Kyoto: Casual Tea Ceremony in 100-Year-Old Machiya House

Immersing oneself in the timeless traditions of Japan’s renowned tea ceremony is a captivating experience. Kyoto’s Casual Tea Ceremony in a 100-Year-Old Machiya House offers a unique opportunity to do just that. Over the course of 45 minutes, this intimate setting allows a small group of participants to learn the art of preparing matcha tea at home, while savoring the frothy green beverage and traditional sweets. However, the true allure of this experience lies in the ancient rituals and philosophy that give the tea ceremony its enduring cultural significance. What secrets might this time-honored tradition unveil?

Key Points

• Offers a 45-minute casual tea ceremony experience in a 100-year-old machiya house in Kyoto, catering to a small group of up to 8 participants.
• Includes a single cup of matcha tea and traditional Japanese sweets, as well as a booklet with additional information in three languages.
• Provides an immersive introduction to the zen spirit, rituals, and traditions of the Japanese tea ceremony, with the host expertly demonstrating the proper preparation of matcha tea.
• Encourages guests to avoid wearing strong perfumes or colognes to fully enjoy the subtle scents and ambiance of the traditional tea ceremony.
• Allows for free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and offers a ‘reserve now, pay later’ option, ensuring a stress-free booking experience.

You can check if your dates are available here:

About the Activity

This activity offers a casual tea ceremony experience within a 100-year-old machiya house in Kyoto, lasting approximately 45 minutes for a small group limited to 8 participants.

During this intimate gathering, attendees will be immersed in the zen spirit of the tea ceremony, learning how to properly prepare matcha tea at home.

The experience includes a cup of matcha tea and traditional Japanese sweets, as well as a booklet in three languages providing further information.

To fully appreciate the aroma, guests are asked to avoid wearing strong perfumes or colognes.

This unique cultural interaction allows visitors to connect with Kyoto’s rich heritage in a relaxed and authentic setting.

What’s Included

The casual tea ceremony experience includes a single cup of matcha tea and traditional Japanese sweets, as well as a booklet in three languages that provides additional information about the activity.

Guests will have the opportunity to learn how to properly prepare matcha tea at home. The experience highlights the zen spirit of the tea ceremony, allowing participants to fully enjoy the rituals and traditions.

To fully appreciate the aroma, guests are asked to avoid strong perfumes or colognes. With a duration of 45 minutes and a small group size limited to 8 participants, this activity offers an intimate and authentic taste of Japanese tea culture in a 100-year-old machiya house in Kyoto.

Experience Highlights

Guests can enjoy the zen spirit of the traditional tea ceremony, learning how to properly prepare matcha tea at home. The experience highlights include:

1. Discovering the ancient rituals and philosophy behind the art of the tea ceremony.
2. Watching the host expertly whisk the frothy green tea, revealing the delicate flavors and aromas.
3. Savoring the delicate balance of the matcha tea and traditional Japanese sweets.
4. Leaving with a newfound appreciation for the tranquility and mindfulness embodied in this timeless tradition.

Participants can avoid wearing strong perfumes or colognes to fully enjoy the subtle scents that permeate the 100-year-old machiya house during this intimate, 45-minute experience.

Meeting Point

Participants can find the meeting point by turning at the corner with the Family Mart on Karasuma-dori Street and proceeding straight for 1 block, where they’ll see the sign for aeru gojo.

This clearly marked location makes it easy for guests to find the 100-year-old machiya house where the tea ceremony takes place.

With simple directions, there’s no need to worry about getting lost on the way to this intimate experience.

Once at the meeting point, participants can look forward to seeing the zen spirit of the traditional tea ceremony and learning how to make matcha at home, all while enjoying the aroma of the freshly brewed tea.

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Free Cancellation

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance, allowing guests to easily adjust their plans if needed. This flexible policy provides peace of mind, ensuring participants can make the most of their visit to the 100-year-old machiya house in Kyoto.

Cancellations must be made at least 24 hours prior to the scheduled start time. Full refunds are provided for all cancellations within the 24-hour window.

Modifications to the booking, such as date or time changes, can also be accommodated with the free cancellation option. This policy allows guests to book with confidence, knowing they can adapt their plans as needed.

Wheelchair Accessibility

The casual tea ceremony experience at the 100-year-old machiya house in Kyoto is wheelchair accessible, accommodating guests with mobility needs.

The venue and facilities have been designed to ensure a comfortable and inclusive experience for all participants. Guests using wheelchairs can easily navigate the space, and the tea ceremony itself has been adapted to ensure their full participation.

The tea master and staff are trained to provide personalized assistance, ensuring that every guest, regardless of their physical abilities, can fully enjoy the zen spirit of the tea ceremony.

This accessibility feature makes the experience inclusive and accessible to a wider audience, enhancing the cultural exchange and learning opportunities for all.

Instruction Languages

Instruction during the casual tea ceremony in Kyoto’s 100-year-old machiya house is provided in both English and Japanese, catering to visitors from diverse linguistic backgrounds. This ensures that all participants can fully engage with and understand the subtleties of the traditional tea ceremony.

The experience includes:

1. Step-by-step guidance on the proper way to whisk and drink matcha tea.
2. Explanations of the historical significance and cultural traditions behind each element of the ceremony.
3. Opportunities to ask questions and engage directly with the knowledgeable host.
4. A booklet in three languages to take home, summarizing the key learnings.

This multilingual approach allows guests to enjoy the zen spirit of the tea ceremony, regardless of their native tongue.

Reservation and Payment

Reservation and payment for the casual tea ceremony in Kyoto’s historic machiya house can be easily secured online, with a convenient ‘reserve now, pay later’ option available. Interested participants simply need to select their preferred date and time, provide contact details, and await confirmation – no upfront payment is required.

Reservation & Payment
Free Cancellation	Up to 24 hours in advance
Reserve Now, Pay Later	Convenient option
Payment Accepted	On-site

This flexible booking process ensures a seamless experience, allowing visitors to lock in their spot without any financial commitment until the day of the event. Once confirmed, participants can look forward to an authentic taste of traditional Japanese tea culture in an enchanting century-old setting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Photography Allowed During the Tea Ceremony?

Photography is generally not allowed during the tea ceremony. Participants are advised to avoid distractions and fully enjoy the experience. Taking photos could disrupt the zen-like atmosphere of the ceremony.

Can Participants Bring Their Own Food or Drinks?

Participants cannot bring their own food or drinks to the tea ceremony. The experience includes one cup of matcha tea and traditional Japanese sweets, which are provided as part of the event.

Is There a Dress Code for the Tea Ceremony?

There’s generally no strict dress code for a tea ceremony, though participants should avoid strong scents and wear comfortable, modest clothing. The focus is on the ceremonial experience, not fashion.

Are There Any Discounts or Group Rates Available?

There are no specific discounts or group rates mentioned. However, the experience accommodates small groups of up to 8 participants, which may provide a more intimate and personalized tea ceremony experience.

Can the Tea Ceremony Be Customized for Special Occasions?

The tea ceremony can be customized for special occasions. Special requests, such as serving traditional Japanese sweets instead of the usual offering, may be accommodated if communicated in advance with the organizers.

Recap

The casual tea ceremony in Kyoto’s 100-year-old machiya house offers a unique opportunity to take in the zen spirit of traditional Japanese tea culture.

Participants will learn how to properly prepare matcha tea, savor a single cup, and discover the ancient rituals and philosophy behind this timeless tradition, all while experiencing the tranquility of a historic setting.

You can check if your dates are available here: