Experiencing a Traditional Tea Ceremony in Kyoto: An Honest Review

After six trips to Japan, I finally ticked off a long-standing bucket list item: attending a traditional tea ceremony in Kyoto.

I’m not sure why it took me so long. My husband and I both love Japanese tea culture (and drinking it!), but our time in Kyoto has always been short, and the ceremony never quite made it to the top of our list.

I will admit, there has always been a part of me that assumed the experience might feel a little too “touristy” for our liking.

In the end, I booked one of the highest-rated experiences available on Get Your Guide. What drew me to this particular ceremony was the setting: a 100-year-old teahouse tucked into the traditional Sannenzaka district, just minutes from the awe-inspiring Kiyomizudera Temple. It was more expensive than other options, but I think it was well worth it in the end.

Read on for my honest review of the experience, including what to expect, practical tips and why it’s well worth adding to your Kyoto itinerary, as well as some alternative tour options.

Table of Contents (click to expand)

What to Expect

We wandered through the cobblestoned streets of Kyoto’s Sannenzaka district, just a short walk from landmarks like Kiyomizudera Temple and Yasaka Shrine in nearby Maruyama Park.

By early afternoon, the streets were heaving with other tourists (as they so often are these days), but slipping into a quiet side alley felt like stepping into another world. There, beside a tranquil Japanese garden in a century-old wooden teahouse, our host welcomed us in.

Shoes off at the entrance, we were shown inside, where sweeping floor-to-ceiling windows perfectly framed the garden. Our host explained that the building’s heritage and its thoughtful design is meant to encourage mindfulness and contemplation.

Tip: Wear comfortable loose clothing, as you’ll be sitting on tatami mats and pillows on the floor (although a stool was offered if anyone required it). You’ll also be taking your shoes off.

History of the Tea House

This particular tea house carries a sense of prestige. Our host shared its fascinating ties to history – it is linked to the famous feudal lord Toyotomi Hideyoshi, with its garden designed by Ogawa Jihei VII, one of Japan’s most renowned garden architects.

Once we’d learned about the space, the conversation turned to the tea ceremony itself. Our host explained that this tradition stretches back over 500 years, once practised by samurai before evolving into the refined art form now led by women in Japan today.

Tea Ceremony Traditions

What makes a tea ceremony so memorable are the small, intricate details woven into every step of the ritual. Understanding these nuances gives you a deeper appreciation for the tradition and the culture it represents.

Each ceremony is guided by a theme. Ours was ichigo ichie – a phrase that translates loosely to “treasure every encounter” – a reminder that each moment is unique and should be cherished.

The ceremony began with the entrance of the tea master. In keeping with custom, she made no eye contact and offered no conversation to her guests. Instead, the focus remained on the ritual itself.

What followed was a performance of precision. Every gesture, from the way she handled the utensils to the way she whisked the tea, was deliberate and graceful. Watching her was like watching art in practice – calm, fluid, and deeply intentional. Finally, the matcha was served: a rich verdant green, frothy, and masterfully brewed.

Watching the tea master perform her craft

Brew Your Own Matcha

After observing and tasting the master’s tea, it was our turn. Step by step, we learnt how to whisk matcha until it foamed, then how to drink it properly – rotating the bowl and saying chodai itashimasu (“I humbly receive”).

Matcha is always paired with a seasonal wagashi (Japanese sweet). Ours was a delicate peony-shaped treat, its design reflecting the early summer season. Both the sweet and the ceremony’s theme change throughout the year, ensuring no two visits are ever the same.

During a Q&A afterwards, we learnt that the matcha came from nearby Uji, famed for its high-quality green tea. I also discovered that matcha uses only the youngest tea leaves, which are then stone-ground into a powder. Because you consume the whole leaf, this is why matcha is thought to have greater health benefits compared to steeped teas.

Whisking the matcha to the perfect level of frothiness

My Review of the Tour

Our Japanese host spoke excellent English and translated the Q&A with the tea master seamlessly, making the entire experience easy to follow and engaging. The group size is capped at 12 guests, with only children aged 7+ permitted, which kept the atmosphere intimate and tranquil.

Watching the tea master perform the ceremony with the sweeping view of the perfectly kept Japanese garden behind her was something truly special. Before we left, our host helped everyone take photos.

Overall, I’d highly recommend this experience. I walked away with a much deeper appreciation for the tradition of tea ceremonies, the history and the cultural values behind them.

Book the same Kyoto tea ceremony here

Tip: Book your slot at least 1–2 weeks in advance. This ceremony is very popular – even travelling in the May shoulder season, I had to reserve a good two weeks ahead.

Kimono Rental

The ceremony does not include kimono rental; however, if you wish to try this experience, you could rent kimonos beforehand – this location is right near Kiyomizudera Temple and the tea house.

Book kimono rental near Kiyomizudera Temple

Other Tour Options

As one of the highest-rated tea ceremonies in a prestigious location, tickets are more pricey than other alternatives in Kyoto. My second choice was this tea ceremony at Jotoku-ji Temple, which is more affordable and includes a tour of the temple before the tea ceremony.

Book the Jotoku-ji Temple tea ceremony

Final Thoughts

After six trips to Japan (and three visits to Kyoto), I finally ticked off this long-awaited bucket list experience. My only regret? Probably not doing it sooner.

A traditional tea ceremony is so much more than drinking tea. Even if you’re not the biggest tea drinker, it’s a rich and unique cultural experience that allows you to experience one of Japan’s notable and unique traditions – and it’s well worth adding to your Kyoto itinerary.

Check out my expertly crafted three-day Kyoto itinerary here, where I plan out how exactly to best spend your time to make the most of this culturally rich city and all its attractions.

More Osaka & Kyoto Guides:

Japan Travel Planning Essentials, Tips & Tricks: