The Kyoto Tea Ceremony is a must-try experience.
At Maikoya Kyoto, enjoy an authentic matcha tea ceremony in Japan’s cultural heart!
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
Your appointment begins with kimono dressing.
The tea ceremony starts about 30 minutes later, once everyone is dressed.
Late arrivals may need to wait until after the ceremony to wear the kimono.
Please reserve with plenty of time for a smooth experience.
Experience our award-winning tea ceremonies, where enjoyment meets education!
Guided by our expert tea master, you'll not only observe the intricate process but also learn the rich history, tools, and etiquette of the tea ceremony.
Immerse yourself in this cultural ritual as you create your own perfect cup of matcha using premium matcha powder.
It's a delightful journey into the heart of Kyoto's tea culture!
Select from beautiful kimonos, with our staff ensuring you look your best.
Ladies can also enjoy hairstyling to match their traditional look!
Wear an authentic kimono in Maikoya's beautiful Japanese gardens for stunning photos.
After your tea ceremony, you can stroll through the historic Gion District in your kimono!
Our tea ceremonies take place in a historic machiya, a registered Tangible Cultural Property in central Kyoto, just minutes from Gion-Shijo station and attractions like Nishiki Market, Kawaramachi, and Kiyomizu Temple.
Everyone is welcome to take photos in the tea room and garden, capturing the essence of this unique cultural experience!
Don't worry about the language barrier!
Our staff is fluent in English and ready to answer your questions during the tea ceremony.
They'll also share insights on the Zen philosophy that influences the ceremony:
Wa, Kei, Sei, Jaku—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.
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.
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.
You can also opt for a private ceremony for groups and individuals.
There is a tea ceremony every hour at the Maikoya Tea House from 10AM to 6PM and can last about 90 minutes.
Book your tea ceremony with us online! Just click on the reservation at the top of this page.
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!
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.
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!
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 Kyoto Maikoya NISHIKI is a leading cultural experience provider and a four-time TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice Award winner. Located in a historic machiya townhouse in the heart of Kyoto, Maikoya offers immersive cultural workshops and activities that provide a unique insight into Japanese history and society. Enjoy a traditional Kyoto tea ceremony, savor the taste of fresh matcha during a delightful tea tasting, and discover the art of Japanese hospitality. Maikoya provides a truly authentic cultural experience, allowing you to connect with Japan's rich traditions. For a more personalized experience, inquire about our private tea ceremony options. Your tea ceremony experience includes a complimentary kimono rental, allowing you to explore Kyoto in style. Choose from a variety of beautiful traditional designs in all sizes, perfect for creating lasting memories. Our friendly, English and Japanese-speaking staff will ensure you have a memorable and enriching time at our Kyoto teahouse.
Email: nishiki@maikoya.com Address: 329, Ebiyacho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto 604-8076, Japan
