Kyoto: Nishiki Market Tea Ceremony With Koto Performance

Kyoto’s Nishiki Market is a renowned food emporium teeming with stalls and shops. But amidst the bustle, a unique cultural experience awaits. Participants can embark on a captivating journey, learning the intricate art of preparing matcha tea while surrounded by the serene melodies of a live Koto performance. This intimate event not only immerses guests in Kyoto’s rich traditions, but also offers a chance to savor delicate sweets and perhaps even don a traditional kimono. What unfolds is a truly unforgettable cultural encounter.

Key Points

• An immersive one-hour experience to learn the art of matcha tea preparation in an authentic Kyoto setting.
• Participants enjoy a live Koto performance while sipping the specially prepared green tea and savoring traditional sweets.
• The experience is limited to 6 guests, providing a personalized and intimate atmosphere to engage with Kyoto’s cultural heritage.
• Optional kimono rental and Koto playing are available for an additional fee, further enhancing the culture.
• The experience is centrally located near Nishiki Market, with accessibility considerations and recommendations for guests.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Overview of the Experience

The Kyoto: Nishiki Market Tea Ceremony with Koto Performance offers visitors an immersive experience in traditional Japanese culture.

During this one-hour activity, you will learn to prepare matcha green tea in an authentic setting. As they sip the tea, they’ll enjoy a live performance of the Koto, a traditional Japanese harp.

The experience is limited to just 6 participants, ensuring a personalized and intimate atmosphere. Visitors can choose to wear a kimono for photos and even try their hand at Koto playing for an additional fee.

This highly-rated activity is a unique opportunity to connect with Kyoto’s rich heritage.

Taking in Kyoto Traditions

Participants enjoy Kyoto’s rich cultural heritage during this tea ceremony experience. They learn the intricate steps of preparing matcha green tea in an authentic Japanese setting.

The soothing sound of the Koto, a traditional Japanese harp, fills the air as attendees sip their tea and enjoy delicate sweets. The serene atmosphere allows them to pause, reflect, and appreciate the centuries-old traditions.

Optional opportunities, such as wearing a kimono and trying Koto playing, further enhance the immersive experience. This unique blend of tea, music, and ambiance offers a glimpse into the refined elegance of Kyoto’s cultural legacy.

Making Matcha Green Tea

During the tea ceremony, participants have the opportunity to learn the intricate process of crafting matcha green tea.

The instructor guides them through the traditional steps:

1. Scooping the powdered green tea into a bowl.
2. Whisking the tea with hot water to create a frothy, vibrant green liquid.
3. Appreciating the aroma and visual appeal of the prepared matcha.
4. Sipping the tea, savoring its bittersweet, umami-rich flavor.

This hands-on experience allows guests to enjoy the centuries-old Japanese tea culture, developing a deeper understanding and appreciation for the art of tea-making.

Enjoying the Koto Performance

After learning the art of matcha tea-making, participants can sit back and enjoy a mesmerizing Koto performance.

The haunting, resonant tones of the traditional Japanese harp fill the space as the skilled musician deftly plucks the strings. Sipping the smooth, earthy matcha and savoring the delicate sweets, guests are transported to a serene, timeless moment.

The Koto’s melancholic melodies evoke images of tranquil gardens and ancient temples. Audience members are captivated, their senses enveloped in the beauty of this centuries-old musical tradition.

The performance provides a fitting climax to the immersive tea ceremony experience.

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Relishing Matcha and Sweets

As the melodic Koto fills the air, guests eagerly reach for the delicate matcha tea and elegant Japanese sweets laid out before them.

They delight in the vibrant green hue and frothy texture of the expertly crafted matcha, sipping it slowly to savor its earthy, umami flavor.

