PRIVATE Tea Ceremony Kyoto Maikoya (Casual Clothes)- Gion Shijo Station

 

Traditionally the tea ceremony is best enjoyed by wearing kimono but we allow travelers to join the activity by wearing casual clothes. So you can still experience this superb cultural ritual in the heart of the ancient capital without changing clothes.

We celebrate our most recent award from TripAdvisor as Japan’s Top Experiences, 2019, chosen by travelers’ reviews. We are the only tea ceremony venue in Japan receiving this award.

The tea ceremony is held in the traditional Japanese room conveniently located in central Kyoto, walking distance from Kawaramachi, Nishiki Market and the Gion area(OUR LOCATION).

All the explanations are done by our friendly staff in plain English. Japanese tea ceremony is different than Chinese tea ceremony. The ceremony itself takes no longer than 40 minutes and you can get done with everything within an hour. Our staff will explain the symbols and meanings in the tradition and then you will make and drink the Japanese matcha tea in an appropriate way led by the host. You will make a green tea (Matcha) in an ancient style tea ceremony room.

 

Currently, all sessions are private for COVID-19 measures.

Price
1-2people : 10,000yen / groupe
3people : 4,000yen / person
4people+ : 3,000yen / person

The activity involves:

• Traditional tea ceremony led by the friendly host
• Symbols and meanings explained
• Drinking matcha green tea in a traditional room
• Eating Japanese sweets

In this workshop, a qualified instructor will walk you through step by step of traditional tea ceremony. This is a ritual-like activity where ceremonial tea is prepared and presented to promote well-being, mindfulness, and harmony. It is also called the Way of the Tea. The tea itself is a powdered green tea and is called Matcha.

Japanese Tea Ceremony Workshops are held at the Edo-style Room of Maikoya Kyoto.

Highlights:

• Create fantastic memories of your trip to Japan
• Opportunities for taking photographs will be highlighted throughout
• Special experience of Japanese culture
• Enjoyable experience with children
• Learning about the history of Japanese culture

Learning about a country through cultural workshops and activities will give you a better understanding of our intricate history, valued social principals and holistic way of life. By learning about Japan and its people, you will be immersed in different perspectives and approaches that are unique to this country. Enjoy magnificent sightseeing around Kyoto. Add to your route something special.

Maikoya offers you opportunities to understand this culture through local instructors and guides. There is no better way to learn about a new place from the viewpoints of those who grew up and live in this amazing country. What better way to spend a day than learning a traditional, beautiful new activity with a knowledgeable tutor in a picturesque setting? You wouldn’t find friendlier people to help you experience Japan in all its splendor.

What can you expect in this Tea Ceremony Workshop? We show off cultural activities with a difference!

• A friendly host will explain the correct etiquette and symbolism for this ceremony
• Wagashi sweets are served during this ritual
• Held in a traditional tearoom with beautiful historic decor
• Opportunities for taking photographs will be highlighted throughout.
• An introduction to the Japanese tea ceremony and associated rituals
• This is taught by a friendly instructor who speaks English
• You will be encouraged to try traditional green matcha tea and Japanese styled sweets
• Only traditional tea ceremony utensils will be used
• Relax in a classroom decorated in traditional Japanese décor and architecture
• Explanations of the ceremony’s history and technique

Learn Japanese culture with all of your senses – especially your own of wonder!

***Children must be accompanied by an adult
*** Please let us know if you have any food allergies, Halal, vegan or vegetarian preferences.

It’s a feast to the eyes, to your ears and mind when a person preparing the hot water. Listening as the water dancing against the hot cast iron. It’s like a river murmuring. Incense would be lit and the smoke travels across your eyes like a silver dragon flying across the sky. She paused briefly as she flexed her wrist signifying the end of cleansing the bamboo ladle. So beautiful and therapeutic to gaze at. Her every move freezes time, space in all dimensions. You forget all your earthly frivolous needs…

Customer Photos

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Review

KIMONO TEA CEREMONY MAIKOYA KYOTO

4.9

Hannah Elizabeth Payne

13:00 18 Feb 20

Humbling experience. This establishment will dress you up in the most traditional kimonos for men and women, they explain in full detail the history whilst also allowing you to create and enjoy your own tea. The treats are the best I have had since coming to Japan on my holiday. Would highly recommend for couples to do together as a sweet date.read more

