This is a PRIVATE tea ceremony with Kimono.
There will be no one except you and your companion/s for the whole event!
You'll be able to take many beautiful photos of your experience.
329 Ebiyacho, Gokomachi-dori Sanjo sagaru, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto
京都市中京区御幸町通三条下る海老屋町329
Our award-winning tea ceremonies are not only enjoyable but also a comprehensive educational experience.
Our expert tea master and host, and friendly staff will demonstrate the process during the tea ceremony while explaining the significance behind it the steps and the tools.
You will get to learn about tea ceremony history, Kyoto, and tea ceremony etiquette.
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 Nishiki Market, the Kawaramachi, 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?
You don't even need to worry about the language barrier!
All of our staff is fluent in English and can answer and explain anything about the ceremony.
Asking questions during the tea ceremony is welcome.
Our staff will teach you about the foundations of Zen philosophy that have influenced the Japanese tea ceremony: Wa, Kei, Sei, Jaku, which translates into harmony, respect, purity, and tranquility.
You will also be sampling traditional Japanese sweets called wagashi, which will vary in flavors, shapes, and colors according to the season.
Each experience at Kimono Tea Ceremony Maikoya is unique just by the snacks served at each session, not just by the personalization for each guest.
You don’t have to worry if you need to cancel or postpone your appointment with us.
This is a rare treat for visitors who want to experience the true culture and essence of Japan!
The matcha is typically prepared in a quiet and calm environment, but guests are encouraged to ask questions and learn more about the ritual. If there are none, the host will explain the process from time to time, providing introductions and demonstrations so you can familiarize yourself with the tools and steps during the ceremony.
Tea ceremony tools and utensils are taken great care of, with the host wiping them gently with a silk cloth to make sure they are clean. Some of the items used in the ancient tradition are important artifacts that have been used for generations. After preparing the items, the host will carefully measure the matcha powder and hot water, demonstrating the step before teaching you the mesmerizing process of whipping the matcha until it creates a thick foam.
After the tea is prepared, you will get to taste the matcha and the product of your hard work! The matcha tasting and preparation is participated in by everyone in your group if you booked for multiple people.
Maikoya Kyoto is one of the best cultural experience providers in Japan.
Our award-winning tea ceremony is in high demand, so make sure to book before all our slots are out!
Be sure to book with us using the reservation window on the top of this page.
An email confirmation will be sent to your email, including a set of directions and instructions on how to get to Maikoya Kyoto.
We are confident that this experience will be your best takeaway from Japan.
You can easily make a reservation with us now by choosing the best date for you.
There is a tea ceremony every hour at the Maikoya Tea House from 9 AM to 7 PM and can last from 60 to 90 minutes.
Geishas and maikos are highly trained in traditional Japanese arts, most especially the tea ceremony. This is one of our special workshops that will allow you to experience the ancient traditions up close, and even enjoy a geisha performance. As one of our most booked cultural packages, geisha tea ceremonies are also made available online!
If you don't want to go through wearing a kimono or simply don't have the time, you can still experience an authentic tea ceremony experience with us!
This package is the more laid-back version of the tea ceremony, but it doesn't take away the essence of the Japanese culture embedded in the ancient practice.
This combination package will teach you how to make traditional Japanese sweets known as "wagashi" and enjoy the treats during the following tea ceremony.
An experienced instructor will guide you on how to make delectable and beautiful snacks that are usually prepared ahead of time during a regular tea ceremony.
9:00 - 18:30
Our tea ceremonies are available every hour. Just fill in the form on the top of this page - It's that easy!
329, Ebiyacho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto 604-8076, Japan
We are located nearby a number of historical attractions in Gion District in downtown Kyoto!
Our teahouse is situated halfway between the Nishiki Market and the Kamo River.
The closest station is the Hankyu Kawaramachi Station, while the Gion-Shiji-Keihan Station is 5-minutes away.
The Japanese tea ceremony is preparing, serving, and drinking tea in a ritualistic and ceremonial way.
We can provide a seat for you so you can be comfortable! Our events are also wheelchair accessible and we provide assistance to give you a great experience.
Our wagashi are gluten-free and nut-free treats made with rice flour and sweet red bean paste. These are also halal and kosher!
The host will be guiding you through the ritual and instruct you on what to do.
The tea ceremony is traditionally performed while wearing a kimono. But depending on the type of package you have chosen, you can wear your casual clothes, or any of the kimonos you will pick. The staff will help you put it on and ladies' hair will be styled to suit it.
This particular package can last up to 90 minutes, but others can reach up to 4 hours. You can read more about it on our site!
In the past, it used to only be practiced by elite zen monks, noble warlords, and the aristocracy. Today, anyone who is interested can observe the tea ceremony and participate as guests during events or at specialized establishments like the Kimono Tea Ceremony Maikoya.
Tea ceremonies are usually held in tea houses, tea rooms, and Japanese tea gardens.
Before the tea ceremony, guests are given the choice to choose from the kimonos for the ceremony, and ladies are given appropriate hairstyles that match the designs of their kimono. The host or tea master will then prepare the ingredients and tools and begin making the matcha while explaining the process.
The Japanese tea ceremony originated in China, brought into Japan by Buddhist monks. Sen no Rikyu was considered the father of the tea ceremony, practicing the precursor to the present-day tea ceremony.
The tea ceremony embodies the culture and sophistication of Japanese tradition, showing clearly the multiple steps it takes to make a single cup of tea. This practice was widely observed among the elite in old Japanese societies and aristocracy.
Our Kimono and Tea Ceremony is the most popular package in Kyoto but we also have other choices here and in Tokyo and Osaka.
Did you know we also have tea ceremonies hosted by geishas? Witness the ancient tradition and culture of Japan by booking a Geisha Tea Ceremony with us!
Looking for a different experience in Kyoto? Check out our Top 50 Experiences in Kyoto!
Kimono Tea Ceremony Maikoya is a leading cultural experience provider in Japan and the only tea ceremony experience that has received TripAdvisor's Travelers' Choice Award for four consecutive years from 2018 to 2022.
Maikoya Kyoto is found in a historic machiya townhouse in the heart of Kyoto, where the rich culture of Japan is most concentrated.
Learning about the traditions and practices of the country through our immersive cultural workshops and activities will surely give you a new perspective about the intricacies of the history and society in Japan.
Join us at Maikoya Kyoto as we guide you through Japan's traditional arts and history! Our friendly staff and hosts are fluent in English and Japanese and will make sure you have the best experiences and opportunities.
