Tea tours · JAPAN TEA TOURS

Japan by the Bowl: The 15 Best Tea Experiences

124 tours  ·  from $7 a head

Kyoto has the deepest choice, Uji has the mills and Tokyo has the short-notice classes. These 15 sort the ceremonies, the kimono mornings and the matcha sessions by price, length and how far ahead they need booking.

Kyoto: Tea Ceremony in a Traditional Tea House in Kiyomizu - A brief introduction to 500 years of tea tradition
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Kyoto: Tea Ceremony in a Traditional Tea House in Kiyomizu

1.Kyoto: Tea Ceremony in a Traditional Tea House in Kiyomizu

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 3,519 reviews · 45 min · from $49Our pick

In Sannenzaka near Kiyomizu-Dera, an English-speaking host introduces you to 500 years of tea tradition before a tea master performs the ceremony. You then whisk your own matcha, enjoy a Japanese sweet, and pose for a garden photo. The 45-minute session costs $49, uses small groups, and does not include kimono rental.

“This is an amazing experience! Definitely would recommend. Even though its locate on a busy street, the building itself is very peaceful and the vibe is sooo serene.”

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Kyoto: Tea Ceremony Ju-An at Jotokuji Temple - Entering Jotokuji Temple through the main gates
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Kyoto: Tea Ceremony Ju-An at Jotokuji Temple

2.Kyoto: Tea Ceremony Ju-An at Jotokuji Temple

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 3,207 reviews · 1h 10m · from $29

At Jotokuji Temple, an English-speaking guide such as Kate introduces you to the site before a tea master demonstrates chanoyu, the Japanese tea ceremony. You’ll purify at the fountain, remove your shoes, taste matcha and sweets, and prepare your own tea in a small group of up to 10. The 70-minute session costs $29.

“interesting facts about the ritual, fun and tasty matcha”

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Kyoto: 45-Minute Tea Ceremony Lesson Experience - Why the tea master matters
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Kyoto: 45-Minute Tea Ceremony Lesson Experience

3.Kyoto: 45-Minute Tea Ceremony Lesson Experience

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 2,378 reviews · 45 min · from $22

At Tea Ceremony Koto near Kinkakuji, an English-speaking Urasenke tea master guides you through a 45-minute matcha lesson. You watch the formal preparation, make tea yourself, learn the meaning behind each gesture, and taste Japanese sweets. Choose a public, private, or candlelight session, with kimono rental available as an add-on.

“Splendid to learn the history of the tea ceremony from a practicing professional.”

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World Heritage Kyoto & Nara Uji Authentic Matcha Experience - The Heijo Palace site from the coach
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World Heritage Kyoto & Nara Uji Authentic Matcha Experience

4.World Heritage Kyoto & Nara Uji Authentic Matcha Experience

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,573 reviews · from $129Top rated

Travel from Kyoto to Nara and Uji with an English-speaking guide such as Nanami, Yuta, Mai, or At-Chan. Visit Todai-ji, Kasuga Shrine, Nara Park, Byodoin Temple, and the Uji tea district. The day includes a hands-on matcha-making lesson, with a Japanese lunch available as an add-on.

“This was probably my favorite experience we have had in Japan so far, and a big reason for that was our tour guide Nanami. She was incredibly knowledgeable and focused on ensuring all her guests had a good time. I loved the variety oRead more”

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Osaka: Tea Ceremony Experience - Watching the demonstration brings the ritual into focus
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Osaka: Tea Ceremony Experience

5.Osaka: Tea Ceremony Experience

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 1,426 reviews · 45 min · from $25

In a traditional tatami room in Dotonbori, an English-speaking host in kimono introduces you to Japanese tea ceremony. You’ll watch a demonstration, learn the meaning behind the gestures, make your own matcha with authentic tools, and taste seasonal sweets. Hosts have more than 10 years of experience, and names may include Yuki, Akiko, Kazu, or Mayumi.

“We loved hearing about the history of tea ceremonies and learning how to make matcha. This was a really special experience and a highlight of our trip.”