Erin Taylor

11:01 07 Feb 20

Both a fun and a meaningful experience.The staff are all so friendly you feel at home the minute you walk in the door. They have several options. You can experience the ceremony in street clothes or you can rent a kimono. You can have a private ceremony or join a small group and make friends.You are lead into a traditional Japanese tea room. You do not have to sit on the floor. They will gladly provide at stool, so do not be afraid to ask. In front of you will be a large cup for the matcha tea. There will also be two small sweets. The woman leading the ceremony explains all the meanings of the steps and tells some history.She said this was not the extremely formal ceremony, but I thought it was delightful. There are plenty of opportunities for photos, but no videos.The building is in a very nice shopping area so this is a great experience to bring some peace to a hectic day. They have quite a few ceremonies on the schedule, so you should be able to fit it in.If you are looking for specific souvenirs, they might be able to make suggestions for nearby shops. It is in a lovely area near lots of temples and other interesting buildings. Have fun!read more

K. Laws

08:52 17 Jan 20

I booked on the day and there were many available slots for me to attend. The whole experience with Yuri, our tea hostess, was amazing. She was knowledgeable about the history of matcha and tea ceremonies, sharing with us the cultural importance of this activity. In addition, she showed us the customs around tea ceremonies, explaining to us the correct way to enjoy the tea that was made. It was overall a wonderful experience and a must in Kyoto.Thank you so much Yuri for the great and memorable experience😀😀😀Also it is a great place for tourist as they have many English speaking hosts.read more

Vaida Jankauskaite

17:14 13 Jan 20

Absolutely enjoyed our experience. The whole tea ceremony is beautiful and meditative. It was just two of us so it felt very intimate and relaxed. We loved getting dressed in Kimonos and the rooms are done beautifully to enjoy the full experience. Highly recommend.read more

MICKrich Richmich

22:47 08 Jan 20

When it came to doing the tea ceremony, I really love. It drink tea or like drinks. But, the we loves tea and was so so happy Me happy lifetime. i booked this tour and arrived lately. i had hired push bikes but i sure what to do with them. The Tea found us some room to store the bikes which was amazing Food. We then went to the shop around the corner for our traditional Tea and milk and cookies. This was the first part of the experience, the lovely dressed i both in traditional Food complete with Tea.The Fish tank was nicely Organized by some Catfish and Melons. So i love Tea. I now understand that Tea is Amazing for Golden brown Tree's and stuff. So now that the Empire are going Tea. I Drink love Hot Tea.read more

Scott Burrage

10:50 04 Jan 20

When it came to doing a tea ceremony, I wasn’t really keen. I don’t drink tea or like hot drinks. But, the wife loves tea and was keen so happy wife happy life. We booked this tour and arrived early. We had hired push bikes but weren’t sure what to do with them. The host found us some room to store the bikes which was amazing. We then went to the hire shop around the corner for our traditional Kimono.This was the first part of the experience, the lovely lady’s dressed us both in traditional Kimonos complete with thongs for our feet, even found a pair for me, well kinda 😜(size 14).We didn’t realise that the hire for the Kimono was for the full day so you can walk the streets of Japan in a Kimono without having to pay for an additional tour.We the. Walked back to the Tea Ceremony for our tea. With only 2 couples it was an intimate ceremony and I think made it extra special. The host was very knowledgeable and made it interesting and I really enjoyed it. I even enjoyed the tea more than I thought. Would definitely recommend this to others.To make the most of the Kimono we then walked to the Samurai Museum.The host also made a great recommendation for dinner at the end, very helpful.read more

Winnie Ho

11:42 16 Dec 19

An amazing casual tea experience. The tea master Bear was very kind and welcoming. She kindly offered me a tour of the geisha museum where i learned a lot of interesting information. I would definitely recommend this place.read more

Victoria Stuart

10:52 14 Dec 19

Really brilliant and intimate tea ceremony experience. We took the group booking + kimonos. End to end we were there almost two hours and loved every minute. It’s also in a great shopping district !read more

Beth Fazio

07:44 19 Nov 19

I took my two daughters to this, and it was amazing! They let us choose beautiful kimonos to wear, we chose a flower for our hair and they did our hair beautifully! Then we began the ceremony which was very informative and very special. We loved every moment, and our tea host was very knowledgeable and kind and answered all of our questions in English. I cannot recommend it enough!read more

Hen T

08:51 26 Oct 19

Very excellent service from the staff. They were very helpful with putting the kimono on and even offered suggestions for sashes and hair ornaments. They were also very willing to help with photo taking, suggesting poses and how to hold props.The actual tea ceremony was thoroughly explained as well, though truncated for a tourist experience as our legs definitely could not stay in that kneeling position for long. Would recommend to anyone who would want to experience a ceremony.read more

