Kyoto Tea Ceremony in a 150-Year-Old Higashiyama Townhouse
Participate in an authentic Japanese tea ceremony in a 150-year-old townhouse in Kyoto’s Ninenzaka, only a few minutes from Kiyomizudera Temple.
Highlights
Partake in a comfortable table-style tea ceremony without seating on the floor: this experience is perfect for beginners and guests can participate in casual attire
Embrace the traditions of Kyoto – enjoy the rituals of the tea ceremony and learn more about Japanese culture in a relaxed environment
Easy-to-access experience venue only a short walk from Kiyomizudera in Kyoto’s traditional Ninenzaka cobblestone street
Discover the deep bonds between tea ceremony and Zen and ask questions to your knowledgeable and friendly instructor
10 meals
Experience Details
One of Japan’s leading tea producers, Kyoto is not only a place to find some of the best-quality matcha in the country, but also the perfect setting to experience the old capital’s ancient tea culture, including one of its most reverential expressions of hospitality, the Japanese tea ceremony, a ritual with roots in Zen Buddhism. This tea ceremony in central Kyoto is a comfortable table-and-chair variation of the traditional tea ceremony that encapsulates the essence of this meditative practice.
Step into a 100-year-old townhouse (machiya) in Kyoto’s Ninenzaka, with winding sidestreets and traditional buildings reminiscent of times past. Only a few minutes away from the famous Kiyomizudera Temple, a tea instructor will connect you with some of Japan’s more ancient traditions and teach you how to make and enjoy matcha the traditional way.
Experience flow:
-Introduction & overview
Arrive at the venue, where your hosts will introduce the history and cultural background of the tea ceremony. Understand the tools used during this practice, such as the tea bowl (chawan), whisk (chasen) and scoop (chashaku) and how to care for them.
-Learn tea etiquette
Learn the proper handling of the tea bowl and etiquette for receiving tea during the ceremony, as well as insights on the rules and their importance.
-Tea ceremony demonstration
Experience a tea ceremony demonstration by the tea instructor.
-Learn to whisk matcha
Next, you will prepare your own matcha the traditional way guided by your instructor.
-Q&A
There will be time for questions from you and other participants, allowing for reflection and a deeper understanding of the tea ceremony.
Inclusions
Experience fees
All materials and utensils
Matcha and 2 types of dried confections from a long-established shop
Original booklet in English
Exclusions
Kimono rental
Meeting Point and Meeting Time
The experience venue is located near Starbucks Coffee Kyoto, Ninenzaka Yasaka Chaya branch, around 7 minutes on foot from Kiyomizudera Temple. More details and a Google Maps link will be shared upon booking.
Remarks
You are free to take pictures during the lesson but please refrain from taking videos of the instructor's demonstration.
Please wear socks or bring your own. If you arrive barefoot, you will be requested to purchase socks for an additional fee.
You cannot join the class if you are more than 15 minutes late.
If you have any allergies, food restrictions or special requests please contact your host to inquire upon booking.
Support is available in Japanese, English, Chinese, Russian, Ukrainian, and French. For languages other than Japanese and English, please inquire in advance.
Cancellation Policy
Cancel your booking at least 1 week 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.
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10 meals
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