The 10 Best Places to Experience Kyoto Tea Ceremony!

Tokyo may be the city of neon lights, but Kyoto oozes tradition and culture. The former capital city of Japan is like no other when it comes to authentic local experiences. Home to the three main schools of japanese tea ceremony, Kyoto’s streets are lined with beautiful tea houses that enhances the beauty of the city even more.

Appreciate the interior design of the houses through the famous tradition dating back centuries — a traditional Japanese tea ceremony.

Even though Kyoto has welcomed a significant number of travellers from all over the world to the city over the past couple of years, English is still rarely used, especially in old, traditional shops, areas and places. There are special places where travellers can go to experience the utmost authentic tea ceremony, and here are the ten best tea ceremony places to go to do just that!

What is a Tea Ceremony?

The Japanese have been drinking tea for over a thousand years, but it wasn’t until the 16th century that it became a ritualised practice that is preserved and respected as a cultural tradition. The Japanese tea ceremony — also known as “chanoyu”, “sado” and even as “The Way of Tea” — centers itself around receiving guests, serving matcha green tea and wagashi (Japanese tea sweet)with prescribed tools and actions.

The aesthetic of the plain, understated and even rustic tea ware and tea rooms known as the “wabi-sabi” has largely influenced the Japanese art and culture, which in a way reformed the culture and community to what they are today.

How to drink tea during a Tea Ceremony?

There are ways to drinking tea during a tea ceremony in Japan. Travellers and foreigners are often given a free pass for not knowing about it beforehand, but it’s always best to impress than to be oblivious.

When the tea is served to you, bow (or nod) once and then bow again before drinking it. Pick the tea bowl with your right hand and place it in your left. Turn the bowl in a clockwise direction so the front design is not facing you anymore.

Then drink the tea in two or three sips — and don’t forget the slurping noises (the Japanese take that as a sign of appreciation). Be sure to not touch the design or pattern on the bowl as it goes against the mannerisms. After finishing your tea, take some time to admire and appreciate the tea bowl. Once you’re done, turn the bowl so the front faces the host, and then bow to express your gratitude.

What to wear during a Tea Ceremony?

It’s important to be wearing proper arriter to the tea ceremony. While it has become slightly more flexible now due to the popularity of this experience, it’s best to be well equipped to experience the full ritual.

As you’ll be taking off your shoes before entering the tea house, it’s best to wear white socks as a substitute for the traditional tabi. Modest clothing to cover up necessary parts of your body is also recommended to respect the Japanese culture of modesty. Make sure not to wear mini skirts or tight pants, as you’ll be sitting down for a while and you ought to want to be comfortable.

Tea houses also offer kimono rental services to customers, so as to be fully immersed in the experience.

Cost and duration of a Tea Ceremony

The cost of a tea ceremony experience varies on the location as well as the number of people participating in it. If it’s in a group, it usually ranges from about 2,000yen to 3,000 yen. If it’s a private booking, it can be from 4,000yen to 12,000yen.

Depending on location as well, the duration can vary. Generally, the formal event is generally about two hours, but it can last up to four hours.

1. Maikoya

Conveniently located in the central of downtown kyoto, just mere walking distance from both the Gion District and Nishiki Market, Maikoya Tea Ceremony is an all-in-one package. On top of experiencing the tea ceremony, visitors can rent and wear the kimono to the ceremony and even outside to take as many photos as they want with it.

There are exhibits set up in the facility itself, so visitors can learn the culture and history of the ritual, and also make their own tea lead by the host.

While it’s best to reserve a booking in advance, Maikoya accepts same-day reservations as well as walk-ins, though you might have to wait a while. Private sessions are also offered here.

2. Camellia

Tucked away in the Ninenzaka neighbourhood, surrounded by traditional Japanese streets and home to the Kiyomizudera Temple, a visit to Camellia for your tea ceremony experience begins not when you enter the tea house, but when you make your way down there. The ambience and atmosphere of the area gives the old Japan vibe as you walk towards the Camellia tea house.

