Traditional Tea Ceremony at a Tea House in Kyoto
Immerse yourself in the art of the Japanese tea ceremony during this humble tea ceremony experience in Gion, Kyoto.
Highlights
Learn about the Japanese tea ceremony in during a short introduction
Experience the way that tea is served as your instructor demonstrates the way of tea
Enjoy learning how to prepare your own matcha green tea with traditional tools
10 meals
Experience Details
“The way of tea,” as the tea ceremony is described in Japan, is a traditional cultural practice. This tea ceremony class in Gion offers the perfect opportunity to learn about the traditional culture of Japan. During this experience, you can learn about the historical art, architecture, and Zen practices related to the Japanese tea ceremony. You can learn about the spirituality and etiquette of the tea ceremony, while appreciating the handmade materials and tools used in the process.
To enjoy this Traditional Tea Ceremony in Kyoto, step into the wonderful atmosphere of En, a traditional Japanese tea house. Located in the heart of Kyoto’s Gion district, En is where you can experience a Japanese tea ceremony first hand. Named after different Japanese kanji characters of “connection” and “circle” both pronounced “en,” this tea house aims to encompass the values of wholeness, peacefulness, relationships, and connectedness. The character “en” (which is used for the yen currency) is considered to be the character that best expresses enlightenment, Zen Buddhism's highest truth.
The tea ceremony and its rituals are deeply rooted in Japanese culture, so what a better place to discover it than in Kyoto’s geisha district of Gion. Once a hub for geishas in the nation’s cultural capital, Gion is traditionally known for being an entertainment quarter (where you can still see many working today). Geishas entertained the elite with music, dance, drinks, and services of the traditional Japanese tea ceremony. During this class, your instructor will firstly introduce the way of tea to you.
Next, your tea ceremony teacher in Gion will serve tea to each person, one by one. Each movement has meaning. You will get an up close and personal view into the practices of the tea ceremony before learning how to prepare powdered green tea yourself. You will feel relaxed and peaceful as you learn about the way of tea in this immersive setting.
What You Get
Good To Know
- This experience is 45 minutes total (introduction takes 15 minutes, teacher serves tea for 15 minutes, and you prepare your own tea for 15 minutes).
- You cannot take photos while your teacher prepares the tea.
- Private tea ceremonies are available for a minimum of 2 people. In the case of only one participant, the cost is 9000 yen.
- 19:00 tea ceremony is only available as a private ceremony.
Meeting Point and Meeting Time
1 minute walk from Chion-in bus stop (details to come in welcome email)
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
Gion is the traditional entertainment center of Kyoto, where arts like kabuki theater, tea ceremony, and flower arrangement have flourished for hundreds of years. Gion is one of five hanamachi (geiko or geisha communities) in Kyoto. Some of the most gorgeous traditional tea houses are also in Gion, and geisha can be seen moving between ochaya tea houses, on their way to a performance. During sakura season, maiko and geiko perform at the Miyako Odori, one of the largest annual spring shows. But all year round, Shirakawa Dori (Shirakawa Street) is a stunning and timeless sight.
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10 meals
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