Tea Ceremony and Kimono Experience Kyoto (Gion Shijo Station)

All sessions are private for COVID-19 safety measures.

Maikoya Kyoto offers an authentic tea ceremony in the heart of Japan’s cultural capital, Kyoto. 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 three consecutive years.

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 friendly staff will demonstrate the process during the tea ceremony while explaining the significance and history behind it the steps and the tools. Our excellent host has more than 20 years of experience with the Japanese tea ceremony, complete with a license of associate tea ceremony professor.

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

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 even wear your kimonos outside after your tea ceremony, and take a stroll down the historical Gion District. The experience has been described as “walking through a portal that transports you into the past.”

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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 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?

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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.

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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.

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.

You can easily book a high demand tea ceremony experience online

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, or a casual session for those who would rather not wear a kimono.

There is a tea ceremony every hour at the Maikoya teahouse from 9 AM to 7 PM and can last from 30 to 45 minutes.  Book your tea ceremony with us online! Just click on the reservation at the top of this page.

You don’t have to worry if you need to cancel or postpone your appointment with us. Changing your mind is as quick and easy as making a reservation so there’s no need to permanently commit to your schedule! Our excellent staff will be sure to accommodate any last-minute changes.

You can contact us for more information and questions!

More Kyoto Experiences by Maikoya

PRIVATE Geisha Tea Ceremony and Geisha Performance in Kyoto

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! Make sure to check out Geisha Online: PRIVATE Meeting with a Geisha from Kyoto.

Tea Ceremony Kyoto Maikoya (Casual Clothes)- Gion Shijo Station

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.

Nishiki Market Tour with Rolled Sushi Cooking Class Kyoto

The Nishiki Market is a treasure trove of local and high-quality ingredients in Kyoto. This package will not only tour you around the 200-year-old 5-block market but will help you choose the best ingredients for the cooking class afterward. Learn the most authentic way to prepare rolled sushi with our experienced cook!

Sweets Making & Kimono Tea Ceremony in Kyoto

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.

Virtual Kyoto Tour with a Local Tour Guide

If you don’t have the time or energy to walk around Kyoto, this package is for you! Tour the beautiful city of Kyoto from the comforts of your home and enjoy the view without having to spend so much time preparing for a regular tour.

Geisha Maiko Show Kyoto + Guided Geisha Culture & History Tour

Kyoto is well-known for being the home of the geishas, and this package gives you the opportunity to witness a traditional Japanese performance! Not only that, but this is one of the most unique tours in Kyoto, with our geishas showing you around the historic district.

Business Hours

9:00 – 18:30

We are open from 9 AM to 7 PM. Our tea ceremonies are available every hour, with walk-in sessions cut off at 6:30 to accommodate scheduling. We highly recommend booking with us online to avoid being added to a waitlist. Just fill in the form on the top of this page – It’s that easy!

Address

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.

Things to do near Maikoya Kyoto

Kiyomizudera Temple: This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Japan and the most visited tourist spot in Kyoto, located near the Yasaka Shrine and the Gion District. 

Fushimi Inari Shrine: As Kyoto’s most important shrine, this site is one of the most photographed spots in Japan, with a thousand red Shinto shrines neatly lined up to form a torii tunnel. 

Rokuon-ji Temple (Kinkakuji): Also known as the Golden Pavilion, or the Temple of the Golden Pavilion, is an extravagant three-story Zen temple with its top two floors completely covered by gold.

Arashiyama Bamboo Forest: The bamboo grove is one of the most famous sites in Kyoto, being home to the intimidating beauty of towering bamboo trees all along the winding paths.

Iwatayama Monkey Park: Also referred to as Arashiyama Monkey Park, this nature reserve is home to wild Macaque monkeys.

Nijo Castle: This former imperial castle is a designated UNESCO World Heritage site, and served as the residence of the shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu during the Edo Period. Among its attractions is a plum and cherry orchard that is highly sought after during the spring and autumn seasons.

The Samurai & Ninja Museum Kyoto: This is one of the leading samurai museums in Japan. The historical museum offers a variety of experiences that make for a more exciting educational trip, and Maikoya offers package experiences that combine it with a tea ceremony!

Nishiki Market: The Nishiki Market is the perfect destination to add to your itinerary and try out all the local snacks and delicacies in the area! You can also visit the popular Shijo-dori shopping district right across from it.

Teramachi Shopping Arcade: The Teramachi arcade is an upscale and picturesque street filled with a variety of art galleries, books, clothing and accessory shops, and even religious items – the perfect place to look for a souvenir to take home!

Kyoto Imperial Palace: The former Imperial residence is surrounded by the vast Kyoto Imperial Park, along with beautiful gardens. English guided tours are available on-site, and you can simply take a walk from our tea house to get there.

Ginkakuji (Silver Pavilion): Modeled after the Golden Pavilion, the Ginkakuji is the center of contemporary art and culture in Higashiya. You can find artifacts and other displays with relevance to the tea ceremony, noh theater, poetry, landscaping, and architecture.

Sanjusangendo (Rengeo-in): This historic wooden temple holds the record as Japan’s longest wooden structure, and serves as a home to 1001 human-sized statues of the goddess Kannon.

Ryoanji: The former Fujiwara estate “The Temple of the Dragon at Peace” is home to the most famous Zen rock garden in Japan. There is also an art gallery on-site, as well as a park with a small pond and various walking trails. This is also a good place to try Yudofu, a Kyoto specialty tofu.