Friendly hosts explain thoroughly the process, significance and meaning of the tea ceremony during your experience. While there are no on-site kimono rentals, Camellia gives you an option to rent one at a separate location, so do not fret if you come to the house and realise they don’t offer the service there.

3. KOTO

Slightly on the pricier side, KOTO offers a regular-priced option as well as the private option, which includes the kimono, origami and even the Japanese flower arrangement called ikebana.

Located not far from the Kinkakuji Temple, stop by KOTO to experience the magnificent tea ceremony before or even after your visit. You’ll witness a change in the decor of the house following the seasons as the owner follows the Urasenke style.

4. Juan

You’re in for a treat at Juan Tea Ceremony where the hosts at this tea ceremony is driven by a passion and commitment to share and communicate the essence of the ritual. Not only do you get to sip the rich and freshly brewed matcha green tea made by the tea master himself, you’ll also be able to learn some Japanese words and history that relates to the ceremony and steps in performing it.

5. En

At the heart of southern Higashiyama district, right down the Higashioji-dori Street, you’ll be able to find En, a quaint tea house that is a perfect place for a traditional tea ceremony. Featuring tatami mat tea rooms, kimono-clad waitresses and, of course, English-speaking staff at your service, you’ll be leaving the place with a great introduction to the world of Japanese tea ceremony.

Do take note that En only takes reservations, so do make advanced preparations if you’re planning to come down for a visit!

6. Kyugetsu

Unlike other tea houses, Kyugetsu is run by two foreign tea masters, Tyas Sosen and Stephen Soshun. Offering great, extensive introduction to the tea ceremony presented in a stunning townhouse in Gion, these tea masters are the best at what they do. From detailed history explanations to insights to the practice, the ceremony includes high quality, organic matcha tea and traditional sweets.

This engaging experience with the host is definitely different from the standard, traditional take of the tea ceremony experience, but it is quite refreshing!

7. Sakura

An all-in-one location to do things from Ikebana, Japanese calligraphy, trying authentic Japanese food and more, Sakura Tea Ceremony offers the most welcoming tea ceremony experience. With rental kimono services available, you’re going to get the full indulging experience of the ritual.

Best of all, the staff will assist you in taking photos for you, so you’ll be able to focus on the ceremony even more, without missing out on the photographs!

8. Ran Hotei

A delightful cafe, boasting the Taisho era decor, on the Sanjo-Horikawa Shopping Arcade in downtown Kyoto is Ran Hotei. Located in a traditional Kyoto Machiya Townhouse, this place is run by a Canadian-born tea master who conducts the tea ceremonies himself in a more relaxed “ryurei” style (using tables and chairs rather than sitting on the floor), as well as giving explicit details and explanation to the ceremony and all things tea.

Ran Hotei is an excellent place if you’re looking to grab a bite after your tea ceremony but not looking to walk around to find a place. This cafe serves coffee, tea, homemade curry, bagels and much more — it is a cafe, after all.

9. Tondaya

Set in an old “machiya” (which means merchant house in Japanese) slightly out of central Kyoto is the tea house Tondaya. With a full house tour prior to the ceremony, other add-on services like kimono dress-up experiences, tea ceremony lunch served with authentic dining set from the Meiji Period and much more, Tondaya is an all-in-one destination.

10. Totousha

Last but definitely not least, Totousha is not the typical tea house. It’s what the three owners call it “a house living with tea”. It’s a space that’s both lively and meditative, experiencing the intimate, renewed version of life in an old-style Japanese home that’s enriched by tea gatherings.

If you’re looking for a unique experience of the Japanese tea ceremony without losing the essence of it all, Totousha is definitely the place to go. While it is a private space and is basically a home, prior reservation and contact should be done in advance.

There are countless of tea houses in just a small city of Tokyo, but not every one of them have the ability to communicate in English. Yet, the ones that do did not lose its authenticity and still provide the highest quality of tea ceremonies, just like every other one in Japan. With a different special perk in each and every one of the tea ceremony places, picking just one to experience the ritual is going to be difficult.

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