Kyoto Guide

Kyoto Tea Ceremony Tours

Experience Kyoto's traditional tea ceremony, from matcha preparation to cultural meaning, discovering Japan's tea culture

24+ tours
From $75
1-2 hours
Kyoto Tea Ceremony Tours

Kyoto offers authentic tea ceremony experiences, where matcha preparation, traditional rituals, and cultural significance create tea experiences that make tea ceremony tours perfect for experiencing authentic Japan! Tea ceremony tours take you through Kyoto's tea culture, from participating in traditional ceremonies to learning about matcha, from understanding tea rituals to experiencing cultural etiquette, and from seeing tea houses to discovering why the tea ceremony is so significant. Experience the tea culture that defines Kyoto, learn about tea ceremony principles and etiquette, understand matcha preparation and cultural meaning, and discover why tea ceremony tours offer perfect ways to experience Japan's cultural heritage. Whether you're seeking traditional ceremonies, matcha workshops, tea house visits, or comprehensive tea exploration, tea ceremony tours provide engaging journeys that showcase the tea culture that makes Kyoto special. From preparation to meditation, from tradition to practice, tea ceremony tours ensure you experience the authentic tea culture that defines Kyoto!

Featured Tea Ceremony Tours Tours

Discover our top picks for tea ceremony tours in Kyoto

Authentic Kyoto Tea Ceremony: Camellia Flower Teahouse
From $35.43
Free Cancellation🔥Likely to Sell Out

We want your time with us to be a rich and enjoyable one, and to that end we encourage guests to not only participate but actively ask any questions they might have about Japan and tea ceremony. Our small team, fluent in English, are here to help make your time a memorable and authentic one. Tea ceremony is the perfect way to enjoy Japanese culture and experience a taste of Kyoto. Inclusivity is very important to us, and all are welcome. Chairs and tables are available for those that have difficulty sitting on the floor. All our sweets are vegan, nut free and gluten dress. Although we offer kimono rental, you do not need to wear kimono and please dress as you feel comfortable. Unfortunately children under 6 years old cannot participate in shared or private tea ceremonies. Feel free to take photos throughout the experience (please be mindful of other guests and please turn off the flash).

4.8(267)
45 min
View Details
Kyoto Kiyomizu Tea Ceremony with Scenic Garden Views
From $49.6
Free Cancellation

Welcome to a hidden gem in the historic kiyomizu Sannenzaka area. This prestigious teahouse is located in the famous garden designed by Jihei Ogawa VII, one of Japan's foremost landscape architects. Upon entering the traditional sanctuary, you will be guided through the enchanting grounds where every stone and plant tells a story. Here you will discover how this elegant ritual has captured the hearts and minds of people for over 500 years and shaped the cultural identity of Japan. Watch in awe as a tea master demonstrates the elegant choreography of the tea ceremony, refined by centuries of practice. Then, under gentle guidance, you will be taught how to make matcha tea, recreating the perfect froth of the bright green powder at home. Before departing, leave this memorable experience with a photo shoot in a tranquil garden where the beauty of the four seasons will provide an iconic backdrop for your cultural adventure.

4.9(92)
45 min
View Details
Kimono Tea Ceremony Experience at Kyoto Oritzuruya, Nishiki
From $49.6
Free Cancellation🔥Likely to Sell Out

・Combine multiple integral aspects of Japanese culture at once. ・Experience a traditional tea ceremony in an authentic setting. ・Wear a beautiful kimono to elevate your cultural journey. ・Small group experience limited to ten people for personalized attention. This immersive cultural tour in Kyoto offers you the chance to participate in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony, complete with kimono dressing and optional calligraphy lessons. Perfect for those seeking a deeper connection with Japan’s heritage, the experience is ideal for culture enthusiasts and families. Guests will don a beautifully selected kimono, receive complimentary hair styling, and learn the graceful art of matcha preparation. The tour also includes pairing matcha with exquisite sweets from a century-old confectionery. For an added layer of tradition, participants can opt to learn Japanese calligraphy and create a personal souvenir.