FAQs

Review

KIMONO TEA CEREMONY MAIKOYA KYOTO

4.9

Hannah Elizabeth Payne

13:00 18 Feb 20

Humbling experience. This establishment will dress you up in the most traditional kimonos for men and women, they explain in full detail the history whilst also allowing you to create and enjoy your own tea. The treats are the best I have had since coming to Japan on my holiday. Would highly recommend for couples to do together as a sweet date.read more

Erin Taylor

11:01 07 Feb 20

Both a fun and a meaningful experience.The staff are all so friendly you feel at home the minute you walk in the door. They have several options. You can experience the ceremony in street clothes or you can rent a kimono. You can have a private ceremony or join a small group and make friends.You are lead into a traditional Japanese tea room. You do not have to sit on the floor. They will gladly provide at stool, so do not be afraid to ask. In front of you will be a large cup for the matcha tea. There will also be two small sweets. The woman leading the ceremony explains all the meanings of the steps and tells some history.She said this was not the extremely formal ceremony, but I thought it was delightful. There are plenty of opportunities for photos, but no videos.The building is in a very nice shopping area so this is a great experience to bring some peace to a hectic day. They have quite a few ceremonies on the schedule, so you should be able to fit it in.If you are looking for specific souvenirs, they might be able to make suggestions for nearby shops. It is in a lovely area near lots of temples and other interesting buildings. Have fun!read more

K. Laws

08:52 17 Jan 20

I booked on the day and there were many available slots for me to attend. The whole experience with Yuri, our tea hostess, was amazing. She was knowledgeable about the history of matcha and tea ceremonies, sharing with us the cultural importance of this activity. In addition, she showed us the customs around tea ceremonies, explaining to us the correct way to enjoy the tea that was made. It was overall a wonderful experience and a must in Kyoto.Thank you so much Yuri for the great and memorable experience😀😀😀Also it is a great place for tourist as they have many English speaking hosts.read more

Vaida Jankauskaite

17:14 13 Jan 20

Absolutely enjoyed our experience. The whole tea ceremony is beautiful and meditative. It was just two of us so it felt very intimate and relaxed. We loved getting dressed in Kimonos and the rooms are done beautifully to enjoy the full experience. Highly recommend.read more

MICKrich Richmich

22:47 08 Jan 20

When it came to doing the tea ceremony, I really love. It drink tea or like drinks. But, the we loves tea and was so so happy Me happy lifetime. i booked this tour and arrived lately. i had hired push bikes but i sure what to do with them. The Tea found us some room to store the bikes which was amazing Food. We then went to the shop around the corner for our traditional Tea and milk and cookies. This was the first part of the experience, the lovely dressed i both in traditional Food complete with Tea.The Fish tank was nicely Organized by some Catfish and Melons. So i love Tea. I now understand that Tea is Amazing for Golden brown Tree's and stuff. So now that the Empire are going Tea. I Drink love Hot Tea.read more

Scott Burrage

10:50 04 Jan 20

When it came to doing a tea ceremony, I wasn’t really keen. I don’t drink tea or like hot drinks. But, the wife loves tea and was keen so happy wife happy life. We booked this tour and arrived early. We had hired push bikes but weren’t sure what to do with them. The host found us some room to store the bikes which was amazing. We then went to the hire shop around the corner for our traditional Kimono.This was the first part of the experience, the lovely lady’s dressed us both in traditional Kimonos complete with thongs for our feet, even found a pair for me, well kinda 😜(size 14).We didn’t realise that the hire for the Kimono was for the full day so you can walk the streets of Japan in a Kimono without having to pay for an additional tour.We the. Walked back to the Tea Ceremony for our tea. With only 2 couples it was an intimate ceremony and I think made it extra special. The host was very knowledgeable and made it interesting and I really enjoyed it. I even enjoyed the tea more than I thought. Would definitely recommend this to others.To make the most of the Kimono we then walked to the Samurai Museum.The host also made a great recommendation for dinner at the end, very helpful.read more

Winnie Ho

11:42 16 Dec 19

An amazing casual tea experience. The tea master Bear was very kind and welcoming. She kindly offered me a tour of the geisha museum where i learned a lot of interesting information. I would definitely recommend this place.read more

Victoria Stuart

10:52 14 Dec 19

Really brilliant and intimate tea ceremony experience. We took the group booking + kimonos. End to end we were there almost two hours and loved every minute. It’s also in a great shopping district !read more

Beth Fazio

07:44 19 Nov 19

I took my two daughters to this, and it was amazing! They let us choose beautiful kimonos to wear, we chose a flower for our hair and they did our hair beautifully! Then we began the ceremony which was very informative and very special. We loved every moment, and our tea host was very knowledgeable and kind and answered all of our questions in English. I cannot recommend it enough!read more

Hen T

08:51 26 Oct 19

Very excellent service from the staff. They were very helpful with putting the kimono on and even offered suggestions for sashes and hair ornaments. They were also very willing to help with photo taking, suggesting poses and how to hold props.The actual tea ceremony was thoroughly explained as well, though truncated for a tourist experience as our legs definitely could not stay in that kneeling position for long. Would recommend to anyone who would want to experience a ceremony.read more

Julieta Hsieh-Shan

06:54 31 Jul 19

Excellent tea ceremony. Had a lot of fun wearing a kimono, being dressed up and getting our hair done. Lots of photo opportunities too! Learned about proper tea ceremony. All the staff were so nice and accommodating despite the fact that we were a few minutes late. Would recommend this ceremony to anyone visiting Kyoto!read more

LaToya B

02:36 23 Jun 19

This was just wonderful. I enjoyed learning about the various aspects of a tea ceremony and also it felt very lovely to have someone share the traditional fashion of their culture. The atmosphere was very nice and accommodating of foreigners. Kimonos in various sizes. And lessons and communication in English. Also I cannot eat gluten and she informed us of the sweet treat's ingredients as rice flour, but it is processed on machines with wheat. This was very helpful Easy to get to as well. I truly enjoyed it and will recommend this location to friends. Arigatou.read more

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