Kyoto Ankoan

Discover Japanese tea culture at Kyoto Ankoan through a traditional tea ceremony, hands-on tea preparation, and the delicate pairing of matcha with wagashi.

Getting started

Make your way to Kyoto Ankoan, located along Shinnomiya Shopping Street, approximately a 3-minute walk from the Daitokuji-mae bus stop in Kyoto. Upon arrival, complete registration at the designated meeting point before settling in for your session. The experience begins with Chinese tea and an introduction to the tea ceremony, including its customs, important guidelines, and the schedule for the session.

What to expect

• Learn about Japanese and Chinese tea traditions as your instructor explains the background and etiquette of the tea ceremony. This introduction helps you understand the significance of the rituals you will encounter during the experience.

• Watch your instructor perform a Japanese tea ceremony and observe the techniques involved in preparing and serving tea. Discover the attention to detail and thoughtful movements that make this practice an important part of Japanese cultural heritage.

• Move beyond observation and try preparing tea yourself under the instructor’s guidance. This interactive session offers a closer look at the techniques and customs associated with traditional Japanese tea preparation.

• Enjoy a serving of matcha accompanied by wagashi, traditional Japanese sweets. The pairing adds a culinary element to your tea ceremony experience while giving you a taste of a familiar Japanese cultural tradition.

Once the ceremony concludes, continue discovering the city at your own pace. Daitokuji Temple is approximately a 3-minute walk away, making it a convenient addition to your itinerary. The experience also takes place on rainy days, so you can enjoy this cultural activity regardless of the weather.