Discover Kyoto Classes

Tea ceremony and kimono wearing in a historic Kyoto machiya.

• Everything you get: You’ll wear a traditional kimono with an obi sash and take part in a tea ceremony inside Nishijin Tondaya, a preserved 1885 machiya townhouse registered as National Cultural Heritage. Choose between a shared or private group session in this historic Kyoto setting.
• Why choose this: Experience tea culture inside an authentic Meiji-era merchant house, not a modern replica.
• Upgrades: Upgrade to a premium silk kimono for a more elevated traditional look.

Inclusions #

• Shared or private group session (as per option selected)

• Tea ceremony experience (Ryureiseki style seating)

• Regular kimono with obi sash

• Premium silk kimono with obi sash (if option selected)

• Entry to Nishijin Tondaya machiya house

Exclusions #

• Socks (please bring your own socks)

• Geta (traditional Japanese wooden sandals)

• Hair styling

• Make up

• Lunch

What to bring

• Please bring white socks, as shoes must be removed inside the machiya.

What’s not allowed

• Flash photography is not permitted inside the venue.
• Tripods are not allowed during the experience.

Accessibility

• This experience is not wheelchair accessible.

Additional information

• Kimono for men is available.
• Please avoid wearing tight-fitting clothing such as turtlenecks during the kimono dressing experience.
• This experience is available for both men and women.

An authentic tea ceremony at a Japanese home near Kinkaku-ji Temple, guided by an experienced instructor**.**

• Everything you get: 45-minute tea ceremony experience; entry to a tatami-lined tea room; English-speaking experienced instructor; matcha-making demonstration and tasting of your own hand-whisked tea with some sweets by the side, take a tour of the tea house and small garden with photo ops in a traditional Japanese setting.
• Why choose this: Learn centuries-old tea rituals in a calm, small-group setting; perfect for travellers who want to experience Kyoto’s traditions intimately.
• Upgrades: Wear a kimono during the ceremony and capture photos throughout the house with an optional upgrade.

Inclusions #

• 45-minute shared tea ceremony session

• Tea ceremony conducted in English

• Matcha preparation and tasting

• Introduction to tea ceremony etiquette

• Kimono dressing during the ceremony (if option selected)

What to bring

• Please bring your booking confirmation, either in digital or printed form, to present upon arrival.
• You must wear socks, as shoes are not permitted inside the tatami tea room.

What’s not allowed

• Guests must not engage in loud conversations or disruptive behaviour, as the tea ceremony requires a quiet and respectful atmosphere.
• Guests who arrive late beyond their scheduled session time may not be accommodated.

Accessibility

• Chairs are available for guests who are unable to sit on tatami mats, but you should inform the instructor in advance if you require one.

Additional information

• This is a shared tea ceremony experience conducted with other participants.
• The seating capacity may reach approximately 13 guests during high season.
• The tea room requires a calm and quiet atmosphere throughout the session.
• If small children become disruptive during the ceremony, guests may be asked to step outside in order to maintain the setting.
• Guests who select the kimono option must arrive at least 20 minutes before the session begins for dressing.
• For children under 7–8 years old who select the kimono option, a yukata will be provided instead of a kimono.
• The kimono option requires a minimum booking of two guests.

Traditional tea ceremony in a 100-year-old Kyoto machiya near Nishiki Market

• Everything you get: Step inside a preserved Kyoto machiya townhouse near Nishiki Market and join a guided tea ceremony led by an English-speaking host. Learn the meaning behind the ritual, watch the tea prepared, then whisk and enjoy your own bowl of matcha with seasonal wagashi sweets.
• Why choose this: A small-group cultural experience in an authentic machiya setting where you learn tea etiquette and participate in the ceremony rather than just watch.
• Upgrades: Upgrade to a kimono plan to dress in traditional attire before the ceremony and enjoy photos in the machiya and nearby Kyoto streets.

Inclusions #

• Guided Japanese tea ceremony

• Matcha tea preparation session

• Traditional wagashi sweets

• Tea ceremony etiquette guidance

• Tea ceremony in machiya townhouse

• Kimono rental (based on option selected)

Exclusions #

• Hotel transfers

• Personal expenses

• Professional photography services

What to bring

• Wear or bring socks, as shoes are removed before entering tatami rooms in the machiya.
• For kimono plans, wear light inner layers that are easy to change in and out of.

