Japan · TEA CEREMONY EXPERIENCES

The 15 Best Tea Ceremony Experiences in Japan

33 tours  ·  from $18 a head

Forty minutes on tatami, a bowl whisked in front of you, and a host explaining why every movement comes in that order. The 15 below range from a short lesson to a full seated ceremony in a Kyoto tea house, with prices and how much kneeling each one involves.

Kyoto: Tea Ceremony in a Traditional Tea House in Kiyomizu - The welcome and the story behind tea practice
Tea Ceremony Experiences, Tea Ceremony Experiences in Kyoto, Tour Reviews, Tours in Kyoto

Kyoto: Tea Ceremony in a Traditional Tea House in Kiyomizu

1.Tea Ceremony in a Traditional Tea House in Kiyomizu

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 3,519 reviews · 45 min · from $49Our pick

At Sakaguchian tea house near Kiyomizu-Dera, an English-speaking host introduces the 500-year tea tradition before a tea master performs the ceremony. You then whisk your own matcha, enjoy a Japanese sweet, sip a second bowl, and pose for a garden photo. The 45-minute session costs $49 and does not include kimono rental.

“The Tea Ceremony was held in a tea house with a beautiful garden in the back. Learning about and participating in preparing matcha was a great experience!”

Check availability →Read our full review

Kyoto: Tea Ceremony Ju-An at Jotokuji Temple - Entering Jotokuji Temple and finding the tearoom
Tea Ceremony Experiences, Tea Ceremony Experiences in Kyoto, Temple & Shrine Tours, Temple and Shrine Tours in Kyoto, Tour Reviews, Tours in Kyoto

Kyoto: Tea Ceremony Ju-An at Jotokuji Temple

2.Tea Ceremony Ju-An at Jotokuji Temple

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 3,207 reviews · 1h 10m · from $29

Enter Jotokuji Temple, take part in a purification ritual, then learn the art of matcha in the Grand Tearoom. English-speaking hosts, including Kate and Taka, explain each step and guide you as you prepare your own tea. Expect a small group of up to 10, traditional sweets, floor seating, and a calm 70-minute workshop.

“The hosts of the tea ceremony were so very sweet, charming and kind. They took the time to explain every step of the matcha tea preparation carefully and then gave us the opportunity to prepare our own tea under their guidance. Very nice experience.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Kyoto: 45-Minute Tea Ceremony Lesson Experience - Making matcha yourself
Tea Ceremony Experiences, Tea Ceremony Experiences in Kyoto, Tour Reviews, Tours in Kyoto

Kyoto: 45-Minute Tea Ceremony Lesson Experience

3.45-Minute Tea Ceremony Lesson Experience

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 2,378 reviews · 45 min · from $22

At Tea Ceremony Koto near Kinkakuji, you sit on tatami and learn the full thin-tea ritual from an English-speaking Urasenke tea master. Watch matcha being prepared, make your own tea, taste two green teas with Japanese sweets, and hear about the ceremony’s history and meaning. Add a kimono or choose a private, public, or candlelit session.

“Our guide was very knowledgeable and loved that we could add on rental of kimono. The setting was perfect and the history lesson of the tea ceremony was great.”

Check availability →Read our full review

World Heritage Kyoto & Nara Uji Authentic Matcha Experience - Kasuga Grand Shrine and Nara Park
Nara & the Deer Park, Tea Ceremony Experiences, Tour Reviews, Tours in Nara, World Heritage Tours

World Heritage Kyoto & Nara Uji Authentic Matcha Experience

4.World Heritage Kyoto & Nara Uji Authentic Matcha Experience

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,573 reviews · from $129Top rated

Travel from Kyoto to Nara and Uji by air-conditioned coach with an English-speaking guide such as Nanami, Yuta, or At-Chan. See Todai-ji, Kasuga Shrine, Nara Park, Byodoin Temple, and Heijo Palace, then prepare and drink matcha at a historic Uji tea shop. Japanese lunch is optional.

“Yuta was a very professional and informative tour guide who went the extra mile to make the trip great and also to take an interest in our trips to Japan, adding any recommendations as appropriate. The tour was well paced and the bus was really comfy. I would definitely recommend this with Yuta as a guide!”

