Kyoto Tea Ceremony & Historic Machiya Fan Shop Tour

Step into a serene tea ceremony held inside a shop of traditional kyō-sensu (Kyoto folding fans) since 1913, set in a machiya townhouse close to 150 years old and recognized as a historic building. It's an experience you'll find nowhere else in Kyoto.

Your visit begins with a warm welcome and a short tour of the townhouse. You'll then be guided into a peaceful tea room to discover a connection few visitors ever learn: the deep bond between the folding fan and the tea ceremony.

In the tea room, the folding fan is far more than a way to keep cool. Set before you as you bow, it draws a quiet line of respect between host and guest — an emblem of Japanese etiquette, seasonal feeling, and understated beauty.

Your host will then perform the tea-making ritual before inviting you to whisk your own bowl of matcha, served with a seasonal Japanese sweet. The pace is relaxed and beginner-friendly — no experience needed, and guests of all ages are welcome.

As part of your visit, you'll receive a Kyoto folding fan — a lasting keepsake from a purveyor that has offered Kyoto fans for over a century. You'll depart with a calmer mind and a deeper feel for the spirit of Japanese culture.