Tea Ceremony in Japan: The 15 Best Experiences

Kyoto: Tea Ceremony in a Traditional Tea House in Kiyomizu - A garden designed for quiet attention

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 3,519 reviews · 45 min · from $49Our pick

Meet your English-speaking host at Sakaguchian in Kyoto’s Sannenzaka district. Watch a tea master prepare matcha, learn the meaning behind the 500-year-old ceremony, then whisk your own bowl and enjoy a Japanese sweet. The 45-minute session includes two cups of matcha, a garden view, and a group photo. Kimono rental is not included.

“Amazing experience in a tranquil atmosphere and such a beautiful surroundings. Our tea master was great in explaining how we should approach the way of life and learning in Japan as we were coached how to prepare the best green tea ever!”

Dates, prices, availability →Our full review →

Kyoto Tours, Tea Ceremony Experiences, Tea Ceremony Experiences in Kyoto, Temple & Shrine Tours in Kyoto, Temples & Shrines, Tour Reviews

Kyoto: Tea Ceremony Ju-An at Jotokuji Temple

2.Tea Ceremony Ju-An at Jotokuji Temple

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 3,207 reviews · 1h 10m · from $29

At Ju-An in Jotokuji Temple, Kate and the tea master guide you through purification, the meaning of Chanoyu, and the careful preparation of matcha. You will taste tea and sweets, watch the formal ritual, then make your own matcha. The 70-minute English-language session has no more than 10 people.

“it was a very special, respectful and informative experience”

Dates, prices, availability →Our full review →

Kyoto Tours, Tea Ceremony Experiences, Tea Ceremony Experiences in Kyoto, Tour Reviews, Workshops

Kyoto: 45-Minute Tea Ceremony Lesson Experience

3.45-Minute Tea Ceremony Lesson Experience

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 2,378 reviews · 45 min · from $22

At Tea Ceremony Koto near Kinkakuji, an English-speaking Urasenke tea master shows you the full thin-tea ritual, explains its history and spirit, then guides you in making your own matcha. You will taste two green teas and Japanese sweets. Choose a public, private, candlelight, or kimono option.

“Very authentic! No phones or videos allowed which was refreshing in Kyoto. Great explanation of how to mix, ceremonies, and why each thing was done. Cheapest one I saw, so great value.”

Dates, prices, availability →Our full review →

Historical Tours, Nara Tours, Tea Ceremony Experiences, Tour Reviews

World Heritage Kyoto & Nara Uji Authentic Matcha Experience

4.World Heritage Kyoto & Nara Uji Authentic Matcha Experience

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,573 reviews · from $129Top rated

Travel from Kyoto to Nara and Uji with an English-speaking guide such as Nanami, Yuta, Mai, or At-Chan. Visit Todai-ji, Kasuga Taisha, Nara Park, and Byodoin Temple, then prepare and taste matcha at a historic Uji tea shop. A Japanese-style lunch is available, and the air-conditioned coach saves you from planning several train connections.

“We loved our tour with Yuta!!! The tour was the perfect mix of walking, sightseeing, food, and culture. The bus was very comfortable with outlets and AC, and the lunch was unique and delicious. We felt like we got great value to visit lots of sites at once, and learned a lot about the Kansai region from Yuta.”

Dates, prices, availability →Our full review →

Osaka Tours, Tea Ceremony Experiences, Tea Ceremony Experiences in Osaka, Tour Reviews

Osaka: Tea Ceremony Experience

5.Tea Ceremony Experience

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 1,426 reviews · 45 min · from $25

In Osaka’s Dotonbori area, English-speaking instructors such as Yuki, Akiko, Kazu, and Mayumi introduce you to tea ceremony in a traditional tatami room. You’ll watch a kimono-clad demonstration, learn the meaning behind the ritual, prepare matcha with authentic tools, and enjoy seasonal Japanese sweets. The session lasts 45 minutes and costs $25 per person.

“Great to see ceremony and learn some history and then make matcha ourselves, thank you!”