Check availability →Read our full review

Osaka: Tea Ceremony Experience - Watching the full demonstration
Tea Ceremony Experiences, Tour Reviews, Tours in Osaka

Osaka: Tea Ceremony Experience

5.Tea Ceremony Experience

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 1,426 reviews · 45 min · from $25

In Osaka’s Dotonbori area, Japanese instructors in kimono guide you through a 45-minute tea ceremony in clear English. You’ll hear the story behind the ritual, watch a careful demonstration, then whisk your own matcha with traditional tools and enjoy seasonal Japanese sweets. Guides such as Yuki, Akiko, Kazu, and Mayumi are praised for their warm, patient teaching.

“Our matcha tea guide was excellent. She provided us with a heap of relevant information about the tea ceremony and very useful instructions. Love the little confectionery she offered as well. Would certainly recommend.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Kyoto: Table-Style Tea Ceremony at a Kyo-Machiya - Inside a more than 100-year-old Kyoto home
Tea Ceremony Experiences, Tea Ceremony Experiences in Kyoto, Tour Reviews, Tours in Kyoto

Kyoto: Table-Style Tea Ceremony at a Kyo-Machiya

6.Table-Style Tea Ceremony at a Kyo-Machiya

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 1,211 reviews · 1h 30m · from $45

Spend 90 minutes in a more than 100-year-old Kyoto townhouse with English-speaking hosts. Sit at a table, learn tea manners, prepare frothy matcha, sample sweets and a welcome drink, try calligraphy, arrange flowers, and take photos in the garden. Optional kimono rental adds about 30 minutes before the ceremony.

“The ladies make you feel so special and will do anything to make you enjoy the experience. It was well organised and you get a lot more than is advertised for the activity. Cannot fault it. Directions were good, the village is nice to explore where the activity is held. Very uplifting, would definately recommend!!”

Check availability →Read our full review

Kanazawa: Kenrokuen Tea Ceremony Experience - Finding Kenrokutei inside Kenrokuen
Tea Ceremony Experiences, Tour Reviews, Tours in Kanazawa

Kanazawa: Kenrokuen Tea Ceremony Experience

7.Kenrokuen Tea Ceremony Experience

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 1,139 reviews · 1 hour · from $35

At Kenrokutei, a historic tea room inside Kenrokuen Garden, an English-speaking guide explains the meaning and etiquette of tea ceremony before a tea master prepares matcha. You will taste wagashi sweets, watch each careful movement, and whisk your own tea. The one-hour session costs $35, with garden admission paid separately.

“This is a wonderful experience. Really calm atmosphere in the tea room. Ladies were Informative and happy to answer questions. For me the experience was enhanced by being within the beautiful gardens. Would highly recommend. I have already had friends who took this tour and they have also enjoyed it very much.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Kimono Tea Ceremony at Kyoto Maikoya, NISHIKI - Making matcha and tasting wagashi
Kimono Dressing & Photoshoots, Kimono Experiences in Kyoto, Tea Ceremony Experiences, Tea Ceremony Experiences in Kyoto, Tour Reviews, Tours in Kyoto

Kimono Tea Ceremony at Kyoto Maikoya, NISHIKI

8.Kimono Tea Ceremony at Kyoto Maikoya, NISHIKI

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 911 reviews · from $65

At Maikoya Nishiki, you choose a kimono, receive simple hairstyling, and join a tea master such as Sono for a guided 90-minute ceremony. You will learn the history and etiquette, prepare matcha, and enjoy wagashi sweets. The central Kyoto location, morning and afternoon times, and mobile ticket make this an easy cultural stop.

“The tea making experience dressed in traditional kimono was amazing. The explanation of ceremony was informative to all.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Kyoto: Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, Monkeys, Matcha & Temple Tour - The Bamboo Forest is beautiful, busy, and brief
Arashiyama & Bamboo Grove Tours, Tea Ceremony Experiences, Tea Ceremony Experiences in Kyoto, Temple & Shrine Tours, Temple and Shrine Tours in Kyoto, Tour Reviews, Tours in Kyoto

Kyoto: Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, Monkeys, Matcha & Temple Tour

9.Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, Monkeys, Matcha & Temple Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 759 reviews · from $53

Spend four to four and a half hours walking through Arashiyama with an English-speaking guide. Visit Tenryu-ji, Nonomiya Shrine, the Bamboo Forest, Togetsukyo Bridge, and Monkey Park Iwatayama. Guides such as Tim, Amy, Nay, and Gabriele have been praised for clear explanations and friendly pacing. Expect plenty of walking and an uphill climb to the monkeys.

