Kyoto Tea Ceremony
  with Kamogawa view

What is a Japanese
Tea Ceremony?

A Japanese tea ceremony is a traditional practice of preparing and sharing matcha with care, respect and thoughtful hospitality. More than simply drinking tea, it offers a moment to slow down, appreciate the present and connect with others through Japanese culture.

Rooted in the principles of Chado (the Way of Tea), the ceremony brings together carefully prepared tea, traditional utensils, seasonal sweets and mindful gestures. Every detail, from the way the tea is prepared to how it is served, reflects the spirit of Japanese hospitality.

What Is the Purpose of the Tea Ceremony?

The purpose of the Japanese tea ceremony is to welcome guests wholeheartedly and create a meaningful moment of connection. This reflects Ichigo Ichie, a Japanese concept meaning “one time, one meeting,” which reminds us to treasure every encounter as a unique moment that will never happen in exactly the same way again.

In a tea ceremony, the host and guests share an experience that encourages mindfulness, respect and appreciation for the present moment.

History of Tea Ceremony in Kyoto

Sen no Rikyu and the Development of Chado

Although matcha is an important part of the experience, Chado is about much more than drinking tea. It is a traditional practice centered around hospitality, respect, mindfulness, harmony, and appreciation of the present moment.

Every part of a tea ceremony has meaning from the way the tea is prepared and served to the tea bowl, seasonal decorations, and interaction between host and guest.

Rather than simply drinking a cup of matcha, a tea ceremony invites you to slow down, observe your surroundings, and share a meaningful moment with others.

Kyoto — The Heart of Japanese Tea Culture
Kyoto has been at the center of Japanese culture for more than a thousand years. It is also deeply connected to the development and preservation of Japanese tea culture.
Today, the city remains home to historic temples, tea schools, gardens, traditional tea houses, and machiya.

For visitors to Kyoto, experiencing a traditional tea ceremony in Kyoto offers a unique opportunity to encounter this living cultural tradition.

Chado vs Simply Drinking Matcha

Chado goes further.

Share a peaceful and memorable cultural experience together in a traditional Kyoto setting.
In a tea ceremony, the tea itself is only one part of the experience.
The tea room, utensils, seasonal elements, preparation, movements, hospitality, and relationship between host and guest all come together to create a complete experience.
The focus is not simply on the tea.
It is on the moment shared between people.
This is what makes a Japanese tea ceremony different from simply ordering a matcha drink at a café.

Make Your Own Uji Matcha

Discover the art of making matcha and enjoy the experience of preparing your own bowl of Japanese green tea at Yorimichiya. With guidance from our tea instructor, you’ll learn each step, from measuring the matcha to whisking it into a smooth, frothy tea.

Learn How to Whisk Matcha

Start by measuring the matcha powder with a traditional tea scoop, the chashaku. Add hot water to your tea bowl, or chawan, then use a bamboo whisk, known as a chasen, to whisk the tea until a fine layer of froth forms. Your instructor will guide you through each step.

Discover the Taste of Uji Matcha

Uji, Kyoto

Uji, located near Kyoto, is one of Japan's most celebrated tea-producing regions, with a rich history closely connected to the development of Japanese tea culture. Its favourable growing conditions and generations of tea-making expertise have helped establish Uji as a name associated with high-quality Japanese tea.

Matcha production involves carefully cultivating tea plants, processing the leaves into tencha, and grinding them into a fine, vibrant green powder. The result is a tea known for its distinctive colour, rich umami, gentle sweetness, and characteristic bitterness.

During your tea ceremony in Kyoto, you will taste premium Uji matcha and discover how its flavour complements traditional Japanese sweets. Rather than simply drinking matcha, you will learn how to prepare it yourself and appreciate the care and craftsmanship behind every bowl.

Experience the connection between Kyoto's tea heritage and the mindful practice of Chado, one bowl of matcha at a time.

At Yorimichiya, you can discover the charm of Japanese tea culture
while learning to prepare matcha for yourself.

What Tea Is Used in a Japanese Tea Ceremony?

Japanese tea ceremonies traditionally use two types of matcha: usucha (thin tea) and koicha (thick tea). At Yorimichiya, you’ll prepare and enjoy usucha, a lighter style of matcha whisked with hot water to create a smooth, refreshing bowl of tea.

