Duration
Book now, pay later
Guided tour
- Includes a guided tea ceremony, matcha tasting in a traditional house, temple entry, local guide, and tour photos.
- Step inside Kennin-ji Temple, the birthplace of Japan’s matcha culture, and discover its tranquil grounds.
- Wander artisan lanes, visit specialty shops for tea tools, and experience Kyoto’s Wabi-Sabi aesthetic firsthand.
- Uncover a hidden Zen temple with lush moss gardens, embracing the spirit of ichi-go ichi-e during your walk.
- Perfectly positioned near Kiyomizu-dera and Yasaka Shrine, making it easy to continue your Kyoto adventure.
- Tea ceremony experience
- Matcha at traditional Japanese house
- Entrance fees for 2 temples
- 3-hour English-speaking local guide
- Photos taken during the tour
- Additional Food and Drinks
These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
Discover the beauty of Japanese tea culture beyond a simple matcha tasting on this immersive cultural walking tour in Kyoto. Visit historic temples, artisan shops, and hidden Zen spots while learning the philosophy, history, and aesthetics behind the tea ceremony.
Begin at Kennin-ji Temple, the birthplace of matcha culture in Japan, where you’ll explore how tea influenced Zen Buddhism and Kyoto’s traditions. Then stop by a specialty shop for tea ceremony tools such as bamboo whisks and raku teacups.
Next, step into a quiet hidden Zen temple to experience Kyoto’s peaceful side, with moss gardens, stone paths, and the timeless beauty of Wabi-Sabi aesthetics. The tour concludes with an authentic tea ceremony, enjoying a carefully prepared bowl of matcha guided by the philosophy of ichi-go ichi-e—“one chance, one encounter.”
Located near Kiyomizu-dera and Yasaka Shrine, this experience fits perfectly into your Kyoto sightseeing plans.
What's not allowed
- Pets are not permitted on this experience.
- Strollers are not allowed during the tour.
- Infant seats are unavailable, and infants must sit on laps.
Accessibility
- This experience is not wheelchair accessible.
- This experience is not stroller accessible.
- The tour is not recommended for people with back problems.
Additional information
- The tour starts on time, and late arrivals cannot join, reschedule, or receive a refund.
- The tour may be cancelled in case of unsuitable weather for safety reasons.
- You do not need to pay for the guide's food and drinks during the tour.
- There may be other participants joining your group.
- Be prepared for extreme weather conditions, with summer highs reaching 40°C (110°F) and winter lows dropping to -5°C (20°F).
- Free cancellation and rescheduling are available until 24 hours prior to the tour start time.
- The tea ceremony experience is for ages 6 and older; younger children must be accompanied by an adult outside the facility during the tea ceremony.
- Public transportation is available nearby.
- Your voucher will be emailed to you shortly.
- Display the voucher on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID at the starting point.
- Please check your final voucher for the starting point details & specific instructions.