What’s not allowed

• Avoid strong perfumes or fragrances as they interfere with the aroma of matcha.
• Late arrivals may miss parts of the ceremony introduction or instructions.

Accessibility

• Table-and-chair seating is often available for guests unable to sit on tatami.
• Historic machiya houses may have steps and narrow entrances for wheelchairs.

Additional information

• Sessions run in small groups with fixed start times so arrive 10–15 minutes early.
• Hosts guide the ceremony in English so no prior knowledge is needed.

Experience authentic Kyoto tea culture with hands-on matcha making in Ninenzaka.

• Everything you get: A 50-minute guided tea ceremony in Ninenzaka at a table with chairs, learning the history, etiquette, and proper use of utensils. Whisk Uji matcha yourself, savor seasonal wagashi, and participate in a Q&A with an English-speaking instructor. All ingredients are included!
• Why choose this: Most experiences are floor-seated demos. This one lets you sit comfortably at a table, ideal for those unfamiliar with kneeling, while making matcha yourself and asking questions for a hands-on experience.

Inclusions #

• 50-min authentic tea ceremony experience

• Uji matcha

• English-speaking instructor

• Tea-making ingredients

• Seasonal sweets

What to bring

• In Japan, it is customary to wear socks when visiting a traditional Japanese house. If you arrive barefoot, socks will be available for you at an additional fee.

What's not allowed

• To preserve the subtle fragrance of incense used during the ceremony, please refrain from wearing perfume or any strongly scented products.
• Flash photography and tripods are not allowed.

Additional information

• Traditional Japanese clothing rentals are available. Women can select a two-piece kimono, while men can choose a samue.
• Premium matcha made from 100% Kyoto Uji tea leaves is offered at a special price, and matcha tea bowls are also available for purchase.

See Kyoto’s cultural heart, wear a kimono and master the art of Japanese tea ceremony.

• Everything you get: Choose from over 200 beautiful kimonos, with expert assistance and simple hairstyling included. Join a small group in an elegant tea room, learn the rituals of matcha preparation from a licensed guide, and savor traditional wagashi sweets and matcha. All utensils, guidance, and taxes are covered.
• Why choose this: Experience authentic Japanese hospitality in a welcoming, intimate setting, perfect for first-timers and culture lovers.
• Upgrades: Upgrade to the Kimono Tea Ceremony & Japanese Calligraphy Experience for a guided calligraphy session, or choose the Special Tea Ceremony with Maiko to watch an authentic Maiko prepare and serve matcha in a traditional tea ceremony.

Inclusions #

• Kimono set rental

• Simple hairstyling (women only)

• Tea ceremony utensils rental

• Traditional snacks (wagashi and matcha)

• Licensed guide

• All fees and taxes

• Japanese calligraphy set rental (based on option selected)

• Tea ceremony hosted by an authentic Maiko (based on option selected)

Exclusions #

• Transportation to and from the meeting point

What to bring

• A smartphone with internet access to open and present your voucher on the day of your experience (screenshots or printed copies are not accepted).

What’s not allowed

• Screenshots or printed copies of your voucher are not accepted; you must access the booking via the provided link and present it on your smartphone.

Accessibility

• This experience is not wheelchair accessible.
• The venue is located in a traditional setting in Gion and may involve steps and narrow entrances.

Additional information

• Reservation is required by 12pm one day before your participation date.
• Your voucher is valid only for the specified participation date.
• Transportation to and from the meeting point is not included.
• The experience takes place at Gion Orizuruya, 572-7 Minamigawa, Gion-machi, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto.
• The venue is a 10-minute walk from Hankyu Kyoto-Kawaramachi Station and a 7-minute walk from Keihan Gion-Shijo Station.
• Children aged 3 and above require a ticket.
• The experience is conducted in small groups (maximum 10 guests for the tea ceremony option; maximum 3 guests for the tea ceremony & calligraphy option).

Rent a Kimono near JR Saga-Arashiyama station and explore the famous bamboo grove wearing the traditional attire.

