TEA TOURS · PRIVATE TEA EXPERIENCES IN JAPAN
Good private tea experiences in Japan fill up weeks ahead and the great ones go first. Below: the 15 to book early, what each includes and how they differ.
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 Shibuya’s private tea ceremony, with organic matcha, wagashi sweets, hands-on whisking, practical tips, and honest value advice.
“It was amazing! Our guide knew a lot about matcha and its tradition. We highly recommend this experience.”
Review of Kyoto’s private tea ceremony at Camellia Garden, with matcha, seasonal sweets, garden views, accessibility, and practical tips.
“The tea ceremony was a truly special experience. Our host was incredibly kind and welcoming, and gave us a wonderful explanation of the cultural background and deeper meaning behind each step. At the end, we even had the chance to prepare our own tea, which made the whole experience even more memorable. Highly recommended!”
Learn matcha etiquette in a private Kyoto home with a tea master, seasonal vegan sweets, two bowls of tea, and hands-on practice.
“This was a highlight of our two weeks in Japan! Very knowledgeable and inspired me to creat my own matcha and ritual. The matcha was delicious and she spoke very good English and was so patient with us. I would highly recommend. Also a great location; you can walk to Nijo castle afterwards.”
Learn tea ceremony and calligraphy in a private Osaka studio, make matcha, choose seasonal sweets, and take home personalized kanji art.
“We love everything! especially Calligraphy where we get to learn and write our names in Japanese.”
Review of Kyoto’s private Camellia Garden tea ceremony, with matcha instruction, seasonal sweets, garden views, price, access, and booking advice.
“This personal tea ceremony experience was wonderful! We learned all about the ceremony first and then had a chance to make our own matcha tea! Our hosts were very informative and explained the ceremony well. The location was quiet and relaxing! We really enjoyed it!”
Learn to make matcha in a private Kyoto townhouse with stone milling, a tea ceremony, tasting, and a family-friendly latte lesson.
“Great experience, Yuki was very polite, friendly and informative. Would highly recommend to anyone seeking a personalised Japanese cultural experience”
Taste five Nara teas, learn tea etiquette, whisk matcha, and enjoy wagashi in a private traditional tea room with local host Mike.
“Really great experience. Mike was knowledgeable and very kind. We had different type of teas in a traditional setting and had the opportunity to make our own matcha tea. Also Mike was very nice to give us some giveaway. Also, he was super Read more”
Join a candlelit Kyoto tea ceremony at a traditional inn, with kimono photos, Zen meditation, matcha making, and translator support.
“Great experience, very friendly hosts, both kind and full of joy. Using translator devices, there were no language barrier and even kids who can't speak english, can ask questions in their own language. Starting with a photosession, were we Read more”
Review this private Takayama tea ceremony in a 200-year-old machiya, with matcha, seasonal sweets, architecture, and practical booking tips.
“Bob-san was an incredible host. Friendly and kind, he showed us how to make great green tea and macha. He was so great. We can’t recommend this enough.”
Explore Kamakura’s quiet shrines, bamboo grove, Zen temple, matcha, and professional photos on a private three-hour tour.
“Bruno was absolutely incredible to work with for my surprise engagement. He went above and beyond—not just on the day of the shoot, but for weeks leading up to it. He helped me plan every detail, from timing and location scouting to hoRead more”
Review of Kurashiki’s private Japanese tea ceremony, with matcha, seasonal sweets, etiquette lessons, pricing, timing, and booking tips.
“My kids (ages 14 and 11) and I really enjoyed the tea ceremony. We learned so much and the tea and treats were very tasty!”
Review of Osaka’s private one-hour tea ceremony, with matcha making, Japanese sweets, English guidance, price, meeting tips, and practical advice.
“We enjoyed the tea ceremony & it was pitched perfectly for a family of four, we highly recommend this activity ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️”
Learn matcha-making, tea ceremony etiquette, and Japanese hospitality in a private 45-minute Hiroshima tea room experience.
“Give yourself plenty of time to arrive. The room is on the second floor. The ceremony is very organized and we felt absolutely comfortable with our minimal Japanese. You will have an amazing time and learn so much! Highly recommend!”
Pick tea in Shizuoka, sample six varieties, visit a historic wooden tea factory, and learn local tea customs on a private two-hour tour.
“I had a great time with Stella at the tea farm. Even though I booked this two between the harvest seasons, I could pick some tea leaves myself and got a demonstration how the tea is harvested by machine. The farmer also showed me the Read more”
Pick a room, a ridge, a factory floor or a trolley.
