Kyoto: Tea Ceremony in a Traditional Tea Room

Experience an authentic Kyoto tea ceremony inside Tondaya, a historic machiya dating back to 1885, with Uji matcha, Japanese sweets, and a guided look at its traditional spaces.

Getting started

Make your way to Nishijin Lifestyle Museum Tondaya, where the experience begins inside this preserved Kyoto machiya. Once inside, settle into the traditional setting before your tea ceremony begins. Depending on your selected option, you can also change into a silk kimono for a more immersive experience.

What to expect

• The tea ceremony takes place in Rakuju, a small authentic tea room whose construction was supervised by the 12th-generation tea master of the Musha Koji Senke school, one of Japan’s principal tea ceremony schools. The intimate setting offers a closer look at the customs and details behind this centuries-old tradition.

• As the ceremony unfolds, a seasoned tea master demonstrates the precise movements and rituals involved in preparing and serving tea. You’ll enjoy Uji matcha and traditional Japanese sweets, giving you a chance to experience one of Kyoto’s most enduring cultural traditions.

• After the ceremony, continue with a guided tour of Tondaya’s historic machiya. Built in 1885, the property is recognized for its cultural and architectural significance and preserves six traditional gardens, three tea rooms, two wells, three storehouses, and a Noh stage.

• Throughout the tour, staff share stories and introduce historic artifacts connected to the house and its way of life. The experience offers more than a tea ceremony, bringing together Kyoto tea culture, traditional Japanese architecture, and the heritage of Nishijin in one visit.

• Depending on your ticket, the experience can also include a silk kimono or a private silk kimono option, adding another layer to your time inside this historic Kyoto setting.