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Kyoto: Table-Style Tea Ceremony at a Kyo-Machiya - What happens during the 90 minutes
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Kyoto: Table-Style Tea Ceremony at a Kyo-Machiya

6.Kyoto: Table-Style Tea Ceremony at a Kyo-Machiya

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 1,211 reviews · 1h 30m · from $45

Spend 90 minutes in a 100-year-old Kyo-machiya in southern Kyoto, where English-speaking hosts explain tea ceremony manners, serve sweets and drinks, and guide you through matcha-making, calligraphy, flower arranging, and photos. Chairs replace floor seating, and an optional kimono makes the visit especially photogenic.

“Enjoyed a fantastic Tea Ceremony with very welcoming hosts. Very informative and amazing experience. Would recommend for anyone!!”

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Kanazawa: Kenrokuen Tea Ceremony Experience - Wagashi first, matcha second
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Kanazawa: Kenrokuen Tea Ceremony Experience

7.Kanazawa: Kenrokuen Tea Ceremony Experience

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 1,139 reviews · 1 hour · from $35

At Kenrokutei in Kenrokuen Garden, an English-speaking guide introduces the history and etiquette of tea before a tea master performs the ceremony. You will taste wagashi sweets, watch each careful movement, and whisk your own matcha with help. The room is quiet and traditional, though the garden entrance fee is extra and the room itself has no garden view.

“The Manager of the Store was super nice and spread a very calm atmosphere. I felt relaxed and home :) I strongly recommend it !! Aregato ! Greets Mario”

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Kimono Tea Ceremony at Kyoto Maikoya, NISHIKI - Sitting on Tatami for the Tea Ceremony
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Kimono Tea Ceremony at Kyoto Maikoya, NISHIKI

8.Kimono Tea Ceremony at Kyoto Maikoya, NISHIKI

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 911 reviews · from $65

At Maikoya Nishiki in central Kyoto, you choose a kimono, receive simple hairstyling, and join a guided tea ceremony on tatami mats. Your host explains the ritual, utensils, and Kyoto connections, then shows you how to whisk matcha. Wagashi sweets, photo time, and morning or afternoon bookings are included.

“It was such a peaceful process watching our hostess show us a traditional tea ceremony. And so much fun choosing our kimonos and having our hair done. Totally recommend this experience!!”

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Tea Ceremony Experience in Osaka Doutonbori - What happens during the 45-minute ceremony
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Tea Ceremony Experience in Osaka Doutonbori

9.Tea Ceremony Experience in Osaka Doutonbori

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 754 reviews · from $20Best value

In central Dotonbori, an experienced tea instructor explains the history, etiquette, tools, and meaning of Japanese tea ceremony. You watch a formal preparation, taste matcha with a traditional sweet, then whisk your own bowl. Guides such as Kazu, Mai, and Soda lead sessions, with caffeine-free matcha milk available for children.

“The tea ceremony was very interesting and interactive. The whole family enjoyed the ceremony, I would recommend it.”

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Matcha Making Class in Tokyo with Authentic Japanese Sweets Set - The hosts make the difference
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Matcha Making Class in Tokyo with Authentic Japanese Sweets Set

10.Matcha Making Class in Tokyo with Authentic Japanese Sweets Set

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 744 reviews · from $21

In Asakusa, an English-speaking host such as Shuri, Rino, Hiya, or Nama guides you through matcha’s story, preparation, and ceremonial whisking. You sit with traditional tools, make your own tea, and enjoy it with seasonal Japanese sweets. The relaxed one-hour class suits beginners, families, and anyone wanting culture without a formal tea ceremony.

“I had a very enjoyable experience with matcha. I tried making it for the first time, and it was very tasty and the staff was very fun and attentive. I highly recommend it if you are ever in Asakusa, Tokyo.”

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Kyoto: Tea Museum Tickets and Matcha Grinding Experience - The Chazuna museum gives the workshop a useful frame
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Kyoto: Tea Museum Tickets and Matcha Grinding Experience

11.Kyoto: Tea Museum Tickets and Matcha Grinding Experience

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 739 reviews · 1 hour · from $23

At Chazuna in Uji, an English-speaking instructor guides you through tea history, tencha grinding, and matcha preparation. You will whisk and drink your own tea, then explore interactive museum displays. Instructors including Hideko and Keiko have been praised for warm, funny teaching, while the museum adds useful context.

“The women guiding us through the Matcha experience were very warm and welcoming. From interesting facts about Matcha production to taking pictures of the participants and explaining everything in detail this was a thoroughly great and enjoyable experience we would always come back to and warmly recommend to everyone.”

