Kyoto: Machiya House Tea Ceremony and Kimono Rental

Step into the timeless world of Japanese tradition as you learn about the enchanting Kyoto experience of a machiya house tea ceremony and kimono rental. Set out on a journey that transports you back in time, where the delicate flavors of matcha tea and the elegant drape of authentic kimonos converge to create an unforgettable cultural encounter. Uncover the secrets of this time-honored ritual, guided by the expertise of experienced tea masters, and discover the rich tapestry of Kyoto’s historic streets adorned in the timeless beauty of traditional attire. What awaits you is a captivating blend of education and enrichment, a true testament to the enduring spirit of Japan.

This experience made our list of the 30 Best Kimono Experiences In Kyoto.

Key Points

• Guests experience an authentic Japanese tea ceremony at a 100-year-old Machiya townhouse in Kyoto.
• Participants are outfitted in traditional Japanese kimonos and guided through the preparation and serving of matcha tea.
• The 3-hour experience includes rental of the kimono, matcha tea, and complementary traditional Japanese sweets.
• Guests can stroll around Kyoto in their rented kimonos until 5:30 PM after the tea ceremony.
• The experience is not suitable for children under 10, pregnant women, wheelchair users, or individuals over 6’6" (200 cm) or 209 lbs (95 kg).

You can check if your dates are available here:

Experience Overview

The experience begins with guests arriving at the Yumeyakata Gojo Shop, where they’re outfitted in traditional Japanese kimonos. After getting dressed, participants head to the Yumeyakata Oike Bettei, a 100-year-old Machiya townhouse in Kyoto.

Under the supervision of an experienced tea master, guests prepare and serve matcha tea, engaging in the authentic practices of the traditional Japanese tea ceremony. This includes bowing, using proper greetings, eating traditional sweets, and appreciating the craftsmanship of the tea bowl.

Throughout the 3-hour experience, participants enjoy the serene atmosphere, surrounded by the rich cultural elements of this time-honored tradition.

Ceremony Inclusions

As part of the tea ceremony experience, participants can enjoy a variety of inclusions. The ceremony includes the preparation and serving of matcha tea, as well as traditional Japanese sweets. An explanatory leaflet about the tea ceremony is also provided to enhance the educational aspect of the experience. Experienced tea masters and interpreters guide participants throughout the ceremony, ensuring an authentic and immersive experience.

Inclusions	Description
Tea Ceremony	Opportunity to prepare and serve tea under the supervision of a tea master
Matcha Tea	Authentic Japanese green tea
Traditional Sweets	Complementary Japanese confections
Kimono Rental	Traditional Japanese attire for the ceremony

Duration and Schedule

The tea ceremony experience lasts for 3 hours, with check-in and changing into a kimono at the Yumeyakata Gojo Shop prior to heading to the Yumeyakata Oike Bettei location for the actual ceremony.

The ceremony experience has the following details:

• Starting times are available, so guests can check for availability to fit their schedule.
• After the tea ceremony, guests can stroll around Kyoto in their rented kimono until 5:30 PM when they need to return it.
• The experience isn’t suitable for children under 10, pregnant women, wheelchair users, or individuals over 6’6" (200 cm) or 209 lbs (95 kg).

Meeting Point and Logistics

To get started, guests check in at the Yumeyakata Gojo Shop where they’ll don their rented kimonos. Once dressed, they’ll head to the Yumeyakata Oike Bettei, the location of the traditional tea ceremony.

There, an experienced tea master and interpreter guide participants through the intricate steps of preparing and serving the matcha tea. Following the ceremony, guests can stroll around Kyoto in their kimonos before returning them by 5:30 PM.

The meeting point and logistics are designed to immerse participants in the authentic atmosphere of a Japanese tea ceremony, from the traditional dress to the historic venue.

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Dress in Kimono

Guests first check in at the Yumeyakata Gojo Shop to get dressed in their rented kimonos. This is an essential part of the experience, as wearing traditional Japanese attire sets the stage for the authentic tea ceremony. The process involves:

1. Selecting a kimono from the available options.
2. Receiving assistance from knowledgeable staff to properly put on the intricate garment.
3. Having the opportunity to style their hair in a traditional Japanese fashion (optional add-on).

Fully dressed in their kimono, guests then head to the Yumeyakata Oike Bettei for the tea ceremony, where they can enjoy the timeless traditions of this cultural experience.

Appreciate the Atmosphere

Upon entering the 100-year-old Machiya townhouse, guests are transported to a world steeped in Japanese tradition. The authentic atmosphere is palpable, with traditional elements like bowing, proper greetings, and the appreciation of the tea bowl.

Guests have the opportunity to prepare and serve tea under the supervision of an experienced tea master, seeing the centuries-old ritual. The serene setting, complete with tatami mats and shoji screens, encourages mindfulness and a deep connection to the tea ceremony’s cultural significance.

Sipping the fragrant matcha tea and savoring the delicate Japanese sweets further heightens the sensory experience, allowing guests to fully appreciate the timeless elegance of this cherished tradition.

Restrictions and Limitations

This experience isn’t suitable for certain individuals due to a few restrictions and limitations. The tea ceremony is restricted to guests aged 10 and above, excluding pregnant women, wheelchair users, and those over 6’6" (200 cm) or 209 lbs (95 kg).

The reasons for these restrictions include:

1. Safety concerns for younger children participating in a formal ceremony.
2. Accessibility issues for wheelchair users in the traditional machiya townhouse setting.
3. Comfort and space considerations for taller or heavier guests.

While these limitations may exclude some, they help ensure a comfortable and authentic tea ceremony experience for all participants.

Booking and Availability

Booking the traditional Japanese tea ceremony and kimono rental experience can be done online or by contacting the provider directly. The activity is offered with scheduled starting times, so visitors should check availability before booking.

The 3-hour duration includes the tea ceremony, as well as time to explore Kyoto while wearing the rented kimono. Guests are advised to book in advance, as these popular experiences often sell out, especially during peak tourist seasons.

The provider’s website provides a calendar to view upcoming availability and allows secure online booking. For those who prefer personal assistance, the provider can also be reached by phone or email to answer questions and complete the reservation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Take the Tea Bowl Home as a Souvenir?

No, the tea bowl used during the ceremony is not provided as a souvenir. The tea ceremony experience is designed to provide an immersive cultural experience, but the tea bowl itself remains with the tea master after the event.

How Much Should I Tip the Tea Master?

Typically, there is no need to tip the tea master. The tea ceremony experience is an inclusive package, and the tea master’s services are already covered in the overall cost. Tips are not expected for this traditional cultural activity.

Can I Bring My Own Camera for Photos?

Yes, you can bring your own camera to capture photos during the tea ceremony experience. However, the professional photos taken by the experience provider are included in the package to ensure high-quality images of your tea ceremony.

Is There an Option to Have a Private Tea Ceremony?

Yes, there is an option for a private tea ceremony. Customers can request a private session with the tea master for a more personalized and intimate experience.

Can I Purchase the Matcha Tea and Sweets at the End?

Yes, participants can purchase the matcha tea and traditional Japanese sweets served during the tea ceremony experience to take home. This allows them to continue enjoying the flavors and aromas of the ceremony.

Recap

This immersive experience allows you to explore Kyoto’s cultural heritage. You’ll be dressed in a traditional kimono before participating in a guided tea ceremony led by an experienced tea master. Enjoy matcha tea and sweets as you stroll through Kyoto’s historic streets. This 3-hour activity offers an intimate glimpse into Japan’s time-honored traditions, blending education and hands-on engagement.

You can check if your dates are available here: