Tea Ceremony with Kimono Experience in Tokyo

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Price
¥7000 / person
¥6300 / person   (+ tax)
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Experience a traditional Japanese tea ceremony in the Tokyo teahouse! The Sado or Chanoyu “the way of the tea” is regularly held in our tea room while guests and the host wear kimonos. Kimono Tea Ceremony Maikoya is one of the best hosts for cultural activities and experiences in the country, and the only teahouse to be included in TripAdvisor’s list of Japan’s Top Experiences 4 years in a row.

tokyo shinjuku kimono tea ceremony matcha

The Japanese tea ceremony or Japanese Sado (茶道) is a ritualistic way of preparing and serving powdered matcha green tea, typically in a tea room, garden, or teahouse. While Kyoto is the center for traditional Japanese tea ceremonies, Maikoya offers the same quality service and activities for everyone in conveniently located Asakusa, Tokyo.

Maikoya Tokyo holds tea ceremonies in a traditional teahouse in Asakusa, near the historic Sensoji Temple and the famous Tokyo Skytree. A tea ceremony break is just what you need to add to your travel itinerary when you explore the bustling metropolis!

There’s no better way to experience the essence and spirit of Japan than a traditional tea ceremony! You’ll be having an unforgettable and immersive experience with us as you choose which kimono to wear, then being guided by an experienced tea master through the tea ceremony.

The Tea Ceremony is a wonderful blend of Chinese and Japanese cultures, stemming from the practice of Zen Buddhism. The Japanese tea ceremony can be a rare cultural experience for a tourist or anyone living outside Japan – but it doesn’t have to be!

Kimono Tea Ceremony Maikoya holds a ceremony every hour from 9 AM in Asakusa, Tokyo. Reservations can be made right on this page to make the experience quick and easy. Address: 1-12-2 Asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo 111-0032

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.

The ceremony can last from 90 minutes up to 2 hours and is available every hour from 9 AM to 7 PM. The Maikoya tea house is located near the Asakusa Station and Tawaramachi Station. 

During the tea ceremony workshop, you will learn how to make and prepare matcha, a special green tea powder, in a traditional tea room while wearing a kimono. A qualified instructor will be guiding the 400-year-old activity, using special tools and utensils to make the perfect cup of tea. And you, the participant in the ceremony, will be learning about the foundations of zen philosophy: Wa, Kei, sei, jaku, which translate respectively into harmony, respect, purity, and tranquility.

Kimono Tea Ceremony Maikoya has a selection of beautiful kimonos for you to choose from, and our staff will make sure you will look your best and be picture-perfect for your unique experience with us. Don’t worry if you can’t speak Japanese, our friendly and accommodating staff will be able to provide assistance and instructions in English.

What happens during the Japanese tea ceremony?

  1. An introduction to the Japanese tea ceremony and associated rituals.
  2. You will be encouraged to try traditional matcha tea and Japanese sweets or wagashi
  3. Only traditional tea ceremony utensils will be used
  4. Relax in a tea room decorated in traditional Japanese décor and architecture
  5. Explanations of the ceremony’s history and technique
  6. Getting the chance to experience preparing matcha green tea
  7. The friendly staff will help you choose the best kimono and wear it in a traditional way
  8. For ladies, we will give you the simple hairstyle matching with kimono
  9. Take photos before and after the ceremony in the tea room and around the tea house
  10. Walk outside with your kimono
  11. Get to know about tea ceremony artifacts and displays, and their histories

Our experienced staff and host will be guiding you throughout the preparation and ritual using Chinese, Japanese, or English depending on your language preference.

This event lasts approximately 90 to 120 minutes

  • Asking questions during the tea ceremony is welcome; the host will gladly answer questions regarding the ritual and other Japanese rituals, along with zen and Buddhism.
  • You can take pictures at Maikoya; 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. 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.

Make your reservation at the top of this page!

If you’re having difficulties or questions, contact us at info@mai-ko.com

Learn Japanese culture with all of your senses – especially your sense of wonder!

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…

What food is served at the tea ceremony?

The tea ceremony will usually have one serving or one piece of wagashi or a traditional Japanese sweet on a plate. These treats are typically made with rice cake or mochi with a sweet red bean paste filling. The sweetness of the dessert goes wonderfully with the bitter hint of the matcha green tea.

Other tea ceremonies will serve kaiseki or Japanese haute cuisine. These events would normally last 4 hours at most.

Our Tea Ceremony in Tokyo with a Kimono package serves wagashi treats. These are halal and kosher. If you have any dietary concerns, please note them in your reservation or email us at info@mai-ko.com.

What kind of tea is served at the tea ceremony?

You will be using matcha–a bright green powder that produces a foamy drink when whisked with hot water. Because of this, the tea ceremony is alternatively called a “Matcha Ceremony” or “Matcha Ritual”.

Matcha, although alternatively called green tea as well, is different from the common teabags with dried tea leaves which are actually called sencha.

From the texture itself, matcha is pulverized and used as a powder while sencha or loose-leaf green tea will have larger green tea leaf pieces. The preparation is also different as sencha green tea is steeped in hot water while matcha is whisked.


Our tea ceremonies are also available online! Enjoy and participate in the cultural experience in the comforts of your own home.

Do you want to study the Japanese tea ceremony?

Join our 10-lesson online course!


Book a Kimono Tea Ceremony in Tokyo before it’s sold out!

Make a reservation for a tea ceremony in Tokyo by filling out the reservation form above. A confirmation email will be sent to your email, including a set of directions on how to get to our tea house!


FAQs

What is Sado or the Japanese tea ceremony?

The Japanese tea ceremony is preparing, serving, and drinking tea in a ritualistic and ceremonial way.

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?

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 on the kimono and ladies’ hair will be styled to suit it.

How long does a tea ceremony last?

This particular package can last from 90 minutes up to 2 hours, 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 Kyoto?

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.

Where to have a tea ceremony?

Maikoya offers an authentic tea ceremony from three locations in Kyoto, Tokyo, and Osaka.


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 Workshops and Classes at Maikoya

Sweets Making and Kimono Tea Ceremony in Tokyo

Our sweets-making and kimono tea ceremony package is a combination of a class and our regular tea ceremony. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to learn about Japanese confections called “wagashi” from the experienced instructor and have the rewarding opportunity of tasting your own beautiful creations during the following tea ceremony!

Sushi Making Class in Tokyo

Learn how to make sushi from locals. You will learn the history of sushi, appropriate manners, things to do and not to do when enjoying a fresh sushi. Your teacher will also teach you how to know when the sushi is fresh and best to consume.


Business Hours

09:00 ~ 18:30

We are open from 9 AM and close at 7 PM. We highly recommend making a reservation online to avoid waiting or being asked to come back at a later date.

Address

1-12-2 Asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo 111-0032

We are located near the Sensouji Temple and the Nakamise Street. While walking to our teahouse in Asakusa you will feel like traveling back in time to the Edo Period.


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.

There are a number of other teahouses and tea rooms in Tokyo as well, such as HiSUi Tokyo, Muan Tea House, Chazen, and Shizu-kokoro Chado School.