Dates, prices, availability →Our full review →

Kyoto Tours, Tea Ceremony Experiences, Tea Ceremony Experiences in Kyoto, Tour Reviews

Kyoto: Table-Style Tea Ceremony at a Kyo-Machiya

6.Table-Style Tea Ceremony at a Kyo-Machiya

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 1,211 reviews · 1h 30m · from $45

Spend 90 minutes in a 100-year-old Kyo-machiya in southern Kyoto, seated at tables rather than on the floor. English-speaking hosts explain tea customs, prepare matcha, guide you through calligraphy, and offer photos with fans, umbrellas, and swords. Add the kimono option for an earlier dressing session and garden photos.

“An absolutely amazing experience!! Would recommend to anyone, the hosts were so friendly and informative”

Dates, prices, availability →Our full review →

Kanazawa Tours, Tea Ceremony Experiences, Tour Reviews

Kanazawa: Kenrokuen Tea Ceremony Experience

7.Kenrokuen Tea Ceremony Experience

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 1,139 reviews · 1 hour · from $35

Meet an English-speaking guide at Kenrokutei, inside Kenrokuen Garden, for a one-hour introduction to Japanese tea culture. Watch a tea master perform the ceremony, learn why each movement matters, then whisk your own matcha and taste wagashi from traditional confectioners. Guides such as Nana and Océane have helped make the session clear and welcoming.

“wonderful and educational experience. very glad we got to experience it. Guide was great.”

Dates, prices, availability →Our full review →

Kimono & Yukata Experiences, Kimono Experiences in Kyoto, Kyoto Tours, Tea Ceremony Experiences, Tea Ceremony Experiences in Kyoto, Tour Reviews

Kimono Tea Ceremony at Kyoto Maikoya, NISHIKI

8.Kimono Tea Ceremony at Kyoto Maikoya, NISHIKI

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 911 reviews · from $65

At Maikoya Nishiki in central Kyoto, you choose a kimono, receive simple hairstyling, and join a tea master on tatami for a guided matcha ceremony. You will learn the meaning of the utensils and rituals, prepare your own tea, and enjoy wagashi sweets. Morning and afternoon times are available, with the visit lasting about 90 minutes.

“Interesting experience knowing about what actually goes into the ceremony. Would recommend this for anyone”

Dates, prices, availability →Our full review →

Bamboo Forest Tours, Kyoto Tours, Tea Ceremony Experiences, Tea Ceremony Experiences in Kyoto, Temple & Shrine Tours in Kyoto, Temples & Shrines, Tour Reviews, Tours

Kyoto: Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, Monkeys, Matcha & Temple Tour

9.Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, Monkeys, Matcha & Temple Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 759 reviews · from $53

Walk through Arashiyama with an English-speaking guide, visiting Tenryu-ji Temple, the bamboo forest, Nonomiya Shrine, Togetsukyo Bridge, and Monkey Park Iwatayama. You’ll also receive a Uji matcha drink. Guides have included Tim, Sofia, Nay, and Gabriele. Expect about four hours of walking, including a steep climb to the monkeys.

“Wonderful tour. Loved it. Sofia was very informative and attentive. We had a very good time. Definitely worth it.”

Dates, prices, availability →Our full review →

Osaka Tours, Tea Ceremony Experiences, Tea Ceremony Experiences in Osaka, Tour Reviews

Tea Ceremony Experience in Osaka Doutonbori

10.Tea Ceremony Experience in Osaka Doutonbori

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 754 reviews · from $20

In central Dotonbori, an experienced host such as Kazu, Mai, or Soda explains tea ceremony customs, history, and etiquette before preparing matcha and sweets for you. You then whisk your own tea. The small-group, 45-minute class suits families, with caffeine-free matcha milk available for children.

“The tea Master and her assistant where very knowledgeable and explained the history and process in detail. We learned a lot about the cultural background.”

