of the Japanese terms and their significance. You will learn to prepare the tea carefully by trying this fine art form yourself.
What You Get
Good To Know
- There are stools available if needed to sit
- Kimono rental is available for an additional fee
- Infants and children under 5 can join for free
Meeting Point and Meeting Time
It is a 16-minute walk from JR Kyoto Station. Alternatively, it is a 4-minute walk from Gojo Station on the Karasuma Subway Line. Enter the temple and wait on the red benches.
Cancellation Policy
Cancel your booking at least 48 hours before the experience start time to receive a full refund minus a 3.2% transaction fee.
Experience Location
Featuring beautiful landscapes from mountain to sea, Kyoto Prefecture conveys traditional Japanese culture through its architecture and gardens, art and artisanal crafts, and delicious local cuisine made from regional produce.
The Tea Ceremony was fantastic! The host was American, she was really lovely. We were a little surprised to be met by a westerner in a kimono.
This was such a fun experience to have while visiting Kyoto. We had a great time, learned a lot about the casual and formal tea ceremonies and how to properly make matcha. Our instructor was so kin...read more
We really enjoyed learning about the history of tea ceremonies and all the symbolism behind the different elements of them, watching the ceremony itself, and then getting to whisk up our own bowls ...read more
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