Kyoto Canon Kyoto

Discover the traditions of Japanese tea culture with a hands-on tea ceremony in Kyoto, just beside the iconic Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine. Learn about the history of Japanese tea, watch a traditional matcha preparation demonstration, and make your own tea with guidance from an experienced instructor before enjoying it with Japanese sweets.

Getting started

Arrive at the tea room near Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine and check in with the staff using your reservation details. The session begins with an English explanation of Japanese tea history, led by an instructor dressed in a traditional kimono. Whether you're new to tea ceremonies or curious about Japanese customs, the experience offers an accessible introduction to this cultural tradition.

What to expect

• Discover the history and customs behind the Japanese tea ceremony through an easy-to-follow explanation in English. Your instructor introduces the traditions and techniques that give this practice its cultural significance.

• Observe the instructor preparing matcha using traditional tea utensils. The demonstration highlights the careful movements and methods involved in creating this distinctive Japanese green tea.

• Take part in a hands-on tea-making session, learning how to handle the utensils and prepare matcha with step-by-step guidance. No previous experience is needed, making this activity suitable for beginners.

• Taste the tea you've prepared alongside traditional Japanese sweets, a classic pairing that complements matcha's rich, distinctive flavour.

Choose a shared tea ceremony to enjoy the experience alongside other participants or a private session for a more personal setting. After the ceremony, you can continue exploring the surroundings of Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine and enjoy more of Kyoto's cultural sights.