Book Workshops in Kyoto

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.

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).

Step into Kyoto’s traditions—choose your kimono and savor a hands-on tea ceremony experience.

• Everything you get: Select from over 200 kimonos with professional dressing assistance and free hairstyling for women. Join an English-guided tea ceremony, prepare matcha using a traditional chasen, and enjoy Japanese sweets from a long-established store. All materials are included—just arrive ready to participate.
• Why choose this: Experience Japanese culture with a guided, interactive tea ceremony and kimono experience right near Nishiki Market—perfect for first-timers and culture lovers.
• Upgrades: Upgrade your experience with a Japanese calligraphy workshop or a gold leaf craft session, where you create and take home your own finished piece.

Inclusions #

• Choice of over 200 kimonos

• Free hair styling for women

• Kimono rental

• All materials necessary for the selected experience (tea ceremony, calligraphy, or gold leaf workshop)

• Japanese sweets from a long-established store (based on option selected)

• Finished gold leaf plate to take home (based on option selected)

What to bring

• Please bring a smartphone with internet access, as you must open your voucher link and present the live “Use” screen to staff. Screenshots or printed tickets are not accepted.
• You do not need to bring anything else; all necessary materials for your selected experience are provided.

What’s not allowed

• Screenshots or printed versions of your voucher are not accepted. Only the live “Use” screen on your smartphone is valid.

Accessibility

• This experience is not wheelchair accessible.

Additional information

• Reservations must be made by 12pm, one day before your participation date.
• Your voucher is valid only for the specified participation date.
• The experience is conducted in English.
• Free hair styling for women is included as part of the kimono experience.
• Children aged 3 and above require a ticket to participate.
• All materials needed for the tea ceremony, calligraphy, or gold leaf workshop are included based on your selected option.
• Tea ceremony variants include Japanese sweets from a long-established store.
• Guests joining the gold leaf experience can take home their finished plate as a souvenir.
• The experience takes place at Nishiki Orizuruya.

Authentic 45-minute tea ceremony with matcha and seasonal wagashi.

• Everything you get: You’ll join a 45-minute tea ceremony performed in English inside a traditional machiya townhouse in Kyoto. Prepare your own bowl of matcha, enjoy seasonal wagashi, and learn the meaning behind the gestures and utensils used in this centuries-old ritual. Shared and private sessions are available.
• Why choose this: Set in a beautifully preserved house, this experience combines Kyoto’s charm with centuries-old tea traditions. Experience tea culture in a preserved machiya, not a staged studio setting.
• 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 tea ceremony experience

• Shared or private session (as per option selected)

• Tea ceremony performed in English

• Seasonal Japanese sweets (wagashi)

• Matcha preparation and tasting

• Optional all-day kimono rental (Flower/Annex only)

What to bring

• Please bring socks, as shoes must be removed before entering the tea room.

What’s not allowed

• Flash photography is not permitted during the ceremony.
• Video recording is not allowed during the session.
• Outside food and drinks are not permitted.
• Guests with interpreters must book a private session.

Accessibility

• Camellia Garden is wheelchair accessible.
• Flower Teahouse and Flower Annex may require stair access.
• Age restrictions vary by location; please check your selected venue before booking.

Additional information

• Tea ceremonies are performed in English.
• Optional kimono rental is available at Flower Teahouse and Flower Annex only.
• Flower Annex opens from March 5, 2026; maintenance closures may apply as stated by the supplier.

Savor premium first flush matcha while learning tea culture in an easy-to-wear kimono.

• Everything you get: Taste exclusive first flush matcha, learn Japanese tea ceremony philosophy, and the differences between Japanese and overseas matcha. Practice preparing a bowl of matcha using tea tools and learn drinking etiquette. Easy-to-wear kimonos and Japanese snacks are included.
• Why choose this: Most experiences focus only on tasting or dressing. This one lets you try a kimono, learn about matcha culture, and master proper tea preparation.

Inclusions #

• Authentic Japanese tea ceremony

• High-quality Japanese 1st flush matcha

• Japanese traditional snacks

• Easy-to-wear kimono rental

• Tea Ceremony tools rental

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

Make your own matcha in a 100-year-old Kyoto machiya.

• Everything you get: You’ll join a 45-minute tea ceremony meditation in a traditional Kyoto machiya at aeru gojo. Guided by an English-speaking host trained in the Omotesenke school, you’ll prepare your own bowl of matcha using traditional utensils and enjoy Japanese sweets in an intimate group of up to 8 guests.
• Why choose this: A small-group tea ceremony with direct guidance from an Omotesenke-trained tea master in an authentic machiya setting.

Inclusions #

• 45-minute tea ceremony experience

• Small group session (max 10 participants)

• Tea master trained in the Omotesenke tradition

• Matcha-making experience

• 1 bowl of matcha

• Traditional Japanese sweets

• Use of traditional tea utensils

Exclusions #

• Hotel pickup and drop-off

• Kimono rental

• Hair styling

What to bring

• Please bring your booking confirmation for entry.

What’s not allowed

• Please arrive no earlier than 10 minutes before your scheduled time. As our space is limited, we kindly ask for your understanding that the venue is not suitable for eating.
• Bicycles are not allowed inside the venue.
• To fully enjoy the aroma of matcha and ensure a pleasant experience for everyone, please refrain from wearing perfumes or colognes.

Accessibility

• The venue is wheelchair accessible. If you will be using a wheelchair, we kindly ask that you arrive 10 minutes before your session so we can assist you comfortably.
• Staff can provide personalized assistance to guests who require support.

Additional information

• The experience lasts 45-minutes.
• Bookings are non-refundable.
• Kimono rental and hair styling are not included.
• There is no on-site parking; please use nearby public bicycle parking if needed.

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

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.