4.9(111)
1h 30m
View Details
KYOTO Tea Ceremony with kimono near by Imamiya Jinjya Shrine
From $96.62
Free Cancellation

This program is not just an experience. Many of the tea ceremony instructors who will be in charge of the tea ceremony have been involved in tea ceremony culture for many years, and they will not only explain the tea ceremony culture you want to know about, but also provide detailed explanations about all aspects of Japanese culture. They will also give you direct advice on how to enjoy the real tea ceremony culture. Also, you can enjoy a tea ceremony experience while wearing a kimono. First, choose a kimono with your favorite color and pattern from the rich kimono collection in Nishijin, Kyoto. We will help you with your hair set before putting on your kimono. After that, you will have a simple photo shoot.

5.0(341)
1h 30m
View Details
 Kyoto Newly Opened Tea Ceremony - Sanjo Chasuian
From $31.95
Free CancellationNew

A newly opened facility offering tea ceremony experiences and sake tasting , and is offering a grand opening discount until September 15th. It's located just a 5-minute walk from Subway Karasuma Oike Station. The tea ceremony is a traditional Japanese practice of serving matcha, where every movement, utensil, and space encourages mindfulness and respect for the moment. *This plan is a group session with other guests. *All guidance and explanations offered in English. *To maintain the serene atmosphere, guests with children under 5 years old or those with an interpreter must book a Private Plan. If booked incorrectly under the Shared Plan, participation and refunds will not be possible. *An optional Uchikake coat-like kimono experience (¥1,500 tax included) is available. Please inform our staff on the day if interested.

5.0(76)
1h
View Details
Traditional Tea Ceremony with Matcha and Sweets in Kyoto
From $22.54
Free CancellationNew

Our tea ceremony experience is designed to be welcoming, approachable, and meaningful. While the traditional tea ceremony is often seen as formal and solemn, we aim to share its beauty in a comfortable and accessible way. Guests enjoy the experience seated on chairs, allowing anyone—including those unfamiliar with floor seating or with limited mobility—to participate with ease. Throughout the session, you will explore the history of tea in Japan, learn how Zen philosophy shaped the heart of the tea ceremony, and observe authentic techniques performed up close by a tea master, allowing you to appreciate the subtlety and refinement of this art. In the second half, you will savor carefully selected traditional sweets from long-established artisans and make your own bowl of matcha using premium tea sourced from a family-run farm. We conclude with a Q&A session to deepen your understanding. We hope this experience becomes the beginning of your journey into Japanese tea culture.

4.9(10)
1h
View Details
Elegant Tea Ceremony While Wearing Kimono Experience in Kyoto
From $49.6
New

Enjoy a cultural experience at Nishiki Orizuruya, a traditional tea house in Kyoto. All plans include kimono rental (with free hair styling for women) and are guided in English. Tea Ceremony (90 min): Learn the art of Japanese tea in a peaceful tea room. Watch a demonstration, then prepare your own matcha using a bamboo whisk. Savor traditional sweets from a 100-year-old confectionery. Tea Ceremony & Calligraphy: Combine the tea ceremony with Japanese calligraphy. After enjoying matcha and sweets, learn to write your favorite kanji using a brush and ink. A great chance to create a personal keepsake. Tea Ceremony & Gold Leaf (130 min): After the tea ceremony, join a hands-on gold leaf workshop and decorate a small plate with high-purity gold leaf. Take home your handmade souvenir. Tea Ceremony & Nishiki Tour(150 min): Join a tea ceremony, then explore Nishiki Market and the local area with an English-speaking guide. Discover Kyoto’s food culture, shrines, and historic shops.

