Steep yourself in the rich cultural heritage of Kyoto with an experience as calming as it is educational—the tea ceremony. Kyoto is famous for its green tea, along with its breathtaking gardens and temples, making it the perfect place to try this ancient ritual.
In this guide, we’ll explain why you should experience an authentic tea ceremony experience in Kyoto, how to choose a Kyoto tea ceremony experience and the meaning behind a tea ceremony. Each tea ceremony in Kyoto is a blend of art, history and hospitality so you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for traditional Japanese culture.
So sit back, sip, savour, and relax as Pelago by Singapore Airlines will take you through the 7 most beautiful tea ceremony experiences in Kyoto.
What is a Japanese Tea Ceremony?
It is an ancient Japanese ritual that promotes balance, peace of mind, and relaxation, which involves the preparation, presentation, and consumption of powdered green tea in a traditional tea room with a tatami floor. It is not only about preparing and serving tea at tea rooms or tea houses, but the special meaning behind a tea ceremony is to enjoy the hospitality of a host who serves their own green tea to create a tranquil atmosphere for guests to rest amidst their busy daily lives.
During the experience, you will get to learn the philosophy and history behind this tradition and other intricacies such as basic tea etiquette, terminology, schools and tea utensils used. The actual tea ceremony is conducted by a tea master who will demonstrate the etiquette with sincerity. Foreign visitors need not worry, because everything will be explained simply by tea masters and the instructions given by your tea master can be easily understood by anyone new to traditional Japanese culture.
Keen to experience the tea ceremony in Kyoto city? Book a tea ceremony in Kyoto SHIUN AN.
Why Experience a Tea Ceremony in Kyoto?
If you want to get to the heart of Japanese culture and history when visiting Kyoto, then a tea ceremony in Kyoto is a must. As Japan’s cultural capital, Kyoto is the perfect setting to enjoy a traditional tea ceremony and have the best tea ceremony experience. Whether you go for a private tea ceremony or join a tea ceremony class, every Kyoto tea ceremony experience is authentic. You will learn about the art of drinking tea, especially matcha tea, and the centuries old traditions that have shaped this ritual as you experience the tea ceremony. A Kyoto tea ceremony is not just about drinking tea or appreciating the aroma of fragrant tea leaves, it’s about being part of the elegant customs, learning about Japanese culture, drinking in its history and appreciating the art in every movement.
Choosing the Right Tea Ceremony Experience
En Tea Ceremony Experience
A small Japanese teahouse, En offers private as well as group tea ceremonies in English.
Enjoy a spiritual, historical and architectural journey while you drink matcha in handmade tea utensils. This is quite a popular one, so book well in advance to secure your spot at this tea ceremony experience when you visit Kyoto.
Kimono Tea Ceremony Maikoya Kyoto
Looking for the best tea ceremony experience? How about dressing up in Japanese traditional clothing and enjoying a tea ceremony with an apprentice geisha or Maiko?
Well, the 45-minute Maikoya tea ceremony offers you exactly this, with a kimono rental and both private or group tea ceremonies available in English.
Pro-tip: Book this Traditional Tea Ceremony wearing a Kimono in Kyoto MAIKOYA in advance as they are almost always fully booked.
Tea Ceremony Koto
This tea ceremony in Kyoto offers a variety of experiences including group and private classes conducted by a staff with Urasenke school qualifications.
You can rent a kimono for the tea ceremony to snap pictures for your IG feed at the house and the traditional small garden attached to it.
Wagashi Classes: Kiku (Chrysanthemum) from Nerikiri Dough & Tea Ceremony
Take your authentic tea ceremony up one notch by combining it with traditional sweets (wagashi) making classes. These delicate and ornate sweets are a treat to the eye, and to the tongue too! Enjoy seasonal Japanese sweets and breakfast dishes as you drink your own tea that you have prepared. Also, when you attend this ceremony, you will learn to make wagashi and take home the English recipe too.
