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Offered languages
- English
Kyoto’s Only Night-Exclusive Cultural Experience
Enjoy authentic Japanese culture at night, away from daytime crowds. Experience Japan in a calm, intimate setting with a small group.
Traditional Mochi Pounding Experience
Use real glutinous rice with an authentic mortar and pestle to make mochi the traditional way.
Hands-On Tea Ceremony Experience
Learn by using real tea utensils such as the chasen, chashaku, natsume, and kensui while preparing matcha.
Touch Real Japanese Swords and Bows
Feel the weight of a real Japanese sword and the flexibility of a traditional bow—no glass cases, just the real thing.
Enjoy Freshly Made Mochi
Taste the warm mochi you made yourself, served immediately.
Cultural & Historical Storytelling
Learn the history and cultural background of mochi, tea ceremony, swords, and archery in a clear and engaging way.
Commemorative Group Photo
Finish with a memorable group photo around the mortar to capture your Kyoto experience.
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
Our experience venue is located near Ryoan-ji Temple in Ukyo Ward, Kyoto. It is about a 5-minute walk from Ryoanji Station (Randen Line). Please walk along the Ryoanji approach road and enter the quiet residential area. A small sign marks the entrance.
What to expect
After check-in, we'll provide an easy-to-understand introduction to the history of Japanese mochi pounding and tea ceremony.
Next, you'll try your hand at authentic mochi pounding using a traditional mortar and pestle.
The freshly pounded mochi will be finished on the spot—enjoy its warm, freshly made flavor.
Furthermore, you'll participate in a matcha preparation experience using authentic tea ceremony tools.
We'll carefully explain traditional tools like the chasen whisk, chashaku scoop, and natsume bowl, which you rarely get to handle.
At the end of the experience, you'll get to touch an authentic Japanese sword and a traditional Japanese bow.
Feel the weight and texture of the sword, and the flex of the bow—a “real” experience you can't get in a museum.
To wrap things up, we'll gather around the mortar for a group photo.
We deliver a cultural experience that will become a special memory of your trip to Japan.
Additional info
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
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Additional info
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Tags
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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