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Offered languages
- English
In Japan, tea ceremony is more than just drinking tea—it’s about experiencing the essence of beauty. While we often associate beauty with outward appearances, in the tea ceremony, we appreciate the inner beauty of nature, which leads us to the concept of "Wabi-sabi."
Wabi-sabi is a traditional Japanese aesthetic that finds beauty in imperfection, impermanence, and incompleteness, influenced by Zen Buddhism. Words like "matcha" and "tea ceremony" are frequently heard in Kyoto, where many tourists come to experience authentic tea culture.
Our knowledgeable guides will lead you through Kyoto, sharing the philosophy and traditions of the tea ceremony, while letting you truly feel the essence of "Wabi-sabi." This unique experience will leave a lasting impression you won’t forget!
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
In front of Izumo no Okuni Statue, right outside of Exit 5 of Gion-Shijo Station (Keihan line)
End the tour after a tea ceremony experience
Itinerary
-
1
The first attraction allows you to learn the history of Japanese tea and how it is made. We will stroll through the historical district of Gion, visiting a famous matcha shop
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
2
Kenninji Temple awaits you. Have a look at the historical Temple that has been standing for centuries
30 minutes • Admission ticket free -
3
Now have a look at what tea masters use to make their tea and what they pour their tea into.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
4
This lane holds cultural and historical significance. Ishibe Alley is a must-see in Kyoto! Walking down the alleyway, you will feel as if you have entered a scene from a movie!
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
5
Perhaps a Kyoto souvenir to take home?
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
6
A tranquil Buddhist temple renowned for its hand-painted sliding doors and beautifully illuminated landscaped grounds.
30 minutes • Admission ticket included -
7
End the tour with a tea-making experience in a real tea house! Enjoy tea ceremony with tea master's instruction! Based on the knowledge of Wabi-Sabi learned through the city walk, you will experience tea ceremony under a tea master at last. Choose a tea bowl according to season and taste, enjoy Japanese sweets, and immerse yourself in the deep culture of matcha green tea and the tea ceremony.
45 minutes • Admission ticket included
Additional info
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Out of respect for our other guests and to ensure the best tour for everyone, we must start the tour on time. You will not be able to join the tour, get a refund or reschedule if you are late for the tour and miss the group.
- The tour might be cancelled in case of unsuitable weather for safety reasons.
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Additional info
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Out of respect for our other guests and to ensure the best tour for everyone, we must start the tour on time. You will not be able to join the tour, get a refund or reschedule if you are late for the tour and miss the group.
- The tour might be cancelled in case of unsuitable weather for safety reasons.
- You do not need to pay for the guide's food and drinks.
- Please note that there might be other participants
- Japan's climate has become more extreme, with summer highs of 40°C (110°F) and winter lows of -5°C (20°F). Please prepare accordingly for the tour.
- Free cancellation and free reschedule is available until 24h prior to the tour starting time.
- Tea ceremony experience can only accommodate those who are and older than 6 years old. You can bring children younger than that but one adult needs to be accompanying them outside the facility during the experience.
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.
Rating
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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