Kyoto Cultural Experiences
for Groups
Tea Ceremony and Calligraphy
in One Machiya
YORIMICHI YA
Looking for a Kyoto cultural experience for groups that is meaningful, practical, and easy to include in a Kyoto itinerary?
At Yorimichiya, groups can experience traditional Japanese tea ceremony and calligraphy inside a historic Kyoto machiya, with the option to enjoy both experiences during the same visit.
Our two-floor machiya allows groups to be divided between tea ceremony and calligraphy, then switch after 60 minutes.
This makes it possible for a larger group to experience two different aspects of Japanese culture without travelling between venues.
The format works well for travel agencies,
DMCs, MICE planners, school and university groups,
tour operators, corporate groups,
and large families or friends.
More than simply an activity, we believe a cultural experience is an opportunity to understand the history, traditions, and values behind Japanese culture.
And to meet the local people who continue to share
them today.
Choose Your Group Experience
Whether you are looking for a traditional tea ceremony,
a hands-on calligraphy experience, or both, we offer flexible cultural experiences for groups in a historic Kyoto machiya.
Choose the experience that best suits your group, or combine both for a deeper introduction to Japanese culture.
Tea Ceremony for Groups
Up to 30 guests can participate in one session. For groups of more than 30, we can accommodate your group in multiple sessions, allowing everyone to enjoy the experience while keeping the atmosphere comfortable and personal. Tea ceremony is particularly suitable for MICE groups, education groups, families, and tours looking to learn about the philosophy and traditions behind Japanese culture. Through the ceremony, guests can discover the etiquette of tea, the spirit of hospitality, and the deeper connection between tea and values that have become part of everyday Japanese life.
- Capacity: Up to 30 guests per session
- 30+ guests: Multiple sessions can be arranged
- Suitable for: MICE groups, education groups, families, and tour groups
- Learn about: Japanese tea culture, etiquette, hospitality, and philosophy
- Experience: Traditional tea ceremony with local staff in a historic Kyoto machiya
Learn more about Tea Ceremony for Groups
Calligraphy for Groups
Up to 20 guests can currently participate in one session, with larger groups available by consultation. Using a real Japanese brush and ink, guests can experience the beauty of Japanese calligraphy and discover how Japanese writing can become an art form.
Choose a Japanese word or phrase that has meaning to you, and create your own piece while learning about the language, culture, and ideas behind it.
- Capacity: Up to 20 guests per session
- Larger groups: Available by consultation
- Suitable for: Education groups, families, MICE groups, and tour groups
- Use: Authentic Japanese brush and ink
- Create: Your own Japanese calligraphy artwork
- Learn about: The beauty of the Japanese language and the cultural meaning behind the characters
Learn more about Calligraphy for Groups
Tea Ceremony and Calligraphy Together
Why choose just one? Enjoy both tea ceremony and calligraphy on the same day in the same historic machiya. This combination allows groups to experience two different aspects of Japanese culture from the philosophy and etiquette of tea to the beauty and expression of Japanese writing.
Booking both experiences together also offers a special package price.
- Two experiences: Tea ceremony + calligraphy
- Location: The same historic Kyoto machiya
- Format: Enjoy both experiences on the same day
- Regular price: ¥6,600 + ¥6,600 = ¥13,200 per person
- Combined package: ¥11,000 per person
Saving: ¥2,200 per person
- Group discounts: Additional group rates may be available depending on group size and requirements
Learn more about Calligraphy for Groups
How to get here
Two Experiences Under One Roof
One of the advantages of choosing Yorimichiya for your group is that tea ceremony and calligraphy can be arranged under one roof. Your group can be divided into two smaller groups, with each group starting a different experience at the same time. After 60 minutes, the groups switch, allowing everyone to enjoy both experiences without needing to travel between venues.
How the Rotation Works
For groups booking both experiences, we can arrange a simple rotation between the first and second floors of the machiya.
Example for a 40-person group:
Start: Group A begins tea ceremony while Group B begins calligraphy
After 60 minutes: Group A moves to calligraphy while Group B moves to tea ceremony
After 120 minutes: Everyone has completed both experiences
This format makes it possible for larger groups to enjoy two different Japanese cultural experiences in a single visit, while keeping each session at a comfortable group size.