Review

Blandville
Blandville
11:21 05 Mar 20
We had the most beautiful experience of learning calligraphy and wearing traditional kimonos. The staff are so friendly... and helpful. I highly recommend this experience to all visitors to Tokyo.read more
Joakim Sundén
Joakim Sundén
08:12 04 Mar 20
Very smooth organization, wide variety of kimonos to choose from. They help you dress, do your hair and make you look... beautiful and take pictures with your cameras. The tea ceremony was beautiful and we got to mix our own tea as we were told about the history and the practice of tea ceremony as well as other interesting Japanese culture tidbits.read more
Marsha L
Marsha L
02:54 04 Mar 20
All the ladies there were lovely. Beautiful kimonos for you to choose from, and everything was just sp graceful ❤. You... make your own tea, eat traditional Japanese sweets. Love all the photos and just enjoyed the entire experienceread more
Alisa Ediger
Alisa Ediger
05:48 28 Feb 20
The experience was lovely. The ladies there were all very kind and gave clear instructions that made the whole thing go... smoothly. The kimonos to choose from were all beautiful and the tea ceremony was a good balance between instructional and experiential. Definitely a good choice if you want to attend a tea ceremony but don’t yet know the proper etiquette.read more
Annie Teri
Annie Teri
14:00 09 Feb 20
Best place to learn about their tea culture. You will get choose your own kimono and take many photos in it. It is... worth a visit.Do this if you are free and wish to experience like a japanese.read more
Kathryn Geiger
Kathryn Geiger
04:09 17 Jan 20
Had a great time. The ladies who run the shop are all very friendly. They all spoke English very well so it made it... very easy to communicate. Having a kimono put on and having your hair done was fun. The tea ceremony itself was very nice. Your walked though step by step of what goes into a tea ceremony. The matcha tea and sweets are delicious.read more
Chelsea Southe
Chelsea Southe
08:04 04 Jan 20
The three of us has a wonderful experience learning more about this beautiful culture. Our tea master was very... knowledgeable and gladly answered any questions we had. It was truly a Once in a Lifetime Opportunity!read more
Dan Dexter
Dan Dexter
23:16 01 Dec 19
My wife and I took the course that teaches students to make traditional Japanese sweets and is followed by a tea... ceremony. We thought it was a fun way to spend some time during our vacation and were really happy with the experience. It's definitely a fun way to learn about a small piece of Japanese cultural history.read more
Xenia Uth
Xenia Uth
05:54 16 Nov 19
We went to participate in the tea ceremony, and it was absolutely perfect! The staff was so kind, spoke very good... English and the kimonos were beautiful! I definitely recommend this place. We also took pictures for about 20-30 minutes afterwards, in a little room they have decorated for this purpose, and the staff was very patient with us! 😍read more
Naomi Bonnici
Naomi Bonnici
11:18 18 Oct 19
Had an absolutely wonderful experience. We experienced the tea ceremony as well as traditional Japanese sweets making.... The hosts/tea masters delivered a professional and traditional experience while also staying light hearted and comical enough for touristical enjoyment. Everything is well explained + they are open to all questions. Our host was very conversational and we really felt like she placed our enjoyment as a priority. This is definitely something you can not miss !!!read more
Kristel Topalova
Kristel Topalova
16:04 25 Sep 19
I was the first person ever to take part in a tea ceremony in the Tokyo location. I chose the kimono + tea ceremony... option. A once-in-a-lifetime experience!My instructor was so professional and kind. First, she helped me with the choice of kimono and then she put it on me. Another young lady took care of my hair and I totally loved the result.The instructor really explained and demonstrated the respect that the Japanese people show to their guests and the tea. She took her time explaining everything to me and let me ask any kind of questions. After her explanations I was allowed to prepare a tea by myself. The instructor was so sweet and positive that I did not want to leave. She even offered to take pictures of me and with me afterwards :)I would recommend this experience to anyone who wants to get a feel for traditions in Japan and an authentic experience. The price is very reasonable and the location is easy to find.read more
Next Reviews

  • Included
    Kimono costume
    Green tea and water
    Utensils
    English Speaking tea master
    Hairdo for ladies
    Edo-period traditional Japanese room
    Japanese style backdrops
    Explanations about the steps, meanings, zen philosophy and the subtle traditions related to tea ceremony
  • Not Included
    Transportation
    Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Maps
  • Organizer

    Kimono Tea Ceremony MAIKOYA TOKYO

    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 three consecutive years from 2018 to 2022.
    Maikoya Tokyo is found in a tranquil tea house near the Meiji Shrine, just a walking distance from Asakusa, Sensoji Temple, Tokyo Sky Tree.
    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 Tokyo as we guide you through Japan's traditional arts and history! Our friendly staff and hosts are fluent in English, Chinese, and Japanese and will make sure you have the best experiences and opportunities.

    Contact Us

    Address: 1-chōme-12-2, Asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo, 111-0032, Japan