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Tea Ceremony in the Grand Tea Room of Jotoku-ji Temple

Organized by Masumi
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Summary
Highlights
Experience Details
Experience Location
Reviews
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Duration
1 hour
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Number of Guests
2 - 5 guests
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Accessibility
Family-friendly
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Language
English
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Other
Gluten-free, Halal, Kosher, Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescetarian, Learn etiquette, Tea experience

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

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For each guest that attends this experience, byFood will donate
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

Guided tour of the local temple
Ingredients and equipment to perform a tea ceremony
Guidance on how to prepare the tea and ceremony demonstration from a tea master
Transportation to and from the venue

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.

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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.

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What People Are Saying
Overall ratings and reviews
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Pfeiffer Tim
October 16, 2023
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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.

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Nicholas Wax
July 24, 2023
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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

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Allison Libbey
June 25, 2023
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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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(15 - 120)
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Earliest available date: May 26, 2025
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$23.82
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Please note: The price varies based on group size. The time is in Japan Standard Time.
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Free cancellation (48 hours notice)
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For each guest that attends this experience, byFood will donate
10 meals
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