• Everything you get: Choose a kimono that suits your style and get professionally dressed by friendly staff, complete with all the essentials—obi sash, socks, kimono bag, and zori sandals—all included in your package.
• Why choose this: Embrace Kyoto’s heritage in traditional attire as you explore the scenic Arashiyama district—famous for its bamboo groves, cherry blossoms, and serene riverside views.
• Ticket options: Choose from a modern polyester kimono with vibrant prints, an antique-style Kyotan kimono in soft earthy tones, or a glossy silk kimono adorned with classic woven motifs.

Inclusions #

• Kimono rental & dressing

• Regular polyester kimono/ Kyolan kimono/Premium silk kimono (as per option selected)

• Sandals, bag, socks, and lockers included

• Bamboo grove visit

Exclusions #

• Make-up and hairdo

Inclusions #

• 1.5-hour ramen cooking class

• English-speaking tour escort / host

• Food tasting

• Lunch

• Local taxes

Exclusions #

• Drinks

Rent a kimono in Kyoto with simple hairstyling and professional dressing included.

• Everything you get: Receive a full kimono rental set including kimono, obi belt, hairpin, undergarments, inner garment, sandals, bag, and tabi socks. Professional dressing assistance and a simple updo hairstyle with a kanzashi hairpin are included.
• Why choose this: Enjoy an easy kimono rental experience with professional dressing and hairstyling, perfect for exploring Kyoto in traditional attire.
• Upgrades: Upgrade to a higher-grade kimono and obi with the Deluxe plan and choose up to four additional accessories on-site. Optional hairstyling upgrades are also available.

Inclusions #

• Kimono rental set for the day

• Professional kimono dressing

• Simple hair styling with hairpin

• Kimono accessories set included

• Deluxe kimono grade (as per option selected)

• Extra accessories selection (as per option selected)

Exclusions #

• Premium hairstyling upgrades

• Optional kimono upgrades in store

• Late return fee after 5:30pm

• Next-day return option fee

What to bring

• Present your booking confirmation at the store on arrival for verification and check-in.

What’s not allowed

• Guests who have consumed alcohol or are pregnant cannot participate for safety reasons.

Accessibility

• Kimono sizes may not be available for every child depending on height and body size.

Additional information

• Kimono rentals must be returned by 5:30pm; late returns incur a ¥1,100 fee per person.
• Next-day return is available for ¥1,100, with items returned by 3pm the following day.
• Additional charges may apply depending on the kimono grade or accessories selected.
• Hair styling included is a simple updo; other hairstyle options can be purchased separately.

Inclusions #

• 50-min Japanese tea ceremony experience

• Matcha

• English-speaking instructor

• Tea-making ingredients

• Seasonal sweets

Immerse yourself in a private Japanese tea ceremony with hands-on matcha making in Nara.

• Everything you get: Enjoy a 90-minute private tea ceremony in a beautifully renovated traditional house, guided one-on-one by a skilled tea master. Taste five types of locally sourced Japanese tea, receive hands-on matcha making instruction, and savor two kinds of matcha alongside seasonal wagashi (traditional Japanese sweets).
• Why choose this: This intimate, interactive workshop offers a genuine connection to Japanese culture, personalized tea master guidance, and a serene escape in Nara’s tranquil setting. Perfect for tea lovers and cultural explorers.

Inclusions #

• Private tea ceremony in renovated house

• One-on-one tea master instruction

• Hands-on matcha making practice

• 5 types of Japanese tea

• Traditional Japanese sweets (wagashi)

• Two types of matcha

What to bring

• No specific items are required for this experience. All tea, matcha, wagashi, and materials are provided as part of the session.

What’s not allowed

• No specific restrictions are listed by the activity provider.

Accessibility

• Infants and small children may attend in a stroller but must sit on an adult’s lap during the activity.

Additional information

• This experience is available for guests aged 13 to 99.
• Infants and small children may attend but must sit on an adult’s lap during the session.
• Public transportation options are available nearby.
• The experience lasts approximately 90 minutes.
• Free cancellation is available if requested before 12am, one day prior to the date of use. Cancellations made after this time are non-refundable.