5.0(22)
2h 30m
View Details
Kimono Tea Ceremony at Kyoto Maikoya, NISHIKI
From $63.77
Free Cancellation🔥Likely to Sell Out

Why choose this tea ceremony experience in Kyoto? ・Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Award winner for 4 consecutive years ・Hosted in an authentic traditional townhouse (machiya) ・Experience a real Japanese tea ceremony in a tatami room ・Kimono rental included for both men and women ・Learn about Japanese culture, etiquette, and matcha in one session

4.8(903)
1h 30m
View Details
Experience a tea ceremony in an authentic tearoom, in Kyoto!
From $38.65
Free Cancellation

You can experience a tea ceremony in the authentic tea room of a 130-year-old Kyoto townhouse! The art of tea ceremony is a wonderful way to experience traditional Japanese culture. Combining zen and Japanese tea, attending a tea ceremony is a must when visiting Japan, especially in Kyoto! -Enjoy beautiful Japanese sweets like cookie or candy from historic shop in Kyoto -Delicious matcha green tea from historic shop in Kyoto -Learn how to make tea -Learn tips to enjoy tea without tea utensils at home

4.6(41)
45 min
View Details
Kimono Tea Ceremony at Kyoto Maikoya, Karasuma Shijo
From $63.77
Free Cancellation🔥Likely to Sell Out

Why choose this tea ceremony experience in Kyoto? ・Held in a traditional machiya townhouse in the heart of Kyoto ・Learn directly from experienced tea masters in English ・Kimono rental included for both men and women ・Ideal for first-time visitors seeking an authentic cultural experience ・Consistently top-rated by international travelers ・You can reserve maximum 2 people from Viator however we accept any other booking site and there will be more participants in your experience (About 12-14 guests)

4.9(42)
1h 30m
View Details
Tea ceremony by the tea master in Kyoto SHIUN AN
From $32.21
Free Cancellation

The tea ceremony goes in a small group. The maximum number of people are 6 for each session.But during peak seasons, it will increase to a maximum of 8 people. Experience an authentic tea ceremony, which is near the Zen buddhist monastery Daitoku-ji Temple in Kyoto. Daitoku-ji had many famous priest graduates in the history and has a close relationship with tea ceremony culture which has given a major influence to Japanese culture. We are also not far from the World Cultural Heritage site, the Golden Pavilion Temple. (Kinkaku-ji)It's only four stops away by bus. You’ll be provided with a tea container, tea bowl, tea scoops and whisks, and instruction on how to make matcha. You’ll also enjoy two bowls of matcha and two kinds of Japanese sweets. Tea ceremony is a learned experience, and it leads to enlightenment, similar to Zen’s understanding of realizing the truth through self-discovery.

4.8(76)
45 min
View Details
A Unique Antique Kimono and Tea ceremony Experience in English
From $96.62
Free Cancellation🔥Likely to Sell Out

In this class, you can experience the tea ceremony in a 100-year-old house, wearing a rare and valuable antique kimono that is more than 80 years old. ● Here, you can learn traditional etiquette and history of tea ceremony. The fourth-generation owner of the kimono shop is a kimono specialist, so you can listen to a lecture on kimono while being shown kimonos suitable for various occasions. Of course, he can also help you co-ordinate your kimono. Wearing rare and valuable antique kimonos and learning about the tea ceremony is a unique experience here. Available in English.

4.9(108)
1h 30m
View Details
Tea Ceremony Experience in Kyoto
From $38.65
Free Cancellation🔥Likely to Sell Out

One of the highlights of our tea ceremony is the opportunity for you to make your own tea if you wish. Under the expert guidance of our seasoned teacher, you’ll learn the intricate steps involved in preparing matcha, from whisking the powdered tea to the precise movements that reflect the harmony and mindfulness at the heart of the tea ceremony. Our aim is to lower the barriers that often surround traditional Japanese tea ceremonies, ensuring that everyone feels welcome and at ease. Whether you are a complete beginner or have some familiarity with tea ceremonies, our session is designed to be both informative and enjoyable. Join us for this unique and authentic Kyoto experience, where tradition meets tranquility. Book your session today and create a memorable highlight of your visit to Kyoto.