“Amy & Daniel were great providing lots of information and keeping us all on track. The temple and grove were fascinating and the guides very knowledgeable about it. The monkeys were cute as there were babies. It’s a bit of a hike up to them but the view was definitely worth it. Great experience.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Tea Ceremony Experience in Osaka Doutonbori - Why the small-group setting improves the lesson
Tea Ceremony Experiences, Tour Reviews, Tours in Osaka

Tea Ceremony Experience in Osaka Doutonbori

10.Tea Ceremony Experience in Osaka Doutonbori

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 754 reviews · from $20

In central Dotonbori, an experienced tea instructor guides you through Japanese tea culture, etiquette, and matcha making. You will watch a formal preparation, taste matcha with a traditional sweet, then whisk your own bowl. Guides such as Kazu, Mai, and Soda lead small groups, with caffeine-free matcha milk available for children.

“This was a lovely, educational experience. I learned a lot about the history of the tea ceremony and how to perform the tea ceremony. Mai was a gracious, graceful and engaging host and teacher. I walked away feeling confident that I can now formally make and serve a proper cup to tea with respect and style.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Matcha Making Class in Tokyo with Authentic Japanese Sweets Set - Why the hands-on format works
Dessert Tours, Tea Ceremony Experiences, Tour Reviews, Tours in Tokyo

Matcha Making Class in Tokyo with Authentic Japanese Sweets Set

11.Matcha Making Class in Tokyo with Authentic Japanese Sweets Set

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 744 reviews · from $21

In Asakusa, an English-speaking host guides you through matcha’s history, quality, and traditional preparation. You whisk your own tea with a bamboo whisk, then enjoy it with seasonal Japanese sweets. Instructors may include Rino, Shuri, Hiya, or Nama. The one-hour class suits beginners, families, and anyone wanting a relaxed alternative to a formal tea ceremony.

“I had a very enjoyable experience with matcha. I tried making it for the first time, and it was very tasty and the staff was very fun and attentive. I highly recommend it if you are ever in Asakusa, Tokyo.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Kyoto: Tea Museum Tickets and Matcha Grinding Experience - From powder to bowl: learning to whisk matcha
Museums, Tea Ceremony Experiences, Tea Ceremony Experiences in Kyoto, Tickets, Tour Reviews, Tours in Kyoto

Kyoto: Tea Museum Tickets and Matcha Grinding Experience

12.Tea Museum Tickets and Matcha Grinding Experience

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 739 reviews · 1 hour · from $23

At Chazuna in Uji, you’ll explore digital tea exhibits, grind tencha leaves by hand, and whisk your own matcha with an English or Japanese instructor. Guides such as Hideko, Keiko, and Yano-san lead the friendly, hands-on class. The one-hour experience includes museum admission and seasonal matcha over ice cream at the 2:45 p.m. session.

“I like the diacuasion regarding the 3 types of teas in Japan and the hands-on workshop. I can now brew my own matcha. And also for the facilitators, they are very helpful. kudos to them. I enjoyed it very much.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Kyoto: Kimono Tea Ceremony at Orizuruya Gion - Adding Japanese Calligraphy for Two Hours
Geisha & Gion District Tours, Kimono Dressing & Photoshoots, Kimono Experiences in Kyoto, Tea Ceremony Experiences, Tea Ceremony Experiences in Kyoto, Tour Reviews, Tours in Kyoto

Kyoto: Kimono Tea Ceremony at Orizuruya Gion

13.Kimono Tea Ceremony at Orizuruya Gion

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 618 reviews · 90 minutes - 2 hours · from $49

At Orizuruya Gion, you choose from more than 200 kimono designs, receive professional dressing and simple hairstyling, then join an English-speaking instructor for a traditional tea ceremony. You prepare your own matcha, enjoy wagashi from a century-old confectionery, and can add a Japanese calligraphy lesson for a two-hour visit.

