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Tea Ceremony with a Geisha in Kyoto Maikoya

Age 6+

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This event will be unavailable after 10/31, 2019. If you are reserving for a future date we receommned GEISHA LUNCH SHOW AND TEA CEREMONY DEMONSTRATION held everyday. Or you can also reserve for the PRIVATE GEISHA TEA CEREMONY AND GEISHA MEETING that is held everyday.

 

Geisha tea ceremony near Gion Kyoto at Maikoya. Enjoy participating in a traditional tea ceremony in a traditional tea ceremony room led by an authentic Kyoto geisha. Your tea ceremony host will be a maiko (an apprentice geisha) who will introduce you to this Japanese ritual. The geisha culture was born in Kyoto where young women, called geiko, used to serve tea to pilgrims who are visiting historic temples in Eastern Kyoto.

 

This is a once in a lifetime geisha tea ceremony experience that includes

  • Tea ceremony led by a real maiko (apprentice geisha)
  • Actual tea ceremony participation in the same room with the geisha (not demonstration on the stage)
  • Making your own green tea
  • Trying Japanese sweets as part of the experience
  • Explanation of the history and the traditions of geisha and also tea ceremony
  • Opportunities for taking photographs with geisha and asking questions to her
  • Presence of an interpreter
  • Geisha will also perform a short dance for you
  • Once in a lifetime cultural experience with the combination of zen, harmony, perfectionism, Japanese hospitality, Japanese green tea and Japanese sweets

 

As part of their training the geisha in Kyoto learn how to conduct tea ceremony and often hold tea ceremony under sakura trees in special occasions. At MAIKOYA we want to preserve the unique geisha culture of Kyoto by holding the geisha tea ceremony sessions for locals and travelers whenever possible. Come and enjoy this once in a lifetime experience before it is sold out.

***Kimono is an add-on option. If you chose the kimono option, please show up 30 minutes earlier than your scheduled session.

Tea ceremony no doubt is the most unique Japanese activity as it helps you understand Japanese history, values, religion, Japanese communication style and Japanese drinking culture at once. Did you know that you can enjoy tea ceremony experience more and learn more about the culture when your instructor is a geisha in training? In this workshop, a Maiko will walk you through step by step of traditional tea ceremony. This is a ritual-like activity where ceremonial tea is prepared and presented to promote well-being, mindfulness and harmony. It is also called the Way of the Tea. The tea itself is a powdered green tea and is called Matcha.

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HIGHLIGHTS

You will make a green tea (Matcha) in an ancient style Japanese tea ceremony room wearing Kimono. In this workshop, a qualified instructor will walk you through step by step of traditional tea ceremony. This is a ritual-like activity where ceremonial tea is prepared and presented to promote physical and mental well-being, mindfulness and harmony. It is also called the Way of the Tea. You will learn the foundations of the zen philosophy: Wa, kei, sei, jaku, which roughly translate as harmony, respect, purity and tranquility. You will observe how your host perfectly and harmoniously use all the traditional utensils to make the perfect cup of tea in way that has been done the same for about 400 years. And, finally, you will make your own tea and enjoy Japanese traditional sweets.

Your tea ceremony experience will include:

  • Meeting with a geisha in a tea room
  • An introduction to the Japanese tea ceremony and associated rituals
  • This is performed by an apprentice geisha (maiko)
  • You will be encouraged to try traditional green matcha tea and Japanese styled sweets
  • Only traditional tea ceremony utensils will be used
  • The workshop will be taught to a small group of participants
  • Relax in a classroom decorated in traditional Japanese décor and architecture
  • Explanations of the ceremony’s history and technique in simple English
  • Not only watching the demonstration but actually performing the ritual
  • If you are interested, you can ask questions to the geisha and take a picture together
  • We also have tea ceremony artifacts and displays with detailed explanations in English that will help you better understand the subtle meanings and the rich history behind this unique tradition

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

Just in case if you were wondering:

  • You are allowed to take pictures in the tea ceremony room after the ceremony as well as the other rooms and in front of our unique backdrops
  • You are allowed to sit comfortably on the floor (without sitting on your knees on the tatami mat). We also provide bamboo chairs for those who prefer not to sit on the floor

We are confident that this experience will be your best souvenir from Japan. You can easily make a reservation now by choosing the best date for you. Additionally, if you’d like you can reserve a PRIVATE tea ceremony  here , or a tea ceremony session without wearing the kimono here . 

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  • Included
    Geisha tea ceremony
    Geisha show
    Japanese green tea
    Japanese sweets
    Interpreter
  • Not Included
    Transportation
    Hotel Pick Up
  • Maps
  • Organizer

    Kimono Tea Ceremony Maikoya Kyoto

    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 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 Kyoto 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. We are located near Honnoji temple.
    Our address is Japan, 〒604-8006 Kyoto, Nakagyō-ku, Nakanocho, 565-4 JP Take Exit 9 at the Kawaramachi Station  google map
    Our phone number is 075-606-5303
    Our email address is kyoto@mai-ko.com
    *** Please let us know the gender ratio and if you have any food allergies, Halal, gluten-free, vegan or vegetarian preferences. Frequently Asked Questions FAQ 1. Do you accept walk-ins? Yes, we accept walk-ins. However, it is chepaer to book online and you may need to wait if you show up without a reservation especially during the peak season. 2. Do I need to wear a kimono? Traditional tea ceremony is usually conducted by wearing a kimono but since you may simply not be interested in it or you may be pregnant (earlier than 3rd trimester OK) we don’t require you to wear a kimono. 3. Do I need to sit on my knees all the time or I can sit comfortably? Can I sit on the chair? Yes you can sit comfortably without sitting on your knees. Yes we do provide chairs and desks if you need. 4. What is the etiquette for tea ceremony? Please remember to --take your shoes off, --be quiet and not talk to your partner throughout the ceremony, —not use your cell phone (we allow photos before and after) but ideally you should forget worldly and materialistic thoughts. 5. Do you have kimonos for kids? Yes, we do have small size kimonos for kids. Just let us know the age/height of your child in advance. 6. Do you have plus size kimonos? Yes we do have extra size kimonos. If you are a plus size please let us know when you reserve about your size. 7. Can I walk outside wearing the kimono for the rest of the day? Yes! you can walk outside with additional fee JPY1000 by 6 pm! 8. Do you provide any hairdo services? Yes (for females), we will make sure you look your best and your hair matches the traditional kimono style. 9. Do you only show activities or you explain the meanings, symbols etc? Of course we explain all the meanings and symbols. We also answer many questions you may have (what tis the relationship between zen and tea ceremony, what is the relationship between zen and shodo, what is the difference between Shinto and Buddhism, etc.) 10. Do you have a souvenir shop where I can get matcha tea, tea ceremony set, calligraphy set, etc. to remember my experience?. Yes we do. 11. Where can I buy a kimono? We can recommend you a few nearby shops that sell 2nd hand, upscale and economy kimonos, yukatas, samues and hakamas.
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