TEA TOURS · KIMONO AND TEA CEREMONIES IN KYOTO
Good kimono and tea ceremonies in Kyoto fill up weeks ahead and the great ones go first. Below: the 15 to book early, what each includes and how they differ.
Dress in a kimono, learn the customs of Kyoto’s tea ceremony, prepare matcha, and enjoy wagashi in a welcoming 90-minute experience.
“Amazing experience!! Definitely recommend. Everyone was so nice and the experience was excellent. Nothing bad to say.”
Wear a kimono, learn matcha, and explore Kyoto culture at Orizuruya Gion in a friendly small-group tea ceremony.
“The staff was 100/10. Girls was sooo sweet and kind. All process and tea ceremony was amazing. After that we went to city in kimonos. Unforgettable experience!! 🥰♥️”
Dress in a Kyoto kimono, learn tea ceremony etiquette, and prepare matcha with a tea master near Daitokuji and Imamiya Shrine.
“To close our 10 days vacation in Japan, we decided to go with a tea ceremony. Not any tea ceremony but a Kimono dressed tea ceremony. This really makes us immersed in the Japanese culture. We had a great time and learned to appreciate the delicate simplicity of sharing tea with friends. If you really want to know about the Japanese culture, this tea ceremony is a must.”
Dress in silk kimono, tour a 140-year-old Kyoto machiya, and watch a traditional tea ceremony at Tondaya.
“We had an amazing time. It was only the 2 of us! Everything was explained in great detail and we had good conversation. Not sure what s the thing other people are saying about being too many people and etc. Maybe that was because of the timing. Anyway, it was a great experience, a little bit expensive, but we had fun!”
Meet a Kyoto maiko, prepare matcha, watch two dances, ask questions, play traditional games, and take photos in a 90-minute cultural experience.
“Experiencing a tea ceremony with a maiko in Kyoto was truly unforgettable and something you can only find here. The experience felt authentic and personal — starting with learning how to prepare matcha under the gentle guidance of the maiko. Afterwards, there was a Q&A session where we could ask her about her life and traditions, which was both insightful and charming. We also enjoyed traditional sweets, played a fun game together, and had the chance to take photos with her. The combination of cultural depth and warm interaction made this a once-in-a-lifetime experience I would highly recommend to anyone visiting Kyoto.”
Dress in a Kyoto kimono, learn tea ceremony etiquette, prepare matcha, and enjoy seasonal wagashi with English guidance.
“Great experience. Dressing up was a fun part. Host was lovely and very knowledgeable”
Meet a maiko, prepare matcha, enjoy Japanese sweets, ask questions, and take photos near Kyoto Station in this affordable 45-minute experience.
“We had a wonderful Tea Ceremony with a lovely Maiko. She graciously poured our sake and demonstrated the proper way of making and drinking the delicious Matcha tea. She responded thoughtfully to our questions and was very informative of the life of a Maiko and becoming Geiko. We were so happy to have booked this experience. Also, the staff was organized as the event ran smoothly. I recommend this experience 100%.”
Review of Kyoto’s private tea ceremony, sake tasting, kimono photos, and samurai-house setting near Kyoto Station.
“this was a great experience! house has remained in the same family for 300 years. staff were friendly and helpful. We especially enjoyed the sake tasting after!”
Review of Kyoto’s kimono tea ceremony near Nishiki Market, with matcha making, hairstyling, calligraphy, pricing, timing, and practical tips.
“They had beautiful kimonos in all sizes and colours. I am plus sized and was worried that they would not fit but they carried wide selection and i had many to choose from. They did my hair beautifully even though i am black and have a difRead more”
Wear an antique kimono, learn tea ceremony etiquette, and make matcha in a quiet 100-year-old Kyoto home near Katsura Villa.
“Our host and his wife made this a truly special experience for my husband and I. They were both so friendly and eager to share the history of the tea ceremony and history of their family. They helped us pick out our kimonos from a large selection and also styled my hair with many beautiful hair accessories to choose from. The tea ceremony itself is very solemn but our host carefully explained each step to us and we were encouraged to take lots of photos. My husband and I would highly recommend this tour.”
Review of Kyoto’s kimono tea ceremony: English instruction, matcha, sweets, three photos, costs, timing, locations, and practical tips.
“Lovely experience, the host was fantastic and we had a great time. Really happy with the whole process, you get to wear the kimonos, you can choose the colour of the fabric & the hair accessories. The whole tea ceremony was fantastic and we had someone take out pictures with the kimono, but u also have time to take your own photos.”
Dress in silk kimono, tour a Meiji-era machiya, and watch a Kyoto tea ceremony at Tondaya. Practical review, value tips, and honest drawbacks.
“This was very expensive for one hour, three mouthfuls of tea, wear a kimono for photos and a five minute walk around a house”
Make matcha in a 100-year-old Kyoto townhouse, enjoy wagashi, craft a latte, and pose in samurai armor during this small-group cultural class.
“Maya was absolutely phenomenal. She was so kind, funny, and helpful. And her English is fantastic. We learned all about the history of the tea ceremony and got to watch Maya perform it. We then were able to make our own matcha traditionally and then as a latte. Highly recommend!!!”
Wear a kimono, make matcha, watch a Kyoto tea ceremony, and receive three professional photos in this intimate 1-hour-45-minute experience.
“Make sure you can receive your photos from them via email. Also, for women, you will have to kneel on the floor and not sit Indian style. Kneeling can be a little challenging for older women. They do have two chairs and tables. If you have morRead more”
Dress in a kimono, learn matcha etiquette, and prepare tea with a tea master at Kyoto Maikoya near Karasuma Shijo.
“Great way to learn tradition Japanese items. Yuki wax a great translator and host. Great energy and English. Gyiza veg were best !”
Pick a room, a ridge, a factory floor or a trolley.