Dates, prices, availability →Our full review →

Dessert Tours, Sweets & Dessert Tours in Tokyo, Tea Ceremony Experiences, Tea Ceremony Experiences in Tokyo, Tokyo Tours, Tour Reviews, Workshops

Matcha Making Class in Tokyo with Authentic Japanese Sweets Set

11.Matcha Making Class in Tokyo with Authentic Japanese Sweets Set

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 744 reviews · from $21

In Asakusa, an English-speaking host guides you through matcha’s history, quality, and traditional preparation. You whisk your own tea with a bamboo tool, pair it with seasonal Japanese sweets, and learn simple techniques to repeat at home. Hosts may include Shuri, Rino, Hiya, or Nama. The class lasts about one hour and returns to its meeting point.

“This was a fun experience we enjoyed with our family. The location was easy to find and our host fun.”

Dates, prices, availability →Our full review →

Kyoto Tours, Museum Tours in Kyoto, Museums, Tea Ceremony Experiences, Tea Ceremony Experiences in Kyoto, Tickets, Tour Reviews

Kyoto: Tea Museum Tickets and Matcha Grinding Experience

12.Tea Museum Tickets and Matcha Grinding Experience

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 739 reviews · 1 hour · from $23

At Chazuna in Uji, you’ll explore digital tea exhibits, grind tencha leaves with a stone mill, and whisk your own matcha under an English or Japanese-speaking instructor. Guides such as Hideko, Keiko, and Yano-san have led warm, funny sessions. The one-hour experience includes museum admission and views of tea fields and gardens.

“I like the diacuasion regarding the 3 types of teas in Japan and the hands-on workshop. I can now brew my own matcha. And also for the facilitators, they are very helpful. kudos to them. I enjoyed it very much.”

Dates, prices, availability →Our full review →

Kimono & Yukata Experiences, Kimono Experiences in Kyoto, Kyoto Tours, Tea Ceremony Experiences, Tea Ceremony Experiences in Kyoto, Tour Reviews

Kyoto: Kimono Tea Ceremony at Orizuruya Gion

13.Kimono Tea Ceremony at Orizuruya Gion

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 618 reviews · 90 minutes - 2 hours · from $49

At Orizuruya Gion, you choose from more than 200 kimono designs, receive professional dressing and simple hairstyling, then learn the customs of a Japanese tea ceremony. An English-speaking instructor shows you how to whisk matcha before you prepare your own bowl with wagashi sweets. Add Japanese calligraphy for a two-hour session.

“it was a very smooth, very immersive, very unique experience! i loved the kimono, the way the attendants spoke with us, the tea ceremony and the fact that we could keep the kimono's on us for a quick temple visit (which is 10 minute walk). very unique, worth every second.”

Dates, prices, availability →Our full review →

Kyoto Tours, Tea Ceremony Experiences, Tea Ceremony Experiences in Kyoto, Tour Reviews

Kyoto: Tea Ceremony in 100-year-old Kyo-Machiya Townhouse

14.Tea Ceremony in 100-year-old Kyo-Machiya Townhouse

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 546 reviews · 50 minutes - 3 hours · from $31

At a 100-year-old machiya near Kyoto Imperial Palace, a tea master and English-speaking interpreter explain the history, manners, gestures, sweets, and matcha ritual. You prepare your own tea under guidance, then may add kimono rental, hairstyling, makeup, and a short townhouse tour. Tea ceremony sessions last about 50 minutes; the full kimono option takes up to three hours.

“Very informative and traditional Had a lot of fun!”

Dates, prices, availability →Our full review →

Tea Ceremony Experiences, Tea Ceremony Experiences in Tokyo, Tokyo Tours, Tour Reviews

Tokyo: Traditional Tea Ceremony with a Tea Master

15.Traditional Tea Ceremony with a Tea Master

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 528 reviews · 1 hour · from $38

At Ocharu, across from Tokyo University, an English-speaking tea master guides you through wakocha, Gyokuro, matcha, and Genmaicha in one relaxed hour. You will whisk your own matcha, taste seasonal wagashi from Ougiya, try tea leaves, and leave with a certificate and group photo. The setting is friendly rather than formal.

“The experience was both interesting and calming. Learning about the different types of tea and various temperatures was insightful to me as an avid tea drinker. Our tea master was knowledgeable and had a great sense of humour. We always felt at ease throughout. I would highly recommend this experience to anyone curious about the process while visiting Japan.”

Dates, prices, availability →Our full review →