PRIVATE Kimono Tea Ceremony in Tokyo
This is a private kimono tea ceremony session. There will be no one else except you in the tea ceremony session. We also can allow you to take many photos. The price varies based on the number of people in your party.
- Traditional tea ceremony
- Drinking green tea and eating Japanese sweets
- Wearing a Kimono
- The best cultural experience with the combination of kimono, meditation, harmony, matcha, and Japanese sweets
Tokyo Tea Ceremony in Japan is one of the best and memorable experiences you can have! Kimonos would normally be worn during traditional tea ceremonies. Maikoya Tokyo offers an authentic matcha tea ceremony in the heart of Japan’s cultural capital, Tokyo!
Our award-winning cultural experiences are some of the best in the country, earning a place in TripAdvisor’s list for Traveler’s Choice Award and Japan’s Top Experiences for five consecutive years. (2018-2022)
Important Information
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Children under 7 can not enter the tea ceremony venue.
If you are traveling with children under the age of 12, please check our FAMILY PLAN. -
Lasts approximately 90 minutes
Your appointment time is the starting time for kimono dressing. The tea ceremony is scheduled to start in about 30 minutes, but it depends on the situation. You will have to wait until all participants are dressed in kimonos. Also, if you arrive late at appointment time, you can wear the kimono after the tea ceremony is over.
Location
KIMONO TEA CEREMONY TOKYO MAIKOYA
1-chōme-12-2, Asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo
東京都台東区浅草1丁目12-2
TOKYO MAIKOYA is found in a tranquil tea house, just a walking distance from Asakusa, Sensoji Temple, Tokyo Sky Tree. It is easily accessible from Tokyo Station.
Traditional Tea Ceremony with Kimono
Tea Ceremony
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, and tea ceremony etiquette.
During the tea ceremony, you will not only observe how to make matcha green tea but you will also be guided on the process of making your own by the tea master. You will be using high-quality matcha powder that will produce a brilliant cup of green matcha.
Kimono
MAIKOYA is the only facility in Tokyo 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 and makeup 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 Asakusa District.
The foundations of Zen philosophy
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.
Japanese sweets
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 can sit comfortably, in any appropriate way you prefer.
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.
Need to cancel or reschedule?
You don’t have to worry if you need to cancel or postpone your appointment with us.
What is a tea ceremony?
The Japanese tea ceremony, also known as sado, chado, or chanoyu, is a centuries-old tradition of preparing and serving powdered matcha green tea, stemming from the practice of Buddhism in China. This is a ritualistic way of making matcha, a type of powdered tea unique to Japan, which is made from dried tea leaves and produces a bright green color.
This is a rare treat for visitors who want to experience the true culture and essence of Japan!
Do you want to know more? Visit our blog for more information! Click here.
How is the tea ceremony performed at Maikoya?
The tea ceremony begins by being welcomed into the tea room by the host, also called the “teishu”, where the tools and utensils are laid out ready to be used for the ritual. While everyone is expected to sit on the tatami mats arranged on the floor, wooden chairs are provided for those who choose not to. Comfort is prioritized at Maikoya, so you are welcome to sit however you like!
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.
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.
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. You can also opt for a private ceremony for groups and individuals.
There is a tea ceremony every hour at the Maikoya teahouse from 10AM to 6PM and can last about 90 to 120 minutes. Book your tea ceremony with us online! Just click on the reservation at the top of this page.
Business Hours
10:00 – 18:30
We are open from 10 AM to 6 PM. Our tea ceremonies are available every hour. Just fill in the form on the top of this page – It’s that easy!
Address
1-chōme-12-2, Asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo
We are located nearby a number of historical attractions in Asakusa District in downtown Tokyo!
FAQs
What is the Japanese tea ceremony?
The Japanese tea ceremony is preparing, serving, and drinking tea in a ritualistic and ceremonial way.
Do I have to sit on the floor?
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.
Do you serve gluten-free snacks?
Our wagashi are gluten-free and nut-free treats made with rice flour and sweet red bean paste. These are also halal and kosher!
What to do during the tea ceremony?
The host will be guiding you through the ritual and instruct you on what to do.
What to wear for the tea ceremony?
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.
How long does a tea ceremony last?
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!
Who is served during the tea ceremony?
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.
Where is the Japanese tea ceremony held?
Tea ceremonies are usually held in tea houses, tea rooms, and Japanese tea gardens.
What happens during the tea ceremony at Maikoya Tokyo?
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.
When did the Japanese tea ceremony start? Who invented it?
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.
Why is the Japanese tea ceremony important?
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.
About the Tea Ceremony
The Japanese tea ceremony, much like any traditional rituals in the country is composed of a number of steps and preparation, as well as manners and etiquette–although modern practices aren’t as strict in this aspect.
The tea ceremony is a centuries-old practice that is highly influenced by traditional Japanese practices and has influenced modern society in return. The experience of the tea ceremony differs according to the level of the participant. For example, a more experienced guest would bring paper fans to the ritual and have the endurance to sit on their knees the whole time.
The tea ceremony, however, did not originate in Japan and is not uniquely Japanese. This practice is shared with China as “art of the tea” and Korea as “etiquette for tea” or “tea rite”. All three variations are connected together by Zen Buddhism and the spiritual process of the preparation and presentation of the tea.
But what sets apart the Japanese tea ceremony from its cultural siblings? Sado, Chanoyu, or Ocha has been refined by Sen no Rikyu, who is considered as the father of the Japanese tea ceremony. Besides being an aesthetic art form and performance, the chanoyu is widely practiced using matcha, a type of powdered tea that produces a bright green beverage.
About Maikoya
Maikoya is one of the leading cultural experience providers in Japan, with three branches located in Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. We’ve topped TripAdvisor’s list for Japan’s Top Experiences for four consecutive years.
Our tea ceremonies are consistently led by experienced hosts and tea masters that are well-versed with the tea ceremony and are capable of teaching even beginners.
Besides tea ceremonies, Maikoya Tokyo also hosts tours, workshops, and various classes for everyone who wants to learn about Tokyo, local food and attractions, and Japanese culture.
Other Things to Do in Asakusa
- Sensouji Temple (The most famous and oldest temple in Tokyo)
- Skytree (#1 most visited spot by domestic visitors)
- Samurai Museum & Experience
- Hoppy Izakaya Street
- Historic Kappabashi Shopping Street
- Asakusa Hanayashiki Amusement Park
- Asakusa and Odaiba Cruise
- Around 10 minutes by train from Ueno Garden, Park and Museums
- Around 15 minutes by train to Akihabara & Ginza
Japanese Tea Ceremonies in Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka
Our Kimono and Tea Ceremony is the most popular package in Tokyo but we also have other packages and tours here, in Kyoto, and in Osaka. Maikoya offers one of the best tea ceremony and kimono experiences in Japan, being a beloved destination for cultural explorations for tourists and foreigners.
Besides Japanese tea ceremonies, Maikoya also offers a number of workshops and classes in Tokyo such as Wagashi Cooking Classes, and Tsukiji Market Food Walk Tour.
Review
CANCELLATION POLICY PRIVACY POLICY
Kyoto Branch
KIMONO TEA CEREMONY KYOTO MAIKOYA at NISHIKI
329, Ebiyacho, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto, JapanTokyo Branch
Kimono Tea Ceremony Tokyo Maikoya
1-chōme-12-2, Asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo, JapanKyoto Branch
KIMONO TEA CEREMONY KYOTO MAIKOYA at GION KIYOMIZU
100, rokurocho, matsubaradori yamatooji higashiiru, higashiyama-ku, Kyoto, JapanKyoto Branch