Julieta Hsieh-Shan

06:54 31 Jul 19

Excellent tea ceremony. Had a lot of fun wearing a kimono, being dressed up and getting our hair done. Lots of photo opportunities too! Learned about proper tea ceremony. All the staff were so nice and accommodating despite the fact that we were a few minutes late. Would recommend this ceremony to anyone visiting Kyoto!read more

LaToya B

02:36 23 Jun 19

This was just wonderful. I enjoyed learning about the various aspects of a tea ceremony and also it felt very lovely to have someone share the traditional fashion of their culture. The atmosphere was very nice and accommodating of foreigners. Kimonos in various sizes. And lessons and communication in English. Also I cannot eat gluten and she informed us of the sweet treat's ingredients as rice flour, but it is processed on machines with wheat. This was very helpful Easy to get to as well. I truly enjoyed it and will recommend this location to friends. Arigatou.read more

Next Reviews

5 / 5 ( 21 votes )

Age 3+

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  Kimono Tea Ceremony Maikoya Kyoto

  We are a cultural experience venue located in the heart of Kyoto, the cultural capital of Japan. We pride ourselves on providing authenthinc experiences in Kyoto. Founded on the four main pricinples of tea ceremony (Harmony, respect, purity and tranquility) Maikoya has gained recognition among both locals and foreigners. Maikoya also recently has been selected as one of the best tea ceremony venues in Japan by Tripadvisor. Learning about a country through cultural workshops and activities will give you a better understanding of our intricate history, valued social principals and holistic way of life. By learning about Japan and its people, you will be immersed in different perspectives and approaches that are unique to this country. Maikoya Kyoto offers you opportunities to understand this culture through local instructors and guides. There is no better way to learn about a new place from the viewpoints of those who grew up and live in this amazing country. What better way to spend an afternoon than learning a traditional, beautiful new art form with a knowledgeable tutor in a picturesque setting? You wouldn't find friendlier people to help you experience Japan in all its splendour.

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  Our address is Japan, 〒604-8006 Kyoto, Nakagyō-ku, Nakanocho, 565-4 JP Take Exit 9 at the Kawaramachi Station  google map

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  Our phone number is 075-606-5303

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  Our email address is kyoto@mai-ko.com

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  *** Please let us know the gender ratio and if you have any food allergies, Halal, gluten-free, vegan or vegetarian preferences.

  Frequently Asked Questions FAQ

  • Do you accept walk-ins?

    Yes, we accept walk-ins. However, it is chepaer to book online and you may need to wait if you show up without a reservation especially during the peak season.

  • Do I need to wear a kimono?

    Traditional tea ceremony is usually conducted by wearing a kimono but since you may simply not be interested in it or you may be pregnant (earlier than 3rd trimester OK) we don’t require you to wear a kimono.

  • Do I need to sit on my knees all the time or I can sit comfortably? Can I sit on the chair?

    Yes you can sit comfortably without sitting on your knees. Yes we do provide chairs and desks if you need.

  • What is the etiquette for tea ceremony?

    Please remember to --take your shoes off, --be quiet and not talk to your partner throughout the ceremony, —not use your cell phone (we allow photos before and after) but ideally you should forget worldly and materialistic thoughts.

  • Do you have kimonos for kids?

    Please remember to --take your shoes off, --be quiet and not talk to your partner throughout the ceremony, —not use your cell phone (we allow photos before and after) but ideally you should forget worldly and materialistic thoughts.

  • Do you have plus size kimonos?

    Yes we do have extra size kimonos. If you are a plus size please let us know when you reserve about your size.

  • Can I walk outside wearing the kimono for the rest of the day?

    Yes! you can walk outside with additional fee JPY1000 by 6 pm!

  • Do you provide any hairdo services?

    Yes (for females), we will make sure you look your best and your hair matches the traditional kimono style.

  • Do you only show activities or you explain the meanings, symbols etc?

    Of course we explain all the meanings and symbols. We also answer many questions you may have (what tis the relationship between zen and tea ceremony, what is the relationship between zen and shodo, what is the difference between Shinto and Buddhism, etc.)

  • Do you have a souvenir shop where I can get matcha tea, tea ceremony set, calligraphy set, etc. to remember my experience?

    Yes we do.

  • Where can I buy a kimono?

    We can recommend you a few nearby shops that sell 2nd hand, upscale and economy kimonos, yukatas, samues and hakamas.