Accompanying the tea are:

1. Wagashi – delicate, bite-sized confections made with rice flour, red bean paste, and seasonal ingredients.
2. Mochi – soft, chewy rice cakes, some filled with sweet anko (bean paste).
3. Dango – skewered Japanese dumplings dusted with kinako (roasted soybean flour).
4. Sakura-flavored sweets – a nod to the iconic cherry blossoms of Kyoto.

Dressing Up in Kimono

Though optional, many guests choose to don traditional Japanese kimonos for a truly immersive experience. Donning the elaborate robes and accessories transforms the tea ceremony into a captivating cultural display. The kimonos, available on-site for a small fee, come in a variety of styles and colors:

	Rental Cost	Selection
Women’s Kimono	$15	Vibrant floral, solid colors, or intricate patterns
Men’s Kimono	$10	Subdued tones, subtle details
Obi Sash	$5	Classic wide styles, slim modern designs
Accessories	$2-5	Hair ornaments, sandals, fans, etc.

With the help of the kimono attendants, guests can elegantly drape themselves in these timeless garments, completing the Kyoto tea ceremony experience.

Koto-Playing Experience

For an additional fee, guests can deepen their immersion in Japanese culture by trying their hand at playing the koto.

The koto is a traditional Japanese stringed instrument, known for its distinctive plucking sound and elegant appearance.

During the tea ceremony, guests have the opportunity to:

1. Learn basic koto techniques from a skilled instructor.
2. Experiment with playing simple melodies on the 13-string instrument.
3. Gain a newfound appreciation for the skill and artistry required to master the koto.
4. Capture memorable photos and videos of their koto-playing experience.

This optional add-on elevates the cultural experience, allowing visitors to actively participate in a cherished Japanese tradition.

Practical Information and Accessibility

The tea ceremony takes place in a central location in Kyoto, making it easily accessible for participants. The meeting point is conveniently located next to the KINMATA Restaurant, opposite the Hotel GOCO stay. Guests are advised not to wait at the hotel, but rather at the designated meeting spot. The experience is not suitable for children under 8 or wheelchair users, and individuals with food allergies should take note. While flash photography is prohibited, participants are encouraged to bring their cameras to capture the beautiful setting and the performance.

Accessibility	Not Suitable For	Recommendations
Central Kyoto location	Children under 8	Bring camera
Accessible in bad weather	Wheelchair users	No flash photography
Near shopping areas	Individuals with food allergies	Wear comfortable clothes

Frequently Asked Questions

Is There a Dress Code for the Tea Ceremony?

The activity does not have a strict dress code, but participants are encouraged to wear comfortable clothes. An optional kimono is available on-site for an additional fee for those who wish to dress up.

Can We Bring Our Own Tea Leaves to the Event?

No, participants cannot bring their own tea leaves to the event. The tea ceremony experience is provided by the host, who supplies the necessary matcha tea and equipment for the participants to make and enjoy the tea during the event.

What Is the Duration of the Koto Performance?

The duration of the koto performance is not explicitly stated in the provided information. However, the overall activity is described as lasting 1 hour, suggesting the koto performance is likely a part of this 1-hour experience.

Is There an Option to Purchase the Tea Ceremony Items?

There’s no mention of an option to purchase the tea ceremony items. The activity focuses on the immersive experience of participating in the tea ceremony and enjoying the Koto performance, rather than providing an opportunity to buy the items used.

Can We Record the Koto Performance With Our Smartphones?

While photography is allowed, flash photography is not permitted during the Koto performance. Participants are welcome to record the performance using their smartphones, but should refrain from using the flash to avoid disrupting the experience.

The Sum Up

The "Kyoto: Nishiki Market Tea Ceremony With Koto Performance" offers a captivating culture. Guests learn to prepare matcha tea, savor it with delicate sweets, and enjoy the serene melodies of a live Koto performance, all set against the vibrant backdrop of Kyoto’s heritage. This intimate experience, limited to just six participants, provides an unforgettable opportunity to connect with Japan’s rich traditions.

You can check if your dates are available here: