Discover Japanese tea culture during an authentic tea ceremony in a traditional tea room near Kyoto’s Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine.
Learn about the history of Japanese tea from an English-speaking, kimono-clad instructor and watch a traditional matcha-making demonstration.
Prepare your own matcha with hands-on guidance, then enjoy your freshly made tea alongside traditional Japanese sweets.
Choose between a shared tea ceremony with other participants or a private session for a more personal cultural experience.
Guided matcha preparation experience
Matcha tea and traditional Japanese sweets
Tea ceremony materials and utensils
English explanation of Japanese tea history
Shared or private tea ceremony experience (as per option selected)
Hotel pickup and drop-off
These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
Discover the traditions of Japanese tea culture with a hands-on tea ceremony in Kyoto, just beside the iconic Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine. Learn about the history of Japanese tea, watch a traditional matcha preparation demonstration, and make your own tea with guidance from an experienced instructor before enjoying it with Japanese sweets.
Getting started
Arrive at the tea room near Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine and check in with the staff using your reservation details. The session begins with an English explanation of Japanese tea history, led by an instructor dressed in a traditional kimono. Whether you're new to tea ceremonies or curious about Japanese customs, the experience offers an accessible introduction to this cultural tradition.
What to expect
Discover the history and customs behind the Japanese tea ceremony through an easy-to-follow explanation in English. Your instructor introduces the traditions and techniques that give this practice its cultural significance.
Observe the instructor preparing matcha using traditional tea utensils. The demonstration highlights the careful movements and methods involved in creating this distinctive Japanese green tea.
Take part in a hands-on tea-making session, learning how to handle the utensils and prepare matcha with step-by-step guidance. No previous experience is needed, making this activity suitable for beginners.
Taste the tea you've prepared alongside traditional Japanese sweets, a classic pairing that complements matcha's rich, distinctive flavour.
Choose a shared tea ceremony to enjoy the experience alongside other participants or a private session for a more personal setting. After the ceremony, you can continue exploring the surroundings of Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine and enjoy more of Kyoto's cultural sights.
What to bring
Socks: Wear socks or use the tabi socks provided by the venue, as barefoot entry is not permitted.
What’s not allowed
Video: Video recording is prohibited during the tea ceremony; photography is subject to staff instructions.
Phone: Mobile phone use during the experience is discouraged, and tea utensils must be handled with care.
Alcohol: Participation may be refused if you have consumed alcohol or the organizer considers it unsafe.
Accessibility
Age: The experience is suitable for participants aged 7 and above; younger children are not permitted.
Additional information
Time: Arrive on time, as late arrivals may have their experience shortened or be denied participation.
Entry: Only booked or paying participants may enter the tea room; accompanying non-participants are not permitted.
Overseas: Reservations for people living in Japan may be cancelled, as the experience is intended for overseas visitors.
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.