KYOTO SUMMER EDITION Indoor culture, matcha & memories
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Three guests in colorful kimono whisking matcha in a Kyoto tea room

A quiet moment in the heart of Kyoto

Kimono Tea Ceremony
in Kyoto

Wear a beautiful kimono, learn the Japanese tea ceremony and whisk your own bowl of matcha—guided in English.

Check availabilityCompare Kyoto locations
  • Kimono included
  • English-guided
  • 3 Kyoto locations
  • Matcha & sweets
  • Indoor experience
Kyoto, without the midday rush.A relaxing indoor pause for hot or rainy summer days.

One experience. Many Kyoto memories.

Come for the kimono.
Remember the stillness.

Choose your kimonoEnglish explanation by your hostWhisk your own matchaEnjoy Japanese sweetsTake memorable photos

Popular Kyoto experiences

Find the experience
that fits your day.

From a classic first tea ceremony to a private session or an encounter with Kyoto's living arts.

Guests watching a Japanese tea ceremony in a Kyoto tea room3 Kyoto locations

The Kyoto essential

Kimono Tea Ceremony

Dress in kimono, discover tea ceremony etiquette, watch a demonstration and whisk your own matcha.

Best for first-time visitorsKimono included
A private tea ceremony in a Kyoto tea room overlooking a gardenPrivate experience

Your own quiet room

Private Kimono Tea Ceremony

A more personal pace for couples, families and private groups.

Best for special occasionsPrivate setting
GionNishikiKarasuma
A geisha leading a tea ceremony for guests at Gion KiyomizuGion Kiyomizu

Kyoto living arts

Geisha or Maiko Tea Ceremony & Show

Experience tea and the refined hospitality of a professional geisha or maiko.

Best for cultural immersion
View experience
A maiko performing a traditional dance for guests in GionGion Kiyomizu

Performance & conversation

Geisha or Maiko Traditional Games & Show

Enjoy an engaging performance, traditional games and a memorable cultural encounter.

Best for a lively encounter
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Hosts presenting handmade seasonal wagashi in KyotoKarasuma Shijo

Hands-on workshop

Wagashi Making & Tea Ceremony

Shape traditional Japanese sweets, then enjoy them with freshly whisked matcha.

Best for creative travelers
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A family enjoying a Kyoto cultural experience togetherNishiki

Two experiences in one day

Tea Ceremony & Samurai Museum Combo

Pair a kimono tea ceremony with an interactive samurai and ninja museum visit.

Best for families and couples
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Find the right experience

What brings you to Kyoto?

Tap the option that best describes your trip. We will show you our recommended experience.

RECOMMENDED FOR YOUStandard Kimono Tea CeremonyCompare locations →

Three Kyoto locations

Choose your Kyoto.

Each tea house has its own character and specialties. There is no “lesser” choice—only the one that best fits your itinerary.

Traditional machiya exterior of MAIKOYA Gion Kiyomizu01

Traditional Kyoto

Gion Kiyomizu

Best for traditional Kyoto and geisha experiences

  • Near the atmosphere of historic Higashiyama
  • Geisha or maiko experiences
  • Standard and private tea ceremony
View Gion experiences
Tatami tea room at MAIKOYA Nishiki02

Downtown Kyoto

Nishiki

Best for downtown sightseeing and first-time visitors

  • Pair with Nishiki Market sightseeing
  • Tea ceremony + samurai museum combo
  • Standard and private tea ceremony
View Nishiki experiences
Traditional tea room at MAIKOYA Karasuma Shijo03

Calm & convenient

Karasuma Shijo

Best for families, wagashi and private groups

  • Wagashi-making workshop
  • Kids and families option
  • Standard and private tea ceremony
View Karasuma experiences

Find your tea house

Three locations,
one Kyoto welcome.

Open the map for your selected location before your visit. Each MAIKOYA tea house has a different address.

01

Gion Kiyomizu

For traditional Kyoto streets and geisha or maiko experiences.

02

Nishiki

For downtown sightseeing, Nishiki Market and the samurai museum combo.

03

Karasuma Shijo

For families, wagashi making and private groups.

Guests in summer kimono relaxing beside a green Kyoto garden

Summer in Kyoto

A beautiful pause
between temples.

Kyoto days can be hot, humid or rainy. Step indoors for a calm cultural experience that still feels unmistakably Kyoto.

  • A relaxing indoor cultural experience
  • A memorable break during a busy sightseeing day
  • Enjoy Kyoto culture without spending the entire day outdoors
  • A calm moment with matcha and Japanese sweets
Indoor conditions and amenities vary by location. Please check your selected experience page for current details.

A Kyoto story in pictures

From choosing your kimono to the final sip of matcha, discover the moments waiting inside MAIKOYA.

