MAIKOYA
The Japanese tea ceremony, also known as sado, chado, or chanoyu, is a centuries-old tradition of preparing and serving powdered matcha green tea, stemming from the practice of Buddhism in China. This is a ritualistic way of making matcha, a type of powdered tea unique to Japan, which is made from dried tea leaves and produces a bright green color. This is a rare treat for visitors who want to experience the true culture and essence of Japan! 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 gue
Highlights
Experience Traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony
You can take many photos by wearing an authentic kimono in the beautiful Japanese gardens of Maikoya
Everyone is welcome to take pictures in the tea room and the garden, along with our unique backdrops!
You don't even need to worry about the language barrier! All of our staff is fluent in English
Sampling traditional Japanese sweets
Duration
1.5 hours
Offered in
English
What is included
KIMONO TEA CEREMONY MAIKOYA at GION KIYOMIZU
100, Rokurocho, Matsubara-dori Yamatooji Higashi iru, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto
Start time
9:30 am
End point
KIMONO TEA CEREMONY MAIKOYA at GION KIYOMIZU
100, Rokurocho, Matsubara-dori Yamatooji Higashi iru, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto
Experience Traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony
You can take many photos by wearing an authentic kimono in the beautiful Japanese gardens of Maikoya
Everyone is welcome to take pictures in the tea room and the garden, along with our unique backdrops!
You don't even need to worry about the language barrier! All of our staff is fluent in English
Sampling traditional Japanese sweets
Tea Ceremony
Our award-winning tea ceremonies are not only enjoyable but also a comprehensive educational experience. Our expert tea master and host, and friendly staff will demonstrate the process during the tea ceremony while explaining the significance behind it the steps and the tools. You will get to learn about tea ceremony history, Kyoto, and tea ceremony etiquette. During the tea ceremony, you will not only observe how to make matcha green tea but you will also be guided on the process of making your own by the tea master. You will be using high-quality matcha powder that will produce a brilliant cup of green matcha.
How is the tea ceremony performed at Maikoya?
The tea ceremony begins by being welcomed into the tea room by the host, also called the "teishu", where the tools and utensils are laid out ready to be used for the ritual. While everyone is expected to sit on the tatami mats arranged on the floor, wooden chairs are provided for those who choose not to. Comfort is prioritized at Maikoya, so you are welcome to sit however you like! The matcha is typically prepared in a quiet and calm environment, but guests are encouraged to ask questions and learn more about the ritual. If there are none, the host will explain the process from time to time, providing introductions and demonstrations so you can familiarize yourself with the tools and steps during the ceremony. Tea ceremony tools and utensils are taken great care of, with the host wiping them gently with a silk cloth to make sure they are clean. Some of the items used in the ancient tradition are important artifacts that have been used for generations. After preparing the items, the host will carefully measure
MAIKOYA is the only facility in Kyoto where you can experience real kimono and tea ceremony in the same place.
A selection of beautiful kimonos is available for you to choose from, and our staff will make sure you look your best for your unique Japanese experience. Ladies will be treated to get their hair done to match their kimono and traditional Japanese look! You can take many photos by wearing an authentic kimono in the beautiful Japanese gardens of Maikoya. You can even wear your kimonos outside after your tea ceremony, and take a stroll down the historical Gion District.
The historical scenic townhouse
This VIP experience is held in a historic machiya that has been recognized by the Japanese Ministry of Culture as a Tangible Cultural Property and its tearoom is featured in Japanese textbooks as an exemplar. The traditional townhouse is located right by the world-famous Gion Geisha district and just a few minutes walk from Kiyomizu Temple and the picturesque Hokanji Pagoda , a.k.a. the icon of Kyoto. The house has 3 unique gardens and your tea ceremony will take place in a room surrounded by two spacious gardens on both sides. 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?
The foundations of Zen philosophy
You don't even need to worry about the language barrier! All of our staff is fluent in English and can answer and explain anything about the ceremony. Asking questions during the tea ceremony is welcome. Our staff will teach you about the foundations of Zen philosophy that have influenced the Japanese tea ceremony: Wa, Kei, Sei, Jaku, which translates into harmony, respect, purity, and tranquility.
Japanese sweets
You will also be sampling traditional Japanese sweets called wagashi, which will vary in flavors, shapes, and colors according to the season. Each experience at Maikoya is unique just by the snacks served at each session, not just by the personalization for each guest.
This is a private tea ceremony with Kimono for VIP guests. There will be no one except you and your companion/s for the whole event! Please enjoy a premium tea ceremony experience in a Kyoto machiya, protected as a registered cultural property by the Japanese government.
Children under 7 can not enter the tea ceremony venue.
Lasts approximately 90 - 120 minutes Your appointment time is the starting time for kimono dressing. The tea ceremony is scheduled to start in about 30 minutes, but it depends on the situation. If you arrive late at appointment time, you can wear the kimono after the tea ceremony is over.
We kindly request that you contact us in advance regarding the participation of special needs.
The Japanese tea ceremony is preparing, serving, and drinking tea in a ritualistic and ceremonial way.
The host will be guiding you through the ritual and instruct you on what to do.
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!
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 Maikoya.
This tea ceremony is held at Maikoya Kyoto Teahouse in Gion District near Gion Shijo Station. Tea ceremonies are usually held in tea houses, tea rooms, and Japanese tea gardens.
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.
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.
Maikoya Kyoto holds its tea ceremonies in a traditional tea room and townhouse in the Gion District! Maikoya offers an authentic tea ceremony from three locations in Kyoto, Tokyo, and Osaka.
Other times available are 10:30/11:30/12:30/13:30/14:30/15:30/16:30
MAIKOYA
