Geisha Tea Ceremony at GION Maikoya

We have moved the location to our new branch. 

4th of December 2019～ :Kyoto Geisha Show & Experience Gion Maikoya

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
• 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.

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.

HIGHLIGHTS

You will make a green tea (Matcha) in an ancient style Japanese tea ceremony room. 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 .