Whisk your own Uji matcha in a 150-year-old Kyoto machiya along the Kamo River. Enjoy a Kyoto Tea Ceremony guided by a local instructor.
What is a Japanese Tea Ceremony?
Japanese tea ceremony, known as Chado (茶道) or Sado, literally means “The Way of Tea.”
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.
What to Expect at Our Kyoto Tea Ceremony?
Enter a Traditional Kyoto Machiya
Your experience begins by stepping into Yorimichiya, a traditional Japanese machiya.
The architecture and atmosphere of the space provide a natural setting to learn about Japanese tea culture and experience the spirit of hospitality that lies at the heart of Chado.
Learn about Uji matcha, one of Japan's most renowned types of green tea, and discover how matcha became an important part of Japanese culture. Your instructor will explain the basic history and characteristics of matcha before guiding you through the tea ceremony.
Observe the Preparation of Matcha
Watch as your host prepares matcha using traditional tea utensils and carefully considered movements. The ceremony is not about speed. Each movement is intentional, allowing the host to create a moment of hospitality for the guest.
Enjoy Matcha and Japanese Sweets
Taste freshly prepared matcha together with a traditional Japanese sweet. The sweetness of the wagashi and the slightly bitter, rich flavor of matcha create a classic combination that has been enjoyed in Japanese tea culture for generations.
Make Your Own Matcha
You will also have the opportunity to prepare your own bowl of matcha. With guidance from your instructor, learn how to use a Chasen (bamboo tea whisk) and experience the process of making matcha yourself. No previous experience is necessary.
The philosophy of Japanese tea ceremony is often expressed through four principles:
Wa — Harmony
Wa (和) represents harmony between people, nature, and the surrounding environment.
Kei — Respect
Kei (敬) means showing respect to the host, guests, tea utensils, and the space in which the ceremony takes place.
Sei — Purity
Sei (清) represents purity—not only cleanliness of the physical space, but also clarity and sincerity of the mind.
Jaku — Tranquility
Jaku (寂) represents tranquility and inner calm, which can be experienced through the practice of tea.
Together, these principles are known as
Wa-Kei-Sei-Jaku (和敬清寂).
Frequently Asked Questions
A Unique Kyoto Tea Ceremony Experience
Experience an authentic Kyoto tea ceremony in a historic machiya along the Kamo River, surrounded by the atmosphere of traditional Kyoto.
Authentic Uji Matcha from Kyoto
Whisk your own bowl of Uji matcha, carefully sourced from a local tea farm in Uji, Kyoto, the birthplace of Japan’s finest matcha.
Learn from Local English-Speaking Hosts
Our friendly local staff guide you through the Japanese tea ceremony in English, making the experience enjoyable and easy to understand for international visitors.
A 150-Year-Old Kyoto Machiya
Step inside a traditional Kyoto machiya built over 150 years ago during the early Meiji era and discover Japanese culture in an authentic historic setting.
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.
Kyoto — The Heart of Japanese Tea Culture
A Kyoto tea ceremony is more than a sightseeing activity.
It is an opportunity to experience Japanese culture through all of your senses.
You will see traditional architecture, learn about Japanese history, observe the aesthetics of tea utensils, taste authentic matcha, and experience the hospitality of a Japanese tea host.
Most importantly, you will have the opportunity to slow down and appreciate a single moment.
This concept is connected to Ichigo Ichie (一期一会)—the idea that every encounter is unique and will never happen in exactly the same way again.
Your tea ceremony in Kyoto may last only an hour, but the experience can offer a lasting impression of Japanese culture.
You do not need to know anything about Chado before joining.
Our experience is designed for international visitors who want to understand Japanese tea culture in an approachable and enjoyable way.
Your instructor will explain the ceremony step by step, including the basic etiquette, meaning of the movements, and how to enjoy the tea.
Whether you are traveling with your family, partner, friends, or as part of a group, you can participate at your own pace.
Families and Children
Introduce children to Japanese culture through an interactive experience where they can see, taste, and make matcha themselves.
Couples and Honeymooners
Share a peaceful and memorable cultural experience together in a traditional Kyoto setting.
Friends and Small Groups
Perfect for educational trips, this experience allows friends and small groups to learn about Japanese tea culture together while creating meaningful memories in Kyoto.
International Visitors
Our tea ceremony is conducted in English, making it easy for visitors from around the world to understand the history, philosophy, and etiquette of Chado.
Drinking matcha can be as simple as enjoying a cup of green tea.
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.
Discover the traditions of Japanese tea culture in the heart of Kyoto.
At Yorimichiya, we invite you to step away from the busy pace of sightseeing, sit down, and experience a moment of harmony, respect, purity, and tranquility.
Taste authentic Uji matcha, learn about Chado, and experience Japanese hospitality in a traditional Kyoto machiya.
Come not only to drink matcha, but to discover the Way of Tea.
Book Your Kyoto Tea Ceremony Experience!!
What Our Guests Say
Our guests come from around the world to discover Japanese culture at Yorimichiya.
Many visitors appreciate being able to participate in a traditional Japanese art rather than simply observing it.
We recommend featuring verified guest reviews from Viator, TripAdvisor, Google to share real experiences from previous guests.
What a super learning and fun experience! The staff is so so friendly and nice. We had amazing people helping and learning us new things. The tea ceremony was very calming and we learned a lot! They were very welcoming and so sweet! Definitely a recommendation!
Jul, 2026
La cerimonia del tè è stata molto piacevole. L’insegnante parlava molto bene in inglese e ha reso la spiegazione divertente ponendo domande e quiz. È stato molto coinvolgente! Siamo arrivati un po’ prima e ci ha anche mostrato il piano superiore della casa. Una bellissima sorpresa.
Aug, 2026
The instructor Yudai was amazing—very knowledgeable, friendly, and kind. He explained everything very clearly. I was so surprised that, even though he is Japanese, he speaks English very fluently, which made the Matcha Tea Ceremony class so enjoyable and comfortable. The 150-year-old house is beautiful, and the atmosphere is very peaceful and welcoming. I highly recommend this class and Yudai as a teacher. I hope we can meet again! Thank you, Yudai, for such a wonderful experience!
Aug, 2026
Muy completa la experiencia, pudimos ver toda la casa y nos explicaron muchas cosas de Japón y tradiciones.
