Book Workshops in Kyoto

An authentic tea ceremony at a Japanese home near Kinkaku-ji Temple, guided by a licensed Urasenke tea master.

• Everything you get: 45-minute tea ceremony experience; entry to a tatami-lined tea room; English-speaking Urasenke tea master; 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 in an intimate way.
• Upgrades: Wear a kimono during the ceremony and capture photos throughout the house with an optional upgrade.

Inclusions

• 45-min Tea ceremony session by Urasenke tea master

• English-speaking guide

• Matcha-making and tasting experience

• Introduction to tea room etiquette

• Photo opportunities inside the traditional home

• Access to the Japanese garden

• Kimono dress-up during the tea ceremony (optional upgrade)

What to bring

• Your booking confirmation or voucher (digital or printed).
• Comfortable clothing — there’s no specific dress code.
• Socks, as shoes must be removed inside the tea room.

What’s not allowed

• Arriving more than 30 minutes before your scheduled slot.
• Loud conversations or behaviour that disturbs the ceremony’s quiet atmosphere.
• Large groups expecting dedicated reception or staff support.

Accessibility

• Chairs are available for participants who cannot sit on tatami mats.

Additional information

• The venue is a small, private classroom, managed by a single instructor; so please arrive on time, as early or late entries cannot be accommodated.
• Guests are requested to maintain silence and respect throughout the session.
• If you’ve booked the Kimono add-on, arrive 20 minutes before your session for dressing.
• If sitting on the floor is difficult, chairs can be arranged on request — please inform the instructor in advance.

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Partake in a centuries-old traditional tea ceremony while donning a kimono at a historic Kyoto machiya.

• Everything you get: Wear a kimono with an obi sash, join a tea ceremony inside a 100-year-old machiya house, take part in two 20-minute zazen meditation sessions led by Eitetsu Nishida, join a guided walk from Myoshinji Temple North Gate to Jusho-in, enjoy a matcha-tasting session with seasonal Japanese sweets, take photos in the garden and tatami rooms with a photographer, and be accompanied by a bilingual guide.
• Why choose this: If you're a Japanese history lover, this tour is perfect. It takes you inside a machiya originally built during the Meiji period, once reserved for Japan’s wealthy nobles, and attend a Japanese meditation session
• Ticket options: Choose a shared or a private group tour for a more intimate experience—do note that wait times may occur if you book a shared group tour.
• Upgrades: Upgrade to a hand-loomed silk kimono to elevate your experience—feel the grace and authenticity of what nobility once wore as you explore the historic machiya.

Inclusions

• Shared tour/private tour (as per option selected)

• Bilingual guide: Japanese & English

• Entry to a 100-year-old machiya house

• 20-minute zazen meditation session with Eitetsu Nishida (2 sets)

• Guided walk from Myoshinji Temple North Gate to Jusho-in

• Matcha tasting with seasonal Japanese sweets

• Regular Kimono with an obi sash

• Premium silk kimono with an obi sash (optional upgrade)

• Photos taken by a professional photographer

Exclusions

• Socks (please bring your own socks)

• Geta (traditional Japanese wooden sandals)

• Hair styling

• Make up

• Lunch

What to bring

• Bring along your white socks as this helps to preserve the venue's cultural assets.

What's not allowed

• Shutterbugs, take note: Flash photography is a no-go inside the venue.
• Keep in mind tripods are not allowed on this experience. Pack wisely!

Accessibility

• This experience is not accessible by wheelchair.

Additional information

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

Inclusions

• 50-min Japanese tea ceremony experience

• Matcha

• English-speaking instructor

• Tea-making ingredients

• Seasonal sweets

Step into a traditional machiya house in Gion or the Kiyomizu area and experience Japan’s tea ceremony with a guide.

• Everything you get: 45-minute tea ceremony experience in a machiya-style teahouse, led by an English-speaking guide who explains each ritual. Join a shared session where you can make your own frothy bowl of matcha, enjoy it with Japanese sweets, and learn about the history.
• Why choose this: Set in a beautifully preserved machiya house, this experience combines Kyoto’s charm with centuries-old tea traditions. Choose between shared or private sessions as per your preference.
• Upgrades: Choose from shared or private tea ceremony sessions, with optional all-day kimono rental for an added touch of tradition and photo-perfect elegance.