Group Size at a Glance
Tea Ceremony only
Group Size : Up to 30 per session
Approx. Time : 50 minute
Calligraphy only
Group Size : Up to 20 per session
Approx. Time : 50 minute
Tea Ceremony + Calligraphy
Group Size : Two groups rotating
Approx. Time : 90 min
Tea Ceremony Only
Calligraphy Only
Tea Ceremony + Calligraphy
Maximum per session
Up to 30 guests
Up to 20 guests
Up to 30 guests total
Duration
50 minute
50 minute
Approximately 90 minute
Rooms
Japanese-style rooms
1F / 2F
Japanese-style rooms
1F / 2F
Both floors used simultaneously
Staff
Tea instructor(s)
Calligraphy instructor(s)
Instructors for both experiences
For groups larger than the standard capacity,
please contact us before booking.
We can discuss multiple sessions or other arrangements depending on your preferred schedule and group size.
Group Booking Inquiry
Booking the Whole Machiya
For groups of 15 guests or more, the entire machiya can be arranged as a private booking upon request.
With a private booking, your group can enjoy the building without other guests joining the experience. This is particularly suitable for corporate groups, school groups, MICE programs, private tours, and families looking for a more personal cultural experience.
Private booking is subject to availability, so please contact us when planning your group.
Sample Plans for Your Group
Every group has a different itinerary, so we can adjust the schedule according to your group size, available time, and preferred experiences. Here are some examples of how groups can plan their visit.
Tea Ceremony
+ Calligraphy Experience (1.5h)
For groups who want to experience both, the rotation system allows everyone to participate in both activities within approximately two hours.
0:00 — Start
Group A begins the tea ceremony on the first floor.
Group B begins calligraphy on the second floor.
0:45 — Switch
Group A moves to the second floor for calligraphy.
Group B moves to the first floor for tea ceremony.
1:30 — Finish
Both groups have completed both cultural experiences.
The exact room allocation can be adjusted depending on the group size and operational requirements on the day.
For larger groups, we can discuss different combinations of sessions and timing.
When Your Group Is Larger Than the Capacity
We can also work with groups that are larger than the capacity of a single session.
For example, we received a request from a travel group of 70 guests who wanted to experience tea ceremony. Rather than turning the group away, we worked with the tour manager to divide the guests into three groups of 20, 25, and 25 people.
The three groups can be scheduled one after another on the same day, or different sessions can be arranged on different dates depending on the itinerary.
While waiting for their session, guests have plenty of ways to enjoy the surrounding area. Yorimichiya is within easy reach of attractions such as the Kamogawa River, Kyoto Tower, and Sanjusangendo Temple.
Another popular option is to arrange a kimono dressing experience at a nearby rental shop before visiting Yorimichiya for tea ceremony. If you are interested in this option, we can also provide information about nearby kimono rental shops that are suitable for your itinerary.
Planning a large group?
Contact us with your group size and preferred schedule, and we will discuss the best arrangement with you.
Group Booking Inquiry
WHO WE HOST
Flexible Arrangements for Different Types of Groups
Corporate, Team Building & Incentive Travel
The combination is ideal for team building, incentive trips, corporate retreats, and employee travel, offering something more personal and engaging than traditional sightseeing. With flexible arrangements for different group sizes, both experiences can be enjoyed within the same machiya.
Schools & University Groups
The experiences can also complement educational travel programs.
Tea ceremony can introduce students to Japanese history, etiquette, hospitality, and cultural philosophy, while calligraphy provides a direct connection to Japanese language, writing, and traditional arts.
Travel Agencies and DMCs
For travel agencies and DMCs, combining two experiences at one venue can simplify itinerary planning while giving guests more time to engage with Japanese culture.
We can discuss group size, preferred timing, private arrangements, and the best format for your itinerary.
MICE and Corporate Groups
Tea ceremony and calligraphy can be used as a cultural component within an incentive or corporate itinerary.
The two activities offer different styles of participation: tea ceremony focuses on hospitality, etiquette, and Japanese cultural values, while calligraphy gives participants a hands-on creative experience.
Large Families & Friends
For families and groups of friends travelling together, the combination of tea ceremony and calligraphy gives everyone something to participate in and enjoy. A private machiya booking can also create a more relaxed and personal atmosphere for the group.
For groups of 15 guests or more,
a private booking of the entire machiya can be discussed,
subject to availability.
Group Pricing Overview
Our group rates vary according to the size of your group. The following prices provide an indication of the starting price per person.
