No cancellation fee, cancel any time
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.
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.
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What can you expect in this Tea Ceremony Workshop? We show off cultural activities with a difference!
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- 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…
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Tea Ceremony Kyoto Maikoya (Casual Clothes)- Gion Shijo Station
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Organizer
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.
Our address is Japan, 〒604-8006 Kyoto, Nakagyō-ku, Nakanocho, 565-4 JP Take Exit 9 at the Kawaramachi Station google map
Our phone number is 075-606-5303
Our email address is kyoto@mai-ko.com
*** 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
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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.
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