Enjoying traditional wagashi in kimono
Enjoying traditional wagashi in kimono
A family memory in colorful kimono
A family memory in colorful kimono
A multigenerational family dressed in kimono
A multigenerational family dressed in kimono
A family in kimono beside a red torii gate
A family in kimono beside a red torii gate
A family portrait in a Kyoto garden
A family portrait in a Kyoto garden
A family seated together in a tea room
A family seated together in a tea room
A guest in kimono with a red parasol in the garden
A guest in kimono with a red parasol in the garden
Guests walking in kimono near Gion Kiyomizu
Guests walking in kimono near Gion Kiyomizu
Private tea room at Gion Kiyomizu
Private tea room at Gion Kiyomizu
Tea room overlooking the Gion garden
Tea room overlooking the Gion garden
Friends dressed in traditional kimono
Friends dressed in traditional kimono
Friends smiling together in colorful kimono
Friends smiling together in colorful kimono
Guests with their English-speaking tea host
Guests with their English-speaking tea host
Choosing a colorful kimono hair decoration
Choosing a colorful kimono hair decoration
Kimono hair styling with seasonal flowers
Kimono hair styling with seasonal flowers
Hot water being poured during tea preparation
Hot water being poured during tea preparation
Children enjoying kimono in a green Kyoto garden
Children enjoying kimono in a green Kyoto garden
A colorful selection of kimono fabrics
A colorful selection of kimono fabrics
A guest choosing her kimono
A guest choosing her kimono
Professional assistance with kimono dressing
Professional assistance with kimono dressing
Friends outside MAIKOYA in kimono
Friends outside MAIKOYA in kimono
Traditional kimono hairstyle and floral ornament
Traditional kimono hairstyle and floral ornament
A guest in kimono at a colorful Kyoto photo spot
A guest in kimono at a colorful Kyoto photo spot
A guest walking through a seasonal Kyoto garden
A guest walking through a seasonal Kyoto garden
A fresh bowl of matcha on tatami
A fresh bowl of matcha on tatami
A colorful selection of kimono obi
A colorful selection of kimono obi
Guests watching a tea ceremony demonstration
Guests watching a tea ceremony demonstration
A tea host preparing matcha beside the garden
A tea host preparing matcha beside the garden
Seasonal Japanese sweet served with tea
Seasonal Japanese sweet served with tea
Handmade seasonal wagashi
Handmade seasonal wagashi
Hosts presenting handmade wagashi
Hosts presenting handmade wagashi
A guest whisking her own bowl of matcha
A guest whisking her own bowl of matcha

Your experience, step by step

From choosing your kimono
to whisking matcha.

  1. 01Choose your kimono

    Select a color and pattern from our collection.

  2. 02Professional kimono dressing

    An experienced kimono dresser will carefully dress you for the experience.

  3. 03Enter the tea room

    Step into a calm Japanese-style setting.

  4. 04Learn the way of tea

    Follow an English explanation, then whisk your own matcha.

  5. 05Savor and remember

    Enjoy Japanese sweets and capture the moment.

Experience details may vary depending on the selected package and location.

Simple booking

How to Book ?
3 Easy Steps

Choose the experience and Kyoto location that fit your itinerary. Your final booking details will be shown on the selected experience page.

  1. 1

    Choose Your Experience

    Compare the standard, private, geisha or maiko, wagashi and museum-combo options.

  2. 2

    Select a Kyoto Location

    Choose Gion Kiyomizu, Nishiki or Karasuma Shijo based on your plans and preferred experience.

  3. 3

    Check Availability & Book

    Select your date, time and number of guests on the official booking page, then complete your reservation.

Guest reviews

What our guests say.

Recent guest feedback from Google reviews.

5/5

“Attending the Maikoya Tea Ceremony was easily one of the most memorable experiences of my trip. Our host, Emi, didn't just teach us how to make matcha — she shared the history, philosophy, and cultural significance behind every step.”

B WINGER
Google review

5/5

“Had a beautiful time. Did the spring tea ceremony with the kimono. Staff was very friendly and speak English. Went on my own and they made me feel comfortable and welcomed.”

Alexandra Kitty
Google review

5/5

“Really cool experience! The staff helps dress you up in kimonos, and they also do your hair and let you pick flowers. They give you time to take pictures around the garden.”

Anika Masand
Google review

Explore MAIKOYA Gion Kiyomizu →

Good to know

Frequently asked questions

Is kimono rental included?

Kimono rental and professional dressing are included with the standard Kimono Tea Ceremony. You may keep the kimono until 6:00 PM on the day of your experience and must return it to the same MAIKOYA location where you received it.

Is the experience conducted in English?

The Kimono Tea Ceremony includes explanations by an English-speaking host. Interpreters cannot join a regular group session. To bring an interpreter for another language, please book a private tea ceremony and contact customer support in advance.

Which Kyoto location should I choose?

Choose Gion Kiyomizu for traditional streets and geisha experiences, Nishiki for a central first-time itinerary, or Karasuma Shijo for families, wagashi and private groups.

Can children join?

Children aged 7 and older may participate in the tea ceremony. Children under 7 cannot enter the tea ceremony venue.

Do I have to sit on the floor?

Seating arrangements vary. If you require a chair, contact the venue or note your request before visiting.

Is this suitable for a hot or rainy day?

Tea ceremony is an indoor cultural experience and can be a welcome pause from summer sightseeing. Please confirm current venue amenities on the selected experience page.

Can I take photos?

There are photo opportunities during the experience. Your host will explain when photography is appropriate.

How long does each experience take?

The standard Kimono Tea Ceremony takes approximately 90 minutes including kimono dressing. Wagashi Making takes approximately 120 minutes, Geisha or Maiko experiences approximately 90 minutes, and the Tea Ceremony and Samurai Museum Combo approximately 180 minutes.

Are the Japanese sweets gluten-free?

The wagashi served at MAIKOYA are typically made with rice flour and sweet red bean paste. They are gluten-free and nut-free, and are also suitable for many halal and kosher preferences. Please contact customer support before booking if you have a serious allergy or dietary concern.

How can I contact customer support?

Customer support is available from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM Japan Standard Time. Email cs@maikoya.com.

What is the cancellation policy?

Please review the MAIKOYA cancellation policy before booking.

What if my preferred time is unavailable?

Compare all three Kyoto locations or choose another experience type to find an option that works with your itinerary.

Your Kyoto moment is waiting

Choose your tea ceremony.

Three locations. Six ways to experience the heart of Japanese culture.

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