Tea Ceremony and Matcha Making at 300-year-old Samurai House
This tea ceremony experience is conducted in a 300 year-old samurai house where you get to learn the history, significance and the manners of the tea ceremony. As a bonus, you get to prepare your own organic matcha and enjoy Japanese sweets too.
Japan Kyosaraku Tea Ceremony
Kyosaraku offers two kinds of Japanese tea ceremony experiences in Kyoto prefecture. First is a thirty-minutes tea ceremony where guests can watch a tea master prepare the tea. Second is a one-hour session where guests can learn to brew their own ceremonial matcha and enjoy some traditional Japanese sweets as well.
Bikouen Samurai Spirit Tea Ceremony
Embrace a real Kyoto experience with a Japanese samurai spirit tea ceremony at a 150-year-old historic tea room and learn about the art of matcha brewing.
The Tea Ceremony Experience
What to Expect
Japanese Tea Ceremony Etiquette
A Japanese tea ceremony is a precise and delicate experience which requires your respect as a participant. It is marked by the four principles of purity, tranquillity, harmony and respect. You will be expected to show appreciation for the host as well as for the utensils, many of which are often handmade and one of a kind. Outside the tea room, guests should be mindful of their behaviour and not make sudden movements. Make sure to listen to the directions of your host too.
Duration of a Tea Ceremony
Each ceremony has a specific duration and can last anywhere between half an hour to four hours. The duration also depends on the type of ceremony and level of formality too.
Shorter ceremonies are more focused on preparing and enjoying matcha. In contrast, longer ceremonies sometimes include a full course Kaiseki meal along with the preparation of two different kinds of matcha and wagashi.
But not to worry if you feel pressed for time - for tea ceremonies open to tourists, usually the duration will not be too long to ensure it can fit into your itinerary.
Type of Tea Used
Matcha, which is the Japanese word for green tea, is typically the main ingredient used for making tea in most local tea ceremonies. Gaining a reputation worldwide for having superior quality, Matcha tea powder is a high-grade tea with more vitamins and nutrients.
Practical Information
Let's look at some other essential information that will help you to enjoy a tea ceremony.
Cost and Language
Cost of Joining a Tea Ceremony Class in Kyoto
While cost can vary based on the kind of tea ceremony experience, on average, a tea ceremony in Kyoto costs around 47.80 SGD per person.
English-Language Tea Ceremony Classes in Kyoto
Worried about language? Don't be. Almost all tea ceremony classes in Kyoto are conducted in English.
History and Culture
Best Time to Have a Tea Ceremony
The best time for a tea ceremony is any time you want to entertain guests, relax, or unwind. However, the time of year can also play a role, with different seasons bringing different changes to the Temae (tea preparation) and the configuration of the tea room.
History of the Japanese Tea Ceremony
The tea ceremony is steeped in history, dating back to the 9th century when Eichu, a Buddhist monk, prepared and served Sencha (leaf tea) to Emperor Saga in 815. Over time, the ceremony has evolved, being influenced by Buddhist principles, Zen Buddhism and the teachings of Sen no Rikyu, who emphasised respect, purity, harmony, and tranquility.
Samurai and the Tea Ceremony
Fascinatingly, the history of Samurais and tea ceremonies are closely intertwined. In the past, wealthy Samurai families devoted their time to preserving the ritual of the tea ceremony all over the country by introducing the health benefits of tea to everyone, including Japanese and foreign tourists alike.
Enjoy a Tea-riffic Experience in Kyoto Now
To wrap up, Japanese tea ceremonies in Kyoto is a must for any visitor. From the bustling Kyoto Station to a tranquil Zen temple and the scenic beauty of Kinkakuji Temple, there are countless venues within walking distance offering authentic tea experiences. Enjoy thin tea amidst seasonal flowers, whether you’re in downtown Kyoto or the serene Higashiyama-ku district. These ceremonies are perfect for special occasions, and students learn the detailed art of tea preparation and appreciation. No matter where you are in Kyoto, you'll find a tea ceremony that provides a rich cultural immersion, making your trip truly unforgettable.