Top Picks: Traditional Japanese Tea Ceremonies
Our trip to Japan was such a great opportunity to try new things we’d never experienced before, and a Japanese tea ceremony was one of them! Here’s what you need to know about booking your very own Japanese tea ceremony experience.
Book Your Japanese Tea Ceremony Now!
Book Your Tea Ceremony in Kyoto
✅ Kimono rental included
✅ Hairstyling included
✅ Matcha tea and traditional sweets
✅ Small group setting
✅ Iconic photo moments
Tips for Planning Your Traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony
If you search “Japanese tea ceremony” or “tea ceremony in Japan,” a lot of results are going to come up, but make sure you pay attention to the details. Because this is such a popular activity, you’ll want to make sure you choose an Japanese tea ceremony that fits what you want to get out of your day.
You’ll likely find the most available options in Japan’s major cities: Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. While tea ceremonies are most often associated with Kyoto, they are actually originally from Sakai City in Osaka Prefecture. So, if you’re traveling around Japan, maybe you want to keep the tea ceremony’s history in mind as you’re deciding where to book. 😉
Most tea ceremonies experiences for visitors to Japan include an explanation of the tea ceremony rituals, the opportunity to make and drink matcha tea, and some traditional tea ceremony sweets known as wagashi. But depending on what you book, there might be even more to your experience!
For example, some Japanese tea ceremonies give you the opportunity to participate while wearing kimono. In Japanese culture, it’s not offensive for foreigners to wear kimono as long as it is done with respect. Others teach you how to make your very own wagashi during your visit. And some tea ceremonies are even hosted by a geisha or maiko.
Whatever you choose, it’s probably best to book in advance — on the day we went for our tea ceremony, people were signing up on a waitlist outside because they didn’t have a reservation.
Comparing Companies & Booking Your Tea Ceremony
With so many options to choose from, it can be tricky to ultimately decide which Japanese tea ceremony you want to book. Matt and I ended up booking with Maikoya Nishiki in Kyoto, and we absolutely loved it! (And Maikoya actually has locations in both Kyoto and Tokyo.) But here’s what you’ll want to keep in mind when booking your Japanese tea ceremony:
- Location: We knew that we would be participating in our Japanese tea ceremony in Kyoto, where there are seemingly thousands of options! But we loved how the Maikoya Nishiki tea ceremony would be taking place in a traditional wooden townhouse with a beautiful Japanese garden.
- What’s Included: I personally did not want to miss the opportunity to wear a kimono, so that was a non-negotiable for me! Plus, they even did my hair, which made me feel like a princess. Photo time in the Japanese garden was included in our tea ceremony experience as well.
- Group Size: We were in a group of about 10 people, which didn’t feel like too many, so that was just fine for me. If you want an even more personal experience, you can book a private tea ceremony for just you and your party, or even a family tea ceremony if you want your kids to have more fun!
With that being said, here are a few of the most popular Japanese tea ceremonies you can book:
Booking Options: Japanese Tea Ceremony
Our favorite way to book travel experiences is with Viator — that’s because of the Viator Rewards Program. Which means that every time you book with Viator, you earn cash/credit toward your next Viator experience! I love it because you can save actual money on future bookings, so it’s kind of like having a little discount each time.
But if you prefer other tour operators, like TripAdvisor, Klook, or GetYourGuide, you can find Japanese tea ceremonies to book via those platforms as well:
- Kimono Tea Ceremony Maikoya Kyoto: TripAdvisor
- Tea Ceremony with Kimono Experience in Tokyo (Maikoya): Klook
- Osaka Tea Ceremony Experience: GetYourGuide
Traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony: Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Japanese tea ceremony?
A Japanese tea ceremony is a traditional Japanese practice that dates back to the 9th century. It always consists of a host or hosts, and the guests. Much of the practice of a tea ceremony is about mindfulness and appreciating the present moment exactly as it is. And much of it is done in complete silence. If you book a Japanese tea ceremony experience, it definitely won’t be in silence, and your host(s) will share more with you about the importance of tea and tea ceremonies in Japanese culture.
How long does a Japanese tea ceremony last?
Most tea ceremonies for visitors to Japan will last about 45 minutes to an hour, though it entirely depends on the tea ceremony company. If you want your experience to be longer or shorter, be sure to book one that meets your desired length of time.
Do I have to wear a kimono for a Japanese tea ceremony?
You do not have to wear a kimono for a Japanese tea ceremony — it’s entirely optional. Many tea ceremony companies allow you to rent kimonos as part of the tea ceremony package, and it’s really fun to do (in my opinion) but it is not required. If you attend a tea ceremony in which you aren’t wearing a kimono, it’s best to avoid hats and short skirts or dresses.
Do I have to kneel during a Japanese tea ceremony?
Traditional Japanese tea ceremonies are held while sitting or kneeling on tatami — woven Japanese mats — but if you aren’t able to sit or kneel, chairs are usually available. You may just need to make your request to the tea ceremony provider in advance so they are able to accommodate you. During our tea ceremony, one person sat in a chair with a tray and it was no problem at all.
Can children attend a Japanese tea ceremony?
Whether or not children are permitted to attend Japanese tea ceremonies entirely depends on the tea ceremony provider. At Maikoya, which we used and has several locations around Kyoto and Tokyo, children under seven years old were not permitted. Children between 7-12 can take part in a family tea ceremony experience. If you have children, it’s best to do more research about which tea ceremonies are able to accommodate them.
Do you make your own matcha during a Japanese tea ceremony?
If by “make your own matcha” you mean stir hot water into the matcha powder using a chasen (bamboo whisk) then yes, the chances are good that you’ll be making your own matcha. 😉 Luckily, it’s not hard at all — even for someone who had never drank matcha before in their life… me! However, some tea ceremonies may be purely observational. It just depends on the experience you book.
Is a Japanese tea ceremony worth it?
If you want to learn more about Japanese culture, try some delicious matcha and sweets, and maybe even wear a kimono, then a Japanese tea ceremony experience is worth it. I also felt like the ritual gave me some good insights into the importance of mindfulness and harmony in Japanese culture. I would definitely recommend it on your trip to Japan!
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