Kyoto Tea Ceremony: Private Cultural Experience

Immerse yourself in ancient Japanese culture with an authentic Kyoto Tea Ceremony. Learn how to make traditional matcha tea and indulge in Japanese sweets.

Duration: 1 hour
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • さくら日本文化体験 二条城教室 / SAKURA Experience Japanese Culture Nijo Home - A Tranquil Kyoto Sanctuary — Where Tradition Lives On Privately
    Enter the Sakura Experience Japanese Culture, a peaceful private residence near Nijo Castle, where Japanese traditions are embraced as living arts instead of mere performances. This tranquil sanctuary has hosted…
What's Included
  • Authentic tea ceremony demonstration
  • Tea-making experience
  • Selection of 3 traditional Japanese sugar sweets from a historic Kyoto confectionery
  • Complimentary original booklet on tea ceremony
  • Enjoy 2 servings of rich matcha green tea
What's Not Included
  • Kimono rental is not included.
Meal Options
  • Japanese Sweets - Seasonal wagashi from a long-established Kyoto confectioner, made without eggs, nuts, gluten, or animal products.
  • An original premium matcha - An exclusive original matcha crafted at a historic Uji tea farm. Served in hand-crafted Kiyomizu and Raku bowls, and available for purchase.
Additional Information

Experience a private Kyoto tea ceremony in a traditional home, led by a skilled tea master. Discover the significance of each gesture in a serene, genuine environment.
This opportunity provides exclusive private access, expert instruction, and authentic Uji matcha in a true Kyoto setting.
【Highlights】
・Private tea ceremony in a traditional Kyoto home —…

Location
さくら日本文化体験 二条城教室 / SAKURA Experience Japanese Culture Nijo Home
Important Information Children under 13 cannot be accepted. All participants must pay the class fee. Please bring or wear socks (bare feet are not allowed). Socks can be purchased on site if needed. Arrive on time — guests arriving more than 15 minutes late cannot join and no refund will be given.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
5.0
(61 Ratings)
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
I9281oecynthian
Mar 26, 2026
An absolute must-do!! - My husband and I left the tea ceremony and both agreed it was probably the best thing we’ve done on our trip. It was detailed, educational and fun. It is absolutely worth it for a hands-on, true experience. I cannot recommend this enough. A hidden gem that will bring the culture of Kyoto to life!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
S6987yisamg
Mar 15, 2026
The Best Tea Ceremony!! - This was the best thing I have ever done in Japan, hands down. Aya was extremely friendly, knowledgeable, and truly made our experience special. I had accidentally booked the experience for one person when it was for two people and she allowed me to pay the difference and modified the ceremony on the spot. She also gave us recommendations for food places and all of them were fantastic. We purchased her custom matcha and we are excited to make it at home. My fiancee and I agreed this was a truly incredible experience and well worth the money.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Julien
Dec 30, 2025
Very good experience! - Very interesting, we are immediately put at ease and the hosts are really adorable. That's very well explained. I highly recommend!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Yvonne
Dec 4, 2025
Very recommended and wonderful experience - We can highly recomend this place. The tea master is originally from Kyoto. She is very knowledgeable and sympathetic. The ceremony itself was wonderful and we learned a lot.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Rashed
Nov 25, 2025
authentic Japanese tea ceremony - The tea ceremony lesson was excellent and smooth. The explanation was comprehensive, detailed, and connected to Japanese tradition. The host was very professional, kind, and welcoming. highly recommend
Review provided by Tripadvisor
K1ngk0
Nov 8, 2025
Best Japanese experience so far. - Aya welcomed us into our home and it was beautiful She spent her time explaining the importance and the meaning behind each step and actions And it literally felt like if I was some fuedual samurai being served tea honourably. It was a truly wonderful and cultural experience Will 100% recommend It's more authentic than the other tea ceremony Because you're not being treated as a tourist but a genuine guest.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Merry_g
Oct 24, 2025
Aya-sensei is an... - Aya-sensei is an incredible master of her art. She led such a beautiful team ceremony. From the minute we entered her tea ceremony room every moment was savoured, all 5 senses drawn upon and enjoyed. Highly recommend this experience. Aya is a true professional, with a warmth and friendliness that enables you to really feel comfortable to ask questions and soak up the whole experience!
Review provided by Viator
Sunny_r
Sep 26, 2025
This was an intimate tea... - This was an intimate tea ceremony in a local Kyoto resident's home. Located just a 6 minute walk from Hotel Mitsui, this experience was a highlight of our time in Kyoto! We loved the host, her energy, knowledge of the tea ceremony as well as being cognizant to American visitors.
Review provided by Viator
Barbara_p
Sep 25, 2025
Experience that will always be remembered - Private tea ceremony with max. 4 people, very familiar, learn a lot about tea ceremony, tea ceremony master training and history, taste ritual of tea making after showing for yourself, a great experience that will always be remembered
Review provided by Viator
Mary_a
Sep 14, 2025
This was a wonderful way... - This was a wonderful way to learn about the Tea Ceremony in Japan. The instructor is a very lovely lady. We were invited into her home to learn about this old tradition. She was so kind and welcoming. She explained how the ceremony started back in time and then took us into a traditional tea room to show us how to make and serve the tea. It was a lovely way to spend some time seeing a traditional Japanese house and learn about the Tea Ceremony.
Review provided by Viator
From $95
up to 4 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).