Sweets Making & Kimono Tea Ceremony Gion Kiyomizu – at the Registered Cultural Property

Make your own wagashi for your tea ceremony!

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!

Location

KIMONO TEA CEREMONY MAIKOYA at GION KIYOMIZU

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.
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An authentic Japanese tea ceremony is one of the many things to do in Kyoto! During the traditional tea ceremony at Maikoya, you will be wearing a kimono and tasting high-quality matcha in one of Japan's Top Experiences for four consecutive years (2018-2022) and Traveler's Choice Award winner according to TripAdvisor reviews.

Sweets Making & Kimono Tea Ceremony in Kyoto

Wagashi Japanese Sweets Making

Lasts approximately 90 minutes

 

Workshop inclusions:

  1. A traditional kimono
    • You will be choosing from our kimonos for you to use for the whole workshop and tea ceremony. Our staff will be assisting in putting it on. For the ladies, we will help with styling your hair to suit the design of your kimono
  2. Traditional tools used in making wagashi
    • These are olds and other materials in traditional wagashi making.
  3. Required ingredients
    • Basic and seasonal ingredients for the sweets workshop will be provided. You will be using rice flour, sweet red bean paste, coloring, as well as seasonal ingredients if available.
  4. Tea ceremony utensils
    • You will be using a tea bowl, whisk, and tea cloth.
  5. Matcha Tea Powder
    • Along with hot water, you will be having fresh matcha during the tea ceremony.
 
 
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Sweets Making

wagashi japanese sweets making

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.

 
 
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Tea Ceremony

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.


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.
 
 
 
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Kimono

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.

 
 
 
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The historical scenic townhouse

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?

 

You can sit comfortably, in any appropriate way you prefer.

ryurei table style tea ceremony
 

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.

 

What can you expect during your workshop?

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.


 

Need to cancel or reschedule?

You don’t have to worry if you need to cancel or postpone your appointment with us.

FAQs

How long does the workshop last?

The sweets-making and kimono tea ceremony package lasts for about two hour on average.

Is there a kimono included?

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.

Can I wear a kimono if I'm pregnant?

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.

Do you have kimonos for kids?

Yes, we have smaller sizes for the kids (4 years and older). Children under 7 can not enter the tea ceremony venue.

Do you provide additional services like hair and makeup?

For the ladies, we provide hairstyling services along with kimono assistance. Makeup services are not available.

Do I need to book in advance?

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.

Are wagashi vegan/vegetarian, or halal?

The recipes followed during our classes are vegan and vegetarian-friendly! The plant-based treats are also halal.

Do you accept groups?

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.

Is a tea ceremony included?

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.

KIMONO TEA CEREMONY MAIKOYA at GION KIYOMIZU

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 Gion Kiyomizu 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 Gion Kiyomizu 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 : 100, rokurocho, matsubaradori yamatooji higashiiru, higashiyama-ku, Kyoto
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Our email address is   gion@mai-ko.com