Heritage Experiences

Kyoto: Hands-On Matcha Tea Ceremony with a Real Maiko

Meet a Kyoto Maiko and take part in a traditional tea ceremony while learning the etiquette and cultural meaning behind matcha.

Watch matcha whisking, two sweets and a Senjafuda souvenir with traditional Japanese sweets in an intimate indoor setting.

Ask questions directly to a Maiko and learn about her training, lifestyle, and Kyoto’s Geiko (as they are called in Kyoto) traditions.

Capture a memorable photo with the Maiko during the session.

Upgrade to a premium program with a Maiko dance performance and a game for a fun experience.

All plans

Traditional Kyoto tea ceremony experience

Matcha green tea and 2 Japanese sweets

Interaction with a Maiko (Geiko apprentice)

Guided matcha preparation session / Matcha whisking

Traditional Senjafuda name-slip souvenir

Q&A session with the Maiko

Premium plan (in addition to the above)

Maiko dance performance (2 songs)

Cultural games with the Maiko

Hotel transfers to or from the venue

Additional food or drinks not listed

Personal expenses and souvenirs

These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.

Take part in a traditional Kyoto tea ceremony hosted by a Maiko, where you’ll enjoy matcha, learn cultural etiquette, and interact directly with a Geiko apprentice.

Getting started

Make your way to the venue near Gojo Station on the Karasuma subway line. Show your voucher at the entrance for validation before the session begins. Staff welcome you, confirm your booking, and briefly explain the etiquette and flow of the ceremony.

What to expect

Kyoto Maiko tea ceremony

A cultural experience where a Maiko—an apprentice Geiko trained in Kyoto’s traditional arts—hosts a tea ceremony and shares insights into her world.

Features

Tea ceremony with a Maiko: Watch the tea ceremony ritual as matcha is prepared and served with traditional Japanese sweets.

Conversation with the Maiko: Ask questions about Maiko life, training, and traditions during a relaxed Q&A segment.

Photo with the Maiko: Take a commemorative photo with the Maiko during the session.

Upgrades

Choose the longer session to enjoy a Maiko greeting, a close-up dance performance, a lighthearted game for a fun experience.

What to bring

Please bring your booking voucher for verification at the entrance; mobile vouchers are accepted.

What’s not allowed

Non-participants are not permitted to enter the studio. However, children under 2 years old who sit on a parent’s lap can enter without an extra charge.

Accessibility

Access to the venue involves stairs and there is no elevator in the building. Wheelchair access is therefore not available.

Additional information

Reservations received after 5pm are processed on the following day.

Sessions start on time and late comers will still be able to enter but the venue will not adjust the schedule to accommodate latecomers.

English translation support may be provided where possible, and an optional English support guarantee may be available.

The venue is located inside a building rather than a traditional ochaya tea house.

On some days, a Geiko may host the experience instead of a Maiko.

Total duration includes 15 minutes of on-site time after the experience ends.

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.

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