Inclusions

• 45-minute Japanese tea ceremony experience

• Shared tour/private tour (as per option selected)

• English-speaking expert instructor

• Seasonal Japanese sweets (wagashi)

• Freshly whisked matcha (Japanese green tea)

• Opportunity to prepare and enjoy your own tea

• All-day kimono rental (optional upgrade)

What to bring

• Comfortable clothing — you’ll remove shoes before entering the tea room.
• Socks (required inside the tatami room).

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What’s not allowed

• Video recording during the ceremony.
• Flash photography.
• Food or drinks brought from outside.
• Loud conversations or disruptions during the session.

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Additional information

• Non-flash photography is permitted during the session.
• Chairs and tables are available for guests who cannot sit on the floor.
• Restrooms are available at all venues.
• The tea rooms are located upstairs — guests with mobility challenges can book at the Garden Teahouse, which is wheelchair accessible.
• Guests with interpreters must book a private ceremony to avoid disturbing other participants.
• Tour guides may wait in the lounge, which offers Wi-Fi and refreshments.
• Infants under 3 years old can only attend private ceremonies at the Garden Teahouse.
• Age limits vary by location:
  • Flower Teahouse: Shared Ceremony 6+, Private 4+
  • Flower Annex: 4+
  • Garden Teahouse: 4+
• Kimono rental is available at Flower Teahouse and Flower Annex (6,000 JPY per person, not available at Garden Teahouse).
• Flower Annex is for groups of nine or more (smaller groups may inquire).
• Flower Annex will be wheelchair accessible from March 1, 2026, and will close from Dec 1, 2025 – Feb 28, 2026 for maintenance.
• Garden Teahouse operates daily (Sundays only May–Nov; extra sessions Mar–Nov).
• Flower Teahouse is open year-round.

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Inclusions

Women’s Kimono Package

• Traditional kimono (and yukata in the summer)

• Bag and sandals

• Assistance with dressing by professional kimono masters

• Multilingual support (Chinese, Cantonese, English, Japanese, and Korean)

• Return before 5pm

Men’s Kimono Package

• Traditional kimono (geta in the summer)

• Bag and sandals

• Assistance with dressing by professional kimono masters

• Multilingual support (Chinese, Cantonese, English, Japanese, and Korean)

• Return before 5pm

Standard Couple’s Package

• This includes kimonos for a man and a woman

• Traditional kimono (geta and yuta in the summer)

• Bag and sandals

• Hair styling and accessorizing for women

• Assistance with dressing by professional kimono masters

• Multilingual support (Chinese, Cantonese, English, Japanese, and Korean)

• Return before 5pm

Exclusions

• Photography services

• Meals, drinks, and transportation

Rent a traditional kimono or yukata near Gojo Station, with sizes available for all body types and easy access to Kyoto’s top spots like Kiyomizu-dera and Gion.

• Everything you get: Find the attire for you from over 500 exquisitely crafted kimonos and obi (sashes)! Flaunt your kimonos as you walk to Kiyomizu Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Pls note that plus-size options are available.
• Why choose this: Rent your kimono from a 160-year-old Kyoto shop, and benefit from expert dressing techniques provided by professionally trained staff, ensuring comfort and beauty.
• Ticket options: You can choose from a polyester kimono, a premium silk kimono with antique motifs, or a lightweight cotton yukata perfect for the summer months.
• Add on: Elevate your Japanese attire by choosing to get your hair and makeup done the traditional way for an additional cost at checkout.

Inclusions

• Kimono rental & dressing for men, women & children

• Standard polyester kimono with obi/premium silk kimono with obi/Summer Yukata with obi [May to Sept](as per option selected)

• Storage for clothes & a handbag

• Women's hairstyling/makeup (if add-on selected)

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

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.