“It really is a new experience for me, so everything was ‘wow’ from dressing up to the end of tea ceremony. Really adore the lovely lady who was our host.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Kyoto: Tea Ceremony in 100-year-old Kyo-Machiya Townhouse - Why making your own matcha matters
Tea Ceremony Experiences, Tea Ceremony Experiences in Kyoto, Tour Reviews, Tours in Kyoto

Kyoto: Tea Ceremony in 100-year-old Kyo-Machiya Townhouse

14.Tea Ceremony in 100-year-old Kyo-Machiya Townhouse

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 546 reviews · 50 minutes - 3 hours · from $31

At a 100-year-old machiya near Kyoto Imperial Palace, a tea master and English-speaking interpreter explain the history, etiquette, sweets, tea bowls, and careful gestures of Japanese tea. You then whisk your own matcha. Add kimono rental, hairstyling, makeup, or a 30-minute townhouse tour for a longer Kyoto outing.

“So interesting and relaxing. Enjoyed it so much, and the tea and sweets were really nice. Such a lovely thing to do in Kyoto, would 100% recommend!”

Check availability →Read our full review

Tokyo: Traditional Tea Ceremony with a Tea Master - Starting with Shizuoka wakocha and a tea cake
Tea Ceremony Experiences, Tour Reviews, Tours in Tokyo

Tokyo: Traditional Tea Ceremony with a Tea Master

15.Traditional Tea Ceremony with a Tea Master

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 528 reviews · 1 hour · from $38

Across from Tokyo University, Ocharu’s English-speaking tea master guides you through wakocha, Gyokuro, matcha, and Genmaicha. You will taste seasonal wagashi from Ougiya, whisk your own matcha, sample tea leaves, and leave with a certificate and group photo. The tone is friendly and informal rather than strictly ceremonial.

“The experience was both interesting and calming. Learning about the different types of tea and various temperatures was insightful to me as an avid tea drinker. Our tea master was knowledgeable and had a great sense of humour. We always felt at ease throughout. I would highly recommend this experience to anyone curious about the process while visiting Japan.”

Check availability →Read our full review

New in Tea Ceremony Experiences

★ 4.9Osaka Temple Cool Foot Bath & Matcha Experience〈45min〉From $3482 reviews
★ 5.0Full-Day Tour from Kanazawa: Samurai, Matcha, Gardens and GeishaFrom $15168 reviews
★ 4.9Samurai, Matcha, Gardens and Geisha Full-Day TourFrom $15675 reviews
★ 5.0Arashiyama Bamboo, Temple, Matcha, Monkeys & secret spotsFrom $89219 reviews
★ 5.0Hiroshima Local guided Hiking Tour&Open-air Tea CeremonyFrom $109213 reviews
★ 4.7Matcha and Kimono ExperienceFrom $57219 reviews
★ 4.9Kimono Tea Ceremony with Matcha and SweetFrom $66249 reviews
★ 5.0Authentic Kyoto Tea Ceremony: Camellia Flower TeahouseFrom $36269 reviews
★ 4.3Tea Ceremony with Maiko PremiumFrom $50280 reviews
★ 4.8Nishiki Market Tea Ceremony with Koto PerformanceFrom $56294 reviews
★ 4.8Newly Opened Tea Ceremony – Sanjo ChasuianFrom $31288 reviews
★ 4.3Kimono and Tea Ceremony Experience at Cultural AssetFrom $222306 reviews

Keep browsing

Kimono Dressing & PhotoshootsCalligraphy & Craft WorkshopsZen & Meditation ExperiencesGeisha & Gion District ToursSamurai & Ninja ExperiencesMartial Arts Experiences
Scroll to Top

Explore Japan

Pick a temple, a counter, a mountain or a circuit.

Old Japan

Temples & ShrinesTea CeremoniesGion & GeishaSamurai & NinjaCastles

The table

Food ToursSake TastingsCooking ClassesSushi ClassesRamen Workshops

Out of the city

Mount FujiHakoneHiroshima & MiyajimaNaraShirakawa-go

Only here

SumoCar MeetsStreet Go-KartsSnow MonkeysAnime & Manga