Usucha is commonly enjoyed in tea ceremonies and is known for its delicate froth and balanced flavour. In contrast, koicha is prepared with a higher concentration of matcha and less water, creating a thicker, richer tea traditionally served in more formal tea gatherings.

During your experience at Yorimichiya, your instructor will guide you through preparing your own bowl of Uji matcha using traditional tea utensils, including a bamboo whisk (chasen), a tea scoop (chashaku) and a tea bowl (chawan).

Your First Matcha Experience

Never made matcha before? No experience is needed. Our instructor will guide you through the process, so you can relax, learn at your own pace and enjoy whisking your very own bowl of matcha.

Why Choose Yorimichiya?

A Unique Kyoto Tea Ceremony Experience

Experience the Japanese tea ceremony in a way that goes beyond ordinary sightseeing. At Yorimichiya, you can discover the traditions of Chado (the Way of Tea), prepare your own bowl of matcha, and enjoy traditional Japanese sweets in a historic Kyoto setting. With views of the Kamo River and the warm hospitality of a local tea master, this 50-minute experience offers a meaningful connection with Japanese culture.

Taste Authentic Uji Matcha

Uji, near Kyoto, is one of Japan’s most celebrated tea-producing regions, known for its long history of matcha production and expertise in tea cultivation. During your tea ceremony, discover the distinctive flavour of Uji matcha, known for its rich umami, gentle sweetness, and vibrant green colour. Learn how matcha is prepared and experience the pleasure of whisking your own bowl using a traditional bamboo whisk.

English-Speaking Hosts and Local Tea Masters

Uji, near Kyoto, is one of Japan’s most celebrated tea-producing regions, known for its long history of matcha production and expertise in tea cultivation. During your tea ceremony, discover the distinctive flavour of Uji matcha, known for its rich umami, gentle sweetness, and vibrant green colour. Learn how matcha is prepared and experience the pleasure of whisking your own bowl using a traditional bamboo whisk.

Step Inside a 150-Year-Old Kyoto Machiya

Uji, near Kyoto, is one of Japan’s most celebrated tea-producing regions, known for its long history of matcha production and expertise in tea cultivation. During your tea ceremony, discover the distinctive flavour of Uji matcha, known for its rich umami, gentle sweetness, and vibrant green colour. Learn how matcha is prepared and experience the pleasure of whisking your own bowl using a traditional bamboo whisk.

Who Can Enjoy Our Tea Ceremony?

Families with Children Aged 6 and Above

Introduce your children to Japanese culture through an engaging, hands-on tea ceremony. Families can learn about Chado, discover the traditions behind matcha, and enjoy preparing their own bowl of tea together. Children must be aged 6 or above to participate in the Yorimichiya tea ceremony.

Couples and Honeymooners

Share a memorable cultural experience in a traditional Kyoto machiya. Surrounded by historic architecture and the tranquil atmosphere of the Kamo River, couples can slow down, enjoy authentic Uji matcha, and create a special memory of their time in Japan.

Friends and Small Groups

Discover Japanese tea culture together in a welcoming and historic setting. Whether you are travelling with friends, celebrating a special occasion, or visiting Kyoto as part of an educational trip, the tea ceremony offers an opportunity to learn something new and share a meaningful cultural experience.

International Visitors

Our English-speaking guidance makes the Japanese tea ceremony accessible to visitors from around the world. Learn about the history, philosophy, and etiquette of Chado while discovering the care and hospitality behind every bowl of tea. No previous knowledge of Japanese tea culture is required.

Travelling with a Baby or a Child Under 6?

If you are visiting Kyoto with younger children, we also offer a private tea ceremony at our other location, Way of Matcha. This family-friendly experience welcomes younger guests, allowing your family to discover Japanese tea culture together in a private setting. Explore our private family tea ceremony to find the experience that best suits your family.

Travelling with a Large Group?

Planning a group visit to Kyoto? Yorimichiya welcomes school trips, corporate groups, educational tours, travel groups, and large families. We offer Japanese tea ceremonies for up to 30 guests per session, with multiple sessions available for larger groups. You can also combine tea ceremony and Japanese calligraphy in our historic machiya, allowing your group to experience two traditional Japanese cultural activities under one roof.

For groups of 15 or more, private use of the entire machiya can be arranged upon request, subject to availability.