4.8(6)
1h
View Details
Kyoto: Quiet and Graceful Tea Ceremony
From $55.39
Free CancellationNew

“Experience the Art of Authentic Japanese Tea Ceremony in a tranquil environment with Elegance” Step into a serene world of refined hospitality and cultural depth. At Omotenashi Tea Ceremony 南茶道教室, we offer an intimate and a sophisticate tea ceremony experience exclusively for discerning travelers who are seeking the essence of Japanese tradition. Hosted by a tea master in a private, elegant atmosphere, an experience that combines timeless rituals where you will enjoy flavoring an exquisite traditional Japanese seasonal sweets, and a premium matcha, sourced from Kyoto’s finest producers. Whether you are a cultural connoisseur or a first-time guest, you will discover the heart of Omotenashi—the spirit of selfless hospitality—in every detail. Ideal for couples, VIP guests, and private small groups up to ten who appreciate exclusivity, heritage, and depth.

4.4(19)
45 min
View Details
Private Tea Ceremony and Sake Tasting in Kyoto Samurai House
From $103.06
👤Private Tour

Become truly immersed in traditional Japanese culture as you and your party members will enjoy the entire 300-year old historic property to yourselves. We serve organic matcha locally sourced from Kyoto, Uji in a traditional tea room. Enter into this space separate from the rush of life and truly experience the serenity of tea ceremony. Adorn an authentic silk wedding Kimono or wield a Samurai Katana to commemorate your visit to Kyoto! You are welcome to take photos during your visit. You can even bring the experience home with you as we offer a large array of Matcha Chawan (Matcha Tea Bowl) and authentic silk Kimono for purchase. An experience like no other being the only Samurai house in Kyoto with such offerings. We are able to offer this traditional space and still be very conveniently located only an 8 minute walk from Kyoto station, making this experience a seamless addition to your time in Kyoto.

5.0(163)
50 min
View Details

Ready to Explore Kyoto?

Browse all available tours and activities with instant booking & best price guarantee

Why Choose Tea Ceremony Tours in Kyoto?

Tea Culture

Experience authentic Japanese tea ceremony!

Traditional Rituals

Learn matcha preparation.

Cultural Heritage

Understand tea significance.

Authentic Experience

Participate in genuine ceremonies.

Types of Tea Ceremony Tours in Kyoto

Traditional Ceremony Tours

Tours featuring authentic ceremonies.

TraditionalAuthenticRitualEssentialSerene

Matcha Workshop Tours

Tours with hands-on preparation.

Hands-onWorkshopEducationalInteractiveFun

Tea House Tours

Tours visiting historic tea houses.

Tea housesHistoricTraditionalBeautifulAuthentic

Comprehensive Tea Tours

Full tours covering ceremony, workshops, and tea houses.

Multiple experiencesComplete overviewComprehensiveDiverseHalf day

What to Expect on Your Tea Ceremony Tour

Duration

Tea ceremony tours: 1-2 hours experiencing tea culture.

Tea Experience

Participate in traditional ceremony.

Matcha Preparation

Learn tea preparation techniques.

Expert Guidance

Tea masters teach ceremony principles.

Cultural Context

Learn about tea ceremony significance.

Photography

Photograph tea ceremony (respectfully).

Expert Tips for the Best Experience

1

Tea ceremony tours showcase Kyoto's tea culture

2

Traditional ceremonies highlight - authentic experience

3

Matcha workshops hands-on learning

4

Respect ceremony etiquette and quiet atmosphere

5

Tea ceremony tours essential for cultural understanding

6

Tea ceremony tours highlight tea significance

7

Tea ceremony tours showcase tea diversity

8

Tea ceremony tours provide perfect tea perspective

Frequently Asked Questions

Q:What is a Japanese tea ceremony?

