Coffee & Tea

Kyoto Kinkaku-ji Area: Matcha Making & Tea Ceremony

Person performing traditional Japanese tea ceremony with matcha tools.

Whisking matcha in a bowl during a tea ceremony in Kyoto.

Entrance to Koto tea ceremony venue with yellow curtain in Japan.

Licensed tea master instructing guest on matcha whisking near Kyoto’s Golden Pavilion.

Duration

45 mins

Free cancellation

Free cancellation up to 3 days before the start of your experience

Book now, pay later

Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change.

4.3/5(14)

Joao A

Group

Verified booking

Mar 2026

The place is small and intimate. We went as a group of four people, two friends, my wife, and me. We arrived early. The lady who attended to us was extremely kind. She explained the rules of behavior and dressed us in kimonos. The entire ceremony was properly explained. Her English is very good. There was a break for questions after the first phase. She also allowed us to take photos at will. We did so at the beginning, during breaks, and at the end. The sweets are excellent and generously portioned. The matcha we drank first was mild (suggested by her for beginners) and then a more "bitter" one. We were able to repeat the ceremony under her guidance and watched the presenter's exquisite preparation. In short, it was beautiful, peaceful, cultural, and inspiring. We loved it.

Shreya C

Group

Verified booking

Mar 2026

The first cup of tea made by the tea master was really enjoyable. The atmosphere and setting was also really calming and pleasing. They also sell ceremonial grade matcha at really good prices.

Join a 45-minute shared tea ceremony conducted in English near Kinkaku-ji.

Take part as a guest in an authentic Japanese tea ceremony, not just a demonstration.

Learn the proper etiquette, gestures, and flow of the ceremony inside a traditional tatami room.

Prepare and whisk matcha using traditional tea utensils.

Upgrade your experience with a kimono dressing option (minimum 2 guests required).

45-minute shared tea ceremony session

Tea ceremony conducted in English

Matcha preparation and tasting

Introduction to tea ceremony etiquette

Kimono dressing during the ceremony (if option selected)

You can cancel these tickets up to 3 days before the experience begins and get a full refund.

14 reviews
How do we collect reviews?
These ratings include verified reviews from both Headout guests and our trusted partners who operate this experience locally. All reviews come from real travelers who've taken this experience.
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Guests from France, Australia, Sweden and over 8 countries have loved this experience
What our guests say
Shreya C
Group
Verified booking
Mar 2026
The first cup of tea made by the tea master was really enjoyable. The atmosphere and setting was also really calming and pleasing. They also sell ceremonial grade matcha at really good prices.
David W
Couple
Verified booking
Mar 2026
It was a great experience. Which gave us a great understanding of the ceremony.
Joao A
Group
Verified booking
Mar 2026
The place is small and intimate. We went as a group of four people, two friends, my wife, and me. We arrived early. The lady who attended to us was extremely kind. She explained the rules of behavior and dressed us in kimonos. The entire ceremony was properly explained. Her English is very good. There was a break for questions after the first phase. She also allowed us to take photos at will. We did so at the beginning, during breaks, and at the end. The sweets are excellent and generously portioned. The matcha we drank first was mild (suggested by her for beginners) and then a more "bitter" one. We were able to repeat the ceremony under her guidance and watched the presenter's exquisite preparation. In short, it was beautiful, peaceful, cultural, and inspiring. We loved it.
Niels K
Couple
Verified booking
Jan 2026
The matcha tea was tastier than the tea we ever had before
Berthille G
Solo
Verified booking
Last week

Step into Kyoto’s tea culture through a 45-minute shared tea ceremony held near Kinkaku-ji. Conducted in English, this session allows you to actively participate as a guest while learning the refined customs and etiquette of the Japanese tea tradition.

Getting started

Arrive at the tea house before your scheduled time and present your booking confirmation. After a brief introduction to tea ceremony etiquette, you’ll enter the tatami-lined room where the session takes place.

What to expect

Tea Ceremony experience

Experience an authentic Japanese tea ceremony led by an experienced instructor — known for preserving one of Japan’s most respected tea traditions.

Features

Learn how to handle the tea bowl properly as a guest

Prepare and whisk matcha using traditional utensils

Observe the movements and sequence that define the ceremony

Experience the quiet, respectful atmosphere of a traditional tea room

Upgrades

Enhance your experience by choosing the kimono upgrade — wear elegant Japanese attire during the ceremony and capture memorable photos throughout the house.

What to bring

Please bring your booking confirmation, either in digital or printed form, to present upon arrival.

You must wear socks, as shoes are not permitted inside the tatami tea room.

What’s not allowed

Guests must not engage in loud conversations or disruptive behaviour, as the tea ceremony requires a quiet and respectful atmosphere.

Guests who arrive late beyond their scheduled session time may not be accommodated.

Accessibility

Chairs are available for guests who are unable to sit on tatami mats, but you should inform the instructor in advance if you require one.

Additional information

This is a shared tea ceremony experience conducted with other participants.

The seating capacity may reach approximately 13 guests during high season.

The tea room requires a calm and quiet atmosphere throughout the session.

If small children become disruptive during the ceremony, guests may be asked to step outside in order to maintain the setting.

Guests who select the kimono option must arrive at least 20 minutes before the session begins for dressing.

For children under 7–8 years old who select the kimono option, a yukata will be provided instead of a kimono.

The kimono option requires a minimum booking of two guests.

Your voucher will be emailed to you shortly.

Display the voucher on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID at the starting point.

Please check your final voucher for the starting point details & specific instructions.