
A candlelit tea ceremony in a 100-year-old Kyoto townhouse.
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September 2026
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Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 22 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is A candlelit tea ceremony in a 100-year-old Kyoto townhouse. worth booking?
A candlelit tea ceremony in a 100-year-old Kyoto townhouse. is a 0.8-hour experience in Kyoto, Japan, from $5000 per person. It scores 62 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 5/5 rating across 22 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 62 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (22)
- Duration
- 0.8 hours
- From
- $5000 per person
Candlelight, not electric light. We turn the lamps off because in the dark you notice more — the sound of the water, the smell of the tea, the weight of the bowl. A 100-year-old townhouse, kept for most of its life by a
What you get
About this experience
Candlelight, not electric light. We turn the lamps off because in the dark you notice more — the sound of the water, the smell of the tea, the weight of the bowl. A 100-year-old townhouse, kept for most of its life by a traditional Kyoto obi maker. You sit in the rooms they used. Three rooms, moving from the bright front of the house into a tearoom lit only by candles, with the garden through the window. Seven guests at most, on the floor or in a chair — whichever you prefer, no explanation needed. Bowls chosen for the day and the season, some over two hundred years old, some by potters working today. Every piece is selected by our founder, a designer and antiques dealer, and your host will tell you what you're holding. Matcha grown in Uji, blended to the preference of a tea school's grand master, prepared by a host trained in one of Japan's historic schools of tea. You take home a candle made here — the same light you sat in.
What's included
Included
- English Speaking Guide
- Tea and coffee
Not included
- Tips and Gratuities
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Kyoto
The address is 〒602-0053 Kyoto, Kamigyo Ward, Nakaogawachō, 237 You can come to the address by bus or the subway. Nearest Station: 10 minutes on foot from Imadegawa Station (Kyoto City Subway)
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
The address is 〒602-0053 Kyoto, Kamigyo Ward, Nakaogawachō, 237 You can come to the address by bus or the subway. Nearest Station: 10 minutes on foot from Imadegawa Station (Kyoto City Subway)
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- ja, en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri
- Group size
- Up to 8 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Taku Okamoto
Know before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- 開始から10分を過ぎると参加することができません
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 22 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
3 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
3 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Pace and timing
2 mentionsSeveral reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.
Traveler reviews
22 verified traveler reviews for A candlelit tea ceremony in a 100-year-old Kyoto townhouse.. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
A Not-to-Be-Missed Traditional Experience Centered on the Green Tea Ceremony
Walk through the front door of a modest looking traditional old home not far from Kyoto’s National Garden and your instantly, magical transported centuries back in time through the a deeply spiritual, informative, enjoyable, and fascinating traditional macha tea ceremony, ending two hours later with the ritual savoring of green tea whisked before your eyes and ceremonially served in artisan-made bowls. It’s a delightful, deeply enlightening, highly restorative, even transformative experience.
via Viator
Amazing time! So serene...
Amazing time! So serene and tranquil. Introspective and gorgeous; we really enjoyed our ceremony. One of the best things we’ve done in Japan
via Viator
Serene, aesthetically pleasing!
Very detailed and clear introduction during the tea ceremony. Location and decor aesthetically pleasing. As we arrived, we were welcomed by our host who moved with quiet precision, creating a calming atmosphere from the moment we started.
via Viator
This experience will quietly become one of your most treasured Kyoto memories.
Oboro is one of those rare places in Kyoto where time gently loosens its grip. From the moment you step inside the teahouse, the city noise fades, replaced by silence, soft light, and a sense of presence that is increasingly hard to find while travelling in busy cities or so touristy as Kyoto. This is not a “show” or a rushed introduction to the tea ceremony. It is an invitation to slow down. To listen. To notice the weight of the bowl in your hands, the sound of water, the rhythm of breath. Every movement is intentional, every pause meaningful. Nothing feels staged — everything feels real. What made Oboro especially memorable for me was the atmosphere of calm respect and quiet guidance. Even without much prior knowledge, I felt gently held through the experience, never overwhelmed, never rushed. The hosts create a space where curiosity is welcome, and silence feels natural rather than uncomfortable. Kyoto offers many beautiful sights, but Oboro offers something deeper: a moment of stillness that stays with you long after you leave. It reminded me why we travel in the first place — not just to see new places, but to reconnect with ourselves. If you are looking for an authentic, mindful tea ceremony that honours tradition while remaining accessible and human, Oboro is truly special. I recommend it wholeheartedly to anyone who wants to experience Kyoto beyond the surface.
via Tripadvisor
I really loved the Matcha...
I really loved the Matcha Tea Ceremony this afternoon at the Oboro Tea House. This was my 1st actually Matcha Tea Ceremony and I will never forget it. I loved the whole scenery that was all set up...it was very much calming and relaxing. I would definitely do it again! Arigato Guzaimasu for the beautiful Matcha Tea Ceremony!
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 0.8 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri
- Price range
- $5000 to $10000
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 8
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Why this scores 62
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
A candlelit tea ceremony in a 100-year-old Kyoto townhouse.: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Kyoto.
How much does A candlelit tea ceremony in a 100-year-old Kyoto townhouse. cost?
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Prices start at $5000 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Kyoto usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does A candlelit tea ceremony in a 100-year-old Kyoto townhouse. take?
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Plan for about 0.8 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Kyoto is not rushed.
Is A candlelit tea ceremony in a 100-year-old Kyoto townhouse. worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 62 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 22 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Kyoto, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule A candlelit tea ceremony in a 100-year-old Kyoto townhouse.?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is A candlelit tea ceremony in a 100-year-old Kyoto townhouse. suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 0.8-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book A candlelit tea ceremony in a 100-year-old Kyoto townhouse.?
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Around 8 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Kyoto can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Kyoto and add a light layer if any part of the 0.8-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does A candlelit tea ceremony in a 100-year-old Kyoto townhouse. start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Kyoto within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Kyoto?
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On Outty we rank every Kyoto experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Kyoto : Gion Make Your Own Chopsticks with Engraving Option, Award-Winning Authentic Ramen Making Experience in Kyoto, Hidden Kyoto E-Biking tour. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Kyoto?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Kyoto?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
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