A: Japanese tea ceremony traditional ritual featuring matcha preparation, being considered among Japan's most refined cultural practices creating absolutely serene cultural experience! Tea ceremony traditional and meditative. Ritual peaceful. Etiquette important. Essential for understanding. Must-experience - ceremony significance. Perfect cultural education!

Q:Where can I experience tea ceremony in Kyoto?

A: Tea ceremony tours visit traditional tea houses, cultural centers, being offered throughout Kyoto creating multiple authentic experiences! Tea houses traditional. Ceremonies authentic. Locations varied. Both traditional and accessible options. Kyoto tea ceremonies available. Tea ceremonies accessible throughout!

Q:What is included in tea ceremony tour prices?

A: Tea ceremony tour prices include ceremony experience, matcha, guidance, and sometimes traditional sweets! Ceremony participation included. Matcha tea served. Professional guidance provided. Traditional sweets sometimes included. Prices represent good value. Tour inclusions comprehensive!

Q:Are tea ceremony tours suitable for families?

A: Yes! Tea ceremony tours family-friendly with cultural experiences suitable for older children! Families enjoy traditional rituals. Educational for families. Quiet atmosphere important. Perfect for families wanting cultural learning. Family-friendly with respectful participation!

Q:What should I bring for tea ceremony tours?

A: Essential items: Comfortable seating clothes and respectful attitude! Comfortable clothing for sitting. Respectful attitude important. Camera use sometimes restricted. Quiet behavior appreciated. Essential preparation minimal. Respectful attitude most important!

Q:What makes tea ceremony special?

A: Tea ceremony special for meditation, ritual, aesthetics, being considered among Japan's highest cultural forms creating absolutely profound cultural experience! Ceremony meditative and aesthetic. Ritual meaningful. Practice refined. Essential for understanding. Must-appreciate - ceremony importance. Spectacular cultural destination!

Q:Do I need prior experience?

A: No! Tea ceremony experiences welcome beginners with guidance provided! Beginner-friendly ceremony. Instruction provided. Participation guided. All experience levels welcome. Tea ceremony accessible. Tea ceremony beginner-friendly!

Q:How long does tea ceremony take?

A: Tea ceremony experiences typically 1-2 hours including ceremony, matcha, and cultural explanation! Standard ceremony hour. Preparation demonstration included. Cultural context provided. Duration comprehensive. Tea ceremony efficient. Tea ceremony timing about hour!

Don't Miss the Perfect Kyoto Experience

Book your tea ceremony tours today - 24+ tours with instant confirmation & best price guarantee!

Why Visit Kyoto?

Over 1,600 Buddhist temples

400 Shinto shrines

Traditional Japanese culture

Beautiful seasonal gardens

UNESCO World Heritage sites

Perfect blend of history and spirituality

Best Time to Visit

Weather

Kyoto enjoys four distinct seasons. Spring (March-May) brings cherry blossoms, summer (June-August) is hot and humid, autumn (September-November) has beautiful fall colors, and winter (December-February) is cool.

Best Months

March to May and October to November offer the best weather and scenery.

Peak Season

March to May brings cherry blossom season with beautiful weather, larger crowds, and higher prices.

Off Season

June to August offers lower prices but hot, humid weather.

Plan Your Kyoto Trip

Transportation Tips

Excellent public transportation including buses and trains. Walking and cycling are perfect for exploring temples, and organized tours include transportation.

Car Rental Deals in Kyoto

Rent a car for maximum flexibility and explore at your own pace on Expedia USA.

Where to Stay

Find the perfect accommodation for your Kyoto adventure. From luxury resorts to cozy hotels, we've got you covered.

Best Hotel Deals in Kyoto

Discover top-rated hotels with exclusive rates and special offers on Trivago USA.

Ready to Explore Kyoto?

Discover the best tours and activities in Kyoto with AI-powered recommendations tailored just for you.