Duration
Free cancellation
Book now, pay later
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Put on a traditional kimono and step inside a 140-year-old machiya for a 45-minute tea ceremony, followed by a guided tour of the townhouse with an English or Japanese guide.
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The Machiya Kimono experience & tea ceremony is perfect for culture enthusiasts to learn about time-honored Japanese customs.
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Select either a shared or private group tour—private sessions offer a more personal experience, while shared tours may involve some waiting time.
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Upgrade to a hand-loomed silk kimono, once worn by Japanese nobility. It adds a refined touch to your experience, which traces its roots back to 815 CE when Emperor Saga was first served tea by a Buddhist monk.
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Kimono rental & dressing
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Regular polyester kimono with obi /premium silk kimono with obi (as per option selected)
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Entry to a 100-year-old machiya
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Shared tour/private tour (as per option selected)
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45-minute tea ceremony
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Free photo time in the garden and tatami rooms
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Socks (please bring your own socks)
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Geta (traditional Japanese wooden sandals)
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Hair styling
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Make up
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Lunch
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You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
- 28 ratings4.8
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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.
235000What our guests say
Ben
May 2025Verified booking5/5
Arrive at the 140-year-old machiya townhouse and step into a scene from Japan’s past. After you're helped into a traditional kimono—polyester by default, or upgrade to a hand-loomed silk version if you're feeling fancy—you’ll take a short tour of the historic home. Built during the Meiji era, this townhouse once hosted Kyoto’s elite.
What to expect
You’ll join a 45-minute tea ceremony guided by English- or Japanese-speaking instructors. Learn the quiet, graceful steps of this centuries-old tradition inside a serene tatami room, surrounded by the gentle breeze and timeless charm of the machiya. There’s plenty of time to take photos in the garden and rooms while you’re dressed in a full kimono. Choose between a shared session or a private one for a more personal experience—just note that some wait time may apply if you're part of a shared group. Don’t forget to bring socks, as bare feet aren’t allowed inside. It’s a slow, beautiful moment in the middle of your Kyoto trip—something to remember long after the tea has been poured.
What to bring
- Bring along your white socks as this helps to preserve the venue's cultural assets.
What's not allowed
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Shutterbugs, take note: Flash photography is a no-go inside the venue.
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Keep in mind tripods are not allowed on this experience. Pack wisely!
Accessibility
- This experience is not accessible by wheelchair.
Additional information
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Please avoid wearing tight-fitting clothing such as turtlenecks during the kimono experience.
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This experience is for both men and women.
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Your voucher will be emailed to you shortly.
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Please arrive at the redemption point 15 mins before the scheduled time of your visit to avoid any delays.
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Display the voucher on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID at the redemption point.
Ticket redemption point
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Show your ticket at Tondaya -Nishijin Japanese Cultural Experience Museum.
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Address: 697 Ishiyakushicho, Kamigyo Ward, Kyoto, 602-8226, Japan.
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