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 guest would bring paper fans to the ritual and have the endurance to sit on their knees the whole time. The tea ceremony, however, did not originate in Japan and is not uniquely Japanese. This practice is shared with China as “art of the tea” and Korea as “etiquette for tea” or “tea rite”. All three variations are connected together by Zen Buddhism and the spiritual process of the preparation and presentation of the tea. But what sets apart the Japanese tea ceremony from its cultural siblings? Sado, Chanoyu, or Ocha has been refined by Sen no Rikyu, who is considered as the father of the Japanese tea ceremony. Besides being an aesthetic art form and performance, the chanoyu is widely practiced using matcha, a type of powdered tea that produces a bright green beverage.
Highlights
PRIVATE Tea Ceremony with Kimono
Enjoying our award-winning tea ceremonies
Selecting kimono to take photos
Everyone is welcome to take pictures in the tea room and the garden, along with our unique backdrops!
Sampling traditional Japanese sweets
Duration
1.5 hours
Offered in
English
What is included
Kimono costume
Green tea and water
Utensils
English Speaking tea master
Hairdo for ladies
Traditional Japanese room
Japanese style backdrops
Explanations about the steps, meanings, zen philosophy and the subtle traditions related to tea ceremony
What is not included
Transportation
Hotel pickup and drop-off
KIMONO TEA CEREMONY KYOTO MAIKOYA at NISHIKI
329 Ebiyacho, Gokomachi-dori Sanjo sagaru, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto
Start time
9:00 am
End point
KIMONO TEA CEREMONY KYOTO MAIKOYA at NISHIKI
329 Ebiyacho, Gokomachi-dori Sanjo sagaru, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto
PRIVATE Tea Ceremony with Kimono
Enjoying our award-winning tea ceremonies
Selecting kimono to take photos
Sampling traditional Japanese sweets
Everyone is welcome to take pictures in the tea room and the garden, along with our unique backdrops!
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 the matcha powder and hot water, demonstrating the step before teaching you the mesmerizing process of whipping the matcha until it creates a thick foam.
After the tea is prepared, you will get to taste the matcha and the product of your hard work!
Enjoying our award winning tea ceremonies
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.
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
Our tea ceremonies are held in a historic machiya that has been registered as a Tangible Cultural Property, located conveniently in central Kyoto. The traditional townhouse is just a few minutes away from the Gion-Shijo train station and nearby popular destinations such as the Nishiki Market, the Kawaramachi, and the Kiyomizu Temple. 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.
Sampling traditional 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 Kimono Tea Ceremony 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.There will be no one except you and your companion/s for the whole event! You'll be able to take many beautiful photos of your experience.
Children under 7 can not enter the tea ceremony venue.
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.
Depending on the type of package you have chosen, you can wear your casual clothes, or any of the kimonos you will pick. The staff will help you put on the kimono and ladies' hair will be styled to suit it.
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 Kimono Tea Ceremony 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.
Before the tea ceremony, guests are given the choice to choose from the kimonos for the ceremony, and ladies are given appropriate hairstyles that match the designs of their kimono. The host or tea master will then prepare the ingredients and tools and begin making the matcha while explaining the process.
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.
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 start time available 10:00AM/11:00AM/12:00PM/13.00PM/14:00PM/15:00PM/16:00PM/17:00PM
MAIKOYA