Tea Ceremony or Calligraphy
SET: Tea Ceremony + Calligraphy
10–19 guests
¥6100
20–29 guests
¥5800
30–39 guests
¥5600
40–49 guests
¥5400
50–59 guests
¥5300
60–69 guests
¥5100
70+ guests
¥5000
10–19 guests
¥10,500
20–29 guests
¥10,400
30–39 guests
¥10,300
40–49 guests
¥10,200
50–59 guests
¥10,000
60–69 guests
¥9,500
70+ guests
¥9,000
These are starting prices for group bookings. The final quotation may vary depending on the group size, schedule, private booking requirements, and program arrangement.
Planning a group of 10 or more?
Please contact us for a private booking and group quotation.
Group Booking Inquiry
How to Book
Your Group
Planning a group experience at Yorimichiya is simple.
1. Tell us about your group
Send us your number of guests, preferred date, preferred time, and the experience you would like to book.
2. Receive availability and a quotation
We will check availability and propose the most suitable schedule and group arrangement for your itinerary.
3. Confirm your booking
Once the details are confirmed, we will provide the booking and payment information.
4. Receive your final confirmation
Approximately seven days before your visit, we will send a confirmation email with the final details of your booking.
5. Enjoy your experience
Arrive at Yorimichiya and meet our local staff. We will guide your group through the experience and introduce you to the culture and history behind it.
Have a special request? Please let us know.
We are happy to discuss group schedules, private bookings,
larger groups, and itinerary arrangements.
Group Booking Inquiry
Why Yorimichiya for Group Experiences
Yorimichiya offers more than a space for a cultural activity. The historic machiya itself is part of the experience, while our local Japanese staff provide an opportunity for guests to interact with people who live and work in Kyoto.
Two Cultural Experiences Under One Roof
Tea ceremony and calligraphy can be arranged within the same machiya and on the same day.
Flexible Group Arrangements
Tea ceremony can accommodate up to 30 guests per session, with multiple sessions available for larger groups.
Private Machiya Bookings
Groups of 15 or more can request exclusive use of the machiya, subject to availability.
English-Speaking
Japanese InstructorsExperiences can be conducted in English by Japanese instructors.
More than 150 years
of historyGuests can spend time inside a traditional Kyoto machiya with more than 150 years of history. The architecture, tatami rooms, craftsmanship, and atmosphere are not simply a backdrop—they are part of the cultural experience itself.
A chance to experience
old KyotoRather than visiting a cultural attraction for a short time, guests can slow down and spend meaningful time inside a building that has witnessed generations of life in Kyoto.
Convenient Location
Located just 15 minutes on foot from JR Kyoto Station and 5 minutes from Keihan Shichijo Station, Yorimichiya is easy to include in group itineraries. Its central location makes it convenient to combine with other Kyoto sightseeing and cultural activities.
Local Interaction
Guests have the opportunity to meet and speak with our local staff and learn about Japanese culture through personal interaction.
For Travel Partners and Media
Looking to introduce an authentic Kyoto cultural experience to your clients, readers, or audience? Yorimichiya is a traditional Kyoto machiya with more than 150 years of history, offering tea ceremony and Japanese calligraphy experiences for individual travellers and groups.
The historic building is more than a venue. It is part of the experience. Guests can spend meaningful time in a traditional machiya, meet local Japanese staff, and learn about Japanese culture through hands-on experiences and personal interaction.
At a Glance
Location: Kyoto, Japan
Building: Traditional Kyoto machiya with more than 150 years of history
Experiences: Tea ceremony and Japanese calligraphy
Group experience: Tea ceremony + calligraphy can be arranged under one roof
Tea ceremony: Up to 30 guests per session
Calligraphy: Up to 20 guests per session, with larger groups available by consultation
Large groups: Multiple sessions can be arranged
Private booking: Groups of 15+ can request exclusive use of the machiya, subject to availability
Language: English-speaking Japanese instructors available
Access: Approximately 15 minutes on foot from Kyoto Station
For Travel Partners
We work with travel agencies, DMCs, MICE planners, tour operators, educational travel providers, and concierge services looking to include meaningful cultural experiences in Kyoto itineraries.
We can discuss group sizes, schedules, private bookings, combined experiences, and arrangements for larger groups according to your itinerary.
For Media & Content Creators
We welcome enquiries from journalists, travel writers, bloggers, photographers, and content creators interested in featuring Yorimichiya, Kyoto's traditional machiya culture, or authentic Japanese cultural experiences.
For partnership, media, itinerary, or interview enquiries, please contact us.
Frequently Asked Questions
CONTACT
お問い合わせ
420 Shimoninomiyacho, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto 600-8132, Japan
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