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Kimono Tea Ceremony at Tokyo, Asakusa Maikoya - What happens in the tea room
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Kimono Tea Ceremony at Tokyo, Asakusa Maikoya

12.Kimono Tea Ceremony at Tokyo, Asakusa Maikoya

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 638 reviews · from $55

At Maikoya Asakusa, staff help you choose a kimono, arrange a simple hairstyle, and guide you through a formal matcha ceremony. You’ll learn the meaning of the tools and movements, prepare your own tea, enjoy snacks, and take photos. English-speaking hosts such as Erika and Iyume may lead the session.

“Our group of 8 had a ton of fun time dressing in traditional kimonos and learning about the intricacies of the tea ceremony and other aspects of Japanese culture. Our teenagers both male and female thanked me for arranging such a fun session. We also had some great photo ops and enjoyed how efficiently the place was run and how smoothly everything went. I especially appreciated the special chairs and tables for us folks who might’ve had some flexibility challenges with kneeling or sitting directly on the tatami. Our host spoke perfect English and was most gracious. I highly recommend this activity and Maikoya; you will enjoy it!”

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Kyoto: Kimono Tea Ceremony at Orizuruya Gion - Why the small group matters
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Kyoto: Kimono Tea Ceremony at Orizuruya Gion

13.Kyoto: Kimono Tea Ceremony at Orizuruya Gion

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 618 reviews · 90 minutes - 2 hours · from $49

At Orizuruya Gion, choose from more than 200 kimono designs, get dressed with staff help, and learn to prepare matcha in English. Women receive simple hairstyling. The tea ceremony lasts about 90 minutes, or two hours with Japanese calligraphy. You may keep the kimono on for a walk in Gion until 5 p.m.

“The team was very polite and friendly, a very remarkable experience”

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Kyoto: Tea Ceremony in 100-year-old Kyo-Machiya Townhouse - Inside the 100-year-old machiya
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Kyoto: Tea Ceremony in 100-year-old Kyo-Machiya Townhouse

14.Kyoto: Tea Ceremony in 100-year-old Kyo-Machiya Townhouse

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 546 reviews · 50 minutes - 3 hours · from $31

At a 100-year-old machiya near Kyoto Imperial Palace, an English-supported tea master explains the history and etiquette of Japanese tea. You will watch a formal tea service, prepare your own matcha, and enjoy a traditional sweet. Add kimono rental, hairstyling, makeup, or a 30-minute townhouse tour for a longer Kyoto experience.

“Beautiful experience with a very knowledgeable tea master/host. He explained all of the steps for a simple traditional samurai tea ceremony and helped us make our first matcha! Highly recommend for anyone looking to understand more about the traditional culture.”

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Tokyo: Traditional Tea Ceremony with a Tea Master - Wakocha and cake provide a gentle start
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Tokyo: Traditional Tea Ceremony with a Tea Master

15.Tokyo: Traditional Tea Ceremony with a Tea Master

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 528 reviews · 1 hour · from $38

At Ocharu, across from Tokyo University, a tea master guides you through wakocha, Gyokuro sencha, matcha preparation, wagashi, and Genmaicha in about an hour. You make your own matcha with traditional tools, taste tea leaves, receive a certificate, and finish with a group photo. English instruction is provided.

“I am a woman from the Netherlands and this tea ceremony in Tokyo was such a lovely and memorable experience. We had the sweetest Japanese woman guiding us through the entire ceremony. She explained everything so calmly and clearly, from how to properly prepare the tea to how each step is meant to be experienced. We were also allowed to try everything ourselves, which made it very interactive and enjoyable. The ceremony was accompanied by delicious Japanese snacks, which we truly enjoyed. It felt authentic, peaceful and very well explained, even for someone experiencing a tea ceremony for the first time. Downstairs there is a small café where you can…”

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Tea Ceremony Experiences92Afternoon Tea Experiences92Tea Plantation & Farm Tours51Matcha Experiences36Tea Factory Tours23Tea Tastings19
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Where tea is served

Pick a country, a hillside or a table.

The ceremony

Tea CeremoniesKimono MorningsMatcha ClassesSweets MakingCalligraphy

Afternoon tea

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Where it grows

Plantation DaysFactory ToursGreen TeaOut With the PickersIndian Estates

Other cups

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