Wagashi are traditional Japanese sweets that are best paired with matcha tea during a tea ceremony. Join our sweets-making workshop so you can learn how to make the treats for your kimono tea ceremony after class!
You will first be introduced to the basics for making the seasonal wagashi by our friendly instructor. After the session, you will be participating in an authentic, traditional Japanese tea ceremony where you will learn how to prepare a matcha green tea!
*Looking for a shorter experience? Check out this experience!
100, Rokurocho, Matsubara-dori Yamatooji Higashi iru, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto
京都市東山区松原通大和大路東入轆轤町100*This building is a registered tangible cultural property in Japan.
*Children under 7 can not enter the tea ceremony venue.
*We kindly request that you contact us in advance regarding the participation of special needs.
Lasts approximately 120 minutes
You will be given an overview lesson on traditional Japanese sweets and the process of making them by an experienced instructor in English, and in Japanese, according to your preference.
After the sweets-making class, you will be participating in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony where you will learn a little bit about the ritual and learn how to create matcha tea from the fine powder and hot water. You can enjoy your beautifully created wagashi along with the matcha.
MAIKOYA is the only facility in Kyoto where you can experience real kimono and tea ceremony in the same place.
A selection of beautiful kimonos is available for you to choose from, and our staff will make sure you look your best for your unique Japanese experience. Ladies will be treated to get their hair done to match their kimono and traditional Japanese look!
You can take many photos by wearing an authentic kimono in the beautiful Japanese gardens of Maikoya. You can even wear your kimonos outside after your tea ceremony, and take a stroll down the historical Gion District.
Our tea ceremonies are held in a historic machiya that has been registered as a Tangible Cultural Property, located conveniently in central Kyoto. The traditional townhouse is just a few minutes away from the Gion-Shijo train station and nearby popular destinations such as the Gion geisha district and the Kiyomizu Temple. Everyone is welcome to take pictures in the tea room and the garden, along with our unique backdrops! After all, who wouldn’t want to preserve the memory of a cultural experience?
While the tea ceremony is traditionally performed while everyone sits on the tatami mat, we encourage getting comfortable and crossing your legs if you'd like. Bamboo chairs are also provided upon request.
You will be putting on a traditional kimono. Our workshops are held in a Japanese-style tatami room with historical and cultural designs.
You will be introduced to the wagashi and be given a basic overview of the subject so you can proceed with the hands-on class. The host is a professional with years of experience in making wagashi and performing the tea ceremony. You will be receiving instructions and guidance in English or Japanese, whichever you prefer.
The host will first be demonstrating the process then guide you to making your own. You will be learning about the proper etiquette along the way, and the ost will explain the symbolism and significance of the process and common designs.
The best part? You'll get to taste your creations!
After the class, you will be participating in an authentic Japanese tea ceremony. The instructor will be giving you an overview of the tradition along with the methods and a brief history of the tea ceremony.
You will be observing a demonstration and receive guidance as you learn to follow along. A great combination of handmade wagashi and a bowl of matcha will be ending your session with us! You will surely have an enjoyable cultural experience with us with your specially made treats and drink.
You don’t have to worry if you need to cancel or postpone your appointment with us.
The sweets-making and kimono tea ceremony package lasts for about two hour on average.
Yes, a kimono will be provided before the tea ceremony. Our staff will be happy to assist you in putting it on and styling the ladies' hair.
We will not require you to wear a kimono if it is uncomfortable for you. If you are in your first or second trimester, you can still choose to wear it.
Yes, we have smaller sizes for the kids (4 years and older). Children under 7 can not enter the tea ceremony venue.
For the ladies, we provide hairstyling services along with kimono assistance. Makeup services are not available.
We recommend booking with us in advance so you don't have to wait in line, especially during peak seasons in early April and mid-November. This is also cheaper and more convenient.
The recipes followed during our classes are vegan and vegetarian-friendly! The plant-based treats are also halal.
Yes! Our sweets-making class is recommended for all kinds of groups, couples, and families with kids (7 years and older). We also offer our services for a team-building activity for corporate groups.
Yes! This package includes a traditional tea ceremony after the cooking class. The sweets created during the workshop will be used so you can enjoy your hard work with a relaxing bowl of matcha.
Maikoya Gion Kiyomizu is a cultural experience venue nestled in the heart of Gion, Kyoto, just steps from Hanamikoji Street, Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Yasaka Shrine, and Sannenzaka. Housed in a nationally recognized, government-protected historic teahouse with a beautiful Japanese garden, Maikoya offers authentic experiences rooted in the four principles of tea ceremony: harmony, respect, purity, and tranquility. We provide immersive cultural workshops and activities, including tea ceremony, kimono tea ceremony, private tea ceremony, and kimono rental, allowing visitors to deeply connect with Japanese history, social principles, and holistic way of life. Our convenient location near popular Higashiyama attractions like Kiyomizu Dera makes us an ideal destination for those seeking an enriching experience in Kyoto. Maikoya Gion Kiyomizu has been recognized by TripAdvisor as one of the best tea ceremony venues in Japan, offering unparalleled opportunities to learn from local instructors and guides, experiencing Japanese culture firsthand in a picturesque setting. Whether you're seeking a traditional tea ceremony in a historic teahouse with a serene tea garden, or the elegance of a kimono, Maikoya Gion Kiyomizu provides an unforgettable cultural immersion.
ADDRESS (google map): 100, Rokurocho, Matsubaradori Yamatooji Higashiiru, Higashiyama-Ku, Kyoto
email: gion@maikoya.com
