Traditional Tea Ceremony with Matcha and Sweets in Kyoto
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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
4.9/5
Based on 179 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Traditional Tea Ceremony with Matcha and Sweets in Kyoto worth booking?
Traditional Tea Ceremony with Matcha and Sweets in Kyoto is a 1-hour experience in Kyoto, Japan, from $26 per person. It scores 82 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 179 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 82 / 100
- Rating
- 4.9/5 (179)
- Duration
- 1 hours
- From
- $26 per person
Our tea ceremony experience is designed to be welcoming, approachable, and meaningful. While the traditional tea ceremony is often seen as formal and solemn, we aim to share its beauty in a comfortable and accessible way
What you get
About this experience
Our tea ceremony experience is designed to be welcoming, approachable, and meaningful. While the traditional tea ceremony is often seen as formal and solemn, we aim to share its beauty in a comfortable and accessible way. Guests enjoy the experience seated on chairs, allowing anyone—including those unfamiliar with floor seating or with limited mobility—to participate with ease. Throughout the session, you will explore the history of tea in Japan, learn how Zen philosophy shaped the heart of the tea ceremony, and observe authentic techniques performed up close by a tea master, allowing you to appreciate the subtlety and refinement of this art. In the second half, you will savor carefully selected traditional sweets from long-established artisans and make your own bowl of matcha using premium tea sourced from a family-run farm. We conclude with a Q&A session to deepen your understanding. We hope this experience becomes the beginning of your journey into Japanese tea culture.
What's included
Included
- Japanese traditional sweets for tea ceremony selected by tea master
- Hand out recipe for enjoying Matcha in your daily life
- Matcha drink from local tea farm
- Guidance for making Matcha, and history by tea master
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Kyoto
Please arrive 5 minutes before the start of the session. Please note that if you are late, you will not be able to join the session once it has begun, and no refund required. The meeting point is located 5th floor of this building. Please come up to the meeting point with elevator.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Please arrive 5 minutes before the start of the session. Please note that if you are late, you will not be able to join the session once it has begun, and no refund required. The meeting point is located 5th floor of this building. Please come up to the meeting point with elevator.
Options you can book
Tea Ceremony
Tea ceremony (Private)
Private Class: Families with infants and toddlers are more than welcome!
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 12 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Japan Wonder Travel
Know before you go
- Wheelchair accessible
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Please arrive 5 minutes before the start of the session. Please note that if you are late, you will not be able to join the session once it has begun, and no refund required.
- This experience is held on in English.
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 179 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
6 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
The guide
2 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Value for money
2 mentionsTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Traveler reviews
179 verified traveler reviews for Traditional Tea Ceremony with Matcha and Sweets in Kyoto. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
This tea ceremony was...
This tea ceremony was absolutely wonderful. The woman leading the ceremony, Yuko, was so kind and welcoming. She was also extremely knowledgeable about tea ceremony practices and the history of these practices in Japan. The matcha was also delicious! Highly recommend.
via Viator
A very educational and enjoyable experience in Kyoto
This was more than just a tea ceremony - it was a history lesson combined with a traditional cultural experience. We had a large group of 9 (including a 2-year-old). We got a little lost trying to find them, but they came and found us wandering around. Our tea ceremony master Yukari was so knowledgeable, and she patiently answered all the questions we had. We didn't have to take off our shoes or sit on the floor. After explaining the history and significance of the tea ceremony, she taught us how to properly make the matcha and how to enjoy it with the traditional sweets. It was a very enjoyable experience.
Response from the operator: It is with profound joy that we receive your truly exceptional feedback. It's wonderful that your experience was more than just a tea ceremony – evolving into a captivating history lesson combined with a traditional cultural immersion! We acknowledge your group of nine, including a two-year-old, and are pleased our team came to your assistance when you were momentarily lost. Our tea ceremony master, Yukari, was clearly profoundly knowledgeable, patiently addressing all your inquiries. The convenience of not needing to remove shoes or sit on the floor was evidently appreciated. After illuminating the history and significance of the tea ceremony, she meticulously guided you on how to properly prepare matcha and savor it with traditional sweets. It sounds like a very enjoyable experience. We will certainly convey your exceptional commendation directly to Yukari. We profoundly appreciate you sharing this comprehensive account of your memorable journey. We eagerly anticipate the opportunity to welcome your group back to Japan for future captivating cultural immersions.
via Viator
Excellent experience
It was perfect visit with Yu. She explained everything in English and the ceremony was a great knowledgeable experience for me and my kids.
via Tripadvisor
Worth it!
Honestly, when we arrived here I was a little nervous because it looks like it's in an apartment building type of location, but once they let us in everything was great. It was a nice middle ground for us because I was traveling with my parents and did not want them to need to kneel for the entire thing. We sat at the edge of the mat and the experience was incredible. I was worried that my parents would not like the taste of matcha, but when it was made so fresh and the quality of the matcha was so high, they really enjoyed it. Our tea master was amazing and it was beautiful watching her through the ceremony and learning from her. Definitely one of the most interesting and enjoyable experiences of the trip!
via Tripadvisor
A Must Do in Japan
A wonderful experience. A highlight for our three week trip to Japan. Do this excursion to emerse yourself in the beautiful, historic and spiritual culture and tradition of Japan. Our Guide and Tea Hoast , Akemi, was one of our favorites of any travel excursion of all time. Highly recommended.
Response from the operator: It is with profound joy that we receive your truly exceptional feedback. It's wonderful that your experience was so magnificent, standing out as a definitive highlight of your three-week journey to Japan! We are deeply pleased that you recommend this excursion to immerse oneself in Japan's beautiful, historic, and spiritual culture and traditions. Akemi, your Guide and Tea Hostess, was clearly one of your all-time favorites among any travel excursion. Your highest recommendation is profoundly valued. We will certainly convey your exceptional commendation directly to Akemi. We profoundly appreciate you sharing this comprehensive account of your memorable journey. We eagerly anticipate the opportunity to welcome you back to Japan for future captivating cultural immersions.
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 1 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $26 to $48000
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 63
- Verdict
- Exceptional
Why this scores 82
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Traditional Tea Ceremony with Matcha and Sweets in Kyoto: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Kyoto.
How much does Traditional Tea Ceremony with Matcha and Sweets in Kyoto cost?
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Prices start at $26 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 Traditional Tea Ceremony with Matcha and Sweets in Kyoto take?
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Plan for about 1 hour 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 Traditional Tea Ceremony with Matcha and Sweets in Kyoto worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 82 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 179 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 Traditional Tea Ceremony with Matcha and Sweets in Kyoto?
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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 Traditional Tea Ceremony with Matcha and Sweets in Kyoto suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 1-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Traditional Tea Ceremony with Matcha and Sweets in Kyoto?
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Around 63 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 1-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Traditional Tea Ceremony with Matcha and Sweets in Kyoto 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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