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Kyoto: Tea Ceremony Experience in a 100-Year-Old Machiya near Nishiki Market

Whisking matcha in a traditional tea ceremony at a 100-year-old Machiya townhouse.
Ceramic bowl of matcha tea with traditional sweets on tatami mat in Machiya townhouse.
Traditional tea ceremony setup in a 100-year-old Machiya townhouse with tatami mats and tea utensils.
Tea ceremony in a traditional Machiya townhouse with a woman in a kimono serving tea.

Duration

50 min - 3 hr
    • Join a traditional Kyoto tea ceremony inside a 100-year-old machiya townhouse near Nishiki Market.

    • Learn tea etiquette, watch the ritual, and whisk your own bowl of matcha.

    • Enjoy seasonal wagashi sweets served with premium Kyoto matcha.

    • Small-group session with English guidance for a clear cultural introduction.

    • Upgrade to a kimono plan to dress traditionally and take photos in the machiya setting.

    • Guided Japanese tea ceremony

    • Matcha tea preparation session

    • Traditional wagashi sweets

    • Tea ceremony etiquette guidance

    • Tea ceremony in machiya townhouse

    • Kimono rental (based on option selected)

    • Hotel transfers

    • Personal expenses

    • Professional photography services

  • These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.

  • Step into a historic Kyoto machiya and take part in a traditional tea ceremony where you learn the ritual, prepare matcha, and enjoy wagashi sweets in an authentic cultural setting.

    Getting started

    Arrive at the machiya townhouse near Nishiki Market 10–15 minutes before your scheduled session. Show your mobile ticket at reception for validation and remove your shoes before entering the tatami rooms.

    What to expect

    Machiya tea ceremony house near Nishiki Market

    A preserved Kyoto townhouse where hosts introduce visitors to the traditions and etiquette of the Japanese tea ceremony.

    Features

    • Introduction to tea ceremony etiquette: Your host explains the meaning of the ritual, tea utensils, and the basic etiquette followed during a traditional ceremony.

    • Matcha preparation and tasting: Watch the host prepare matcha, then whisk and enjoy your own bowl of tea paired with seasonal wagashi sweets.

    • Historic machiya setting: Experience the ceremony inside a 100-year-old wooden townhouse with tatami rooms and traditional architecture.

    Upgrades

    Upgrade to a kimono option to dress in traditional attire before the ceremony and enjoy photo opportunities in the machiya and nearby Kyoto streets.

  • What to bring

    • Wear or bring socks, as shoes are removed before entering tatami rooms in the machiya.

    • For kimono plans, wear light inner layers that are easy to change in and out of.

    What’s not allowed

    • Avoid strong perfumes or fragrances as they interfere with the aroma of matcha.

    • Late arrivals may miss parts of the ceremony introduction or instructions.

    Accessibility

    • Table-and-chair seating is often available for guests unable to sit on tatami.

    • Historic machiya houses may have steps and narrow entrances for wheelchairs.

    Additional information

    • Sessions run in small groups with fixed start times so arrive 10–15 minutes early.

    • Hosts guide the ceremony in English so no prior knowledge is needed.

    • 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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