Tea tours · MATCHA EXPERIENCES IN KYOTO

The 15 Best Matcha Experiences in Kyoto

25 tours  ·  from $4 a head

This is the shortlist you would send a friend: 15 matcha experiences in Kyoto worth the money, each with its price, its traveller verdict and the one thing to know before you commit.

Kyoto: Tea Ceremony Meditation - Make Matcha with Tea Master - A clear look at the Omotesenke tea tradition
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Kyoto: Tea Ceremony Meditation – Make Matcha with Tea Master

1.Kyoto: Tea Ceremony Meditation – Make Matcha with Tea Master

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 406 reviews · 45 min · from $45Our pick

In central Kyoto, an English-speaking tea master introduces you to the Omotesenke tradition inside a 100-year-old townhouse. You will watch a tea ceremony, prepare your own matcha with handcrafted utensils, enjoy a Japanese sweet, and ask questions about Japanese culture. Groups are limited to 10, and hosts such as Miki, Aki, Yoko, and Kiyoka have been praised for their warm teaching.

“We loved this activity! The setting is for a smaller group, which makes it more interactive. It was great meeting others through the experience and learning about a traditional Japanese tea ceremony together. The guide was very kind and took great care to show and explain the ceremony. Would highly recommend this experience!”

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Kyoto: Kimono Tea Ceremony with Matcha and Sweet - Entering the tea room on tatami
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Kyoto: Kimono Tea Ceremony with Matcha and Sweet

2.Kyoto: Kimono Tea Ceremony with Matcha and Sweet

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 249 reviews · 1h 30m · from $66

Choose a kimono, receive dressing and hair styling, then join an English-led tea ceremony in Kyoto. A tea master explains the ritual, Zen principles, tools, and etiquette before you whisk premium matcha and eat seasonal wagashi. Sessions usually take 90 to 120 minutes and may include about 12 to 14 people.

“All the staff spoke good English, the ceremony was very interesting, you could feel the authenticity of the whole ceremony. The part about trying kimono only added a great value to the whole experience. As well as you can rent this kimono within the price of the experience. So recommend!”

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Kyoto: Arashiyama Bamboo, Temple, Matcha, Monkeys & secret spots - Okochi Sanso Garden and the matcha pause
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Kyoto: Arashiyama Bamboo, Temple, Matcha, Monkeys & secret spots

3.Kyoto: Arashiyama Bamboo, Temple, Matcha, Monkeys & secret spots

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 219 reviews · from $89Top rated

Spend about five hours walking through Arashiyama with a guide and a maximum of 12 people. Visit the bamboo grove, Okochi Sanso Garden, Tenryu-ji Temple, Togetsukyo Bridge, and the shopping street, then use your included ticket to hike to Monkey Park Iwatayama. Guides such as Toru, Karim, Tom, and Francis are praised for lively stories and local help.

“Absolutely loved it. Rami our tour guide was exceptional He interacted with everyone on the tour and was respectful of making sure the group didn’t impact locals. He gets a 20/10 for us”

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Kyoto Matcha Green Tea Tour - Along the Uji River and through tea country
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Kyoto Matcha Green Tea Tour

4.Kyoto Matcha Green Tea Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 28 reviews · 3 hours · from $173

Meet your English-speaking guide at Keihan Uji Station for a three-hour walk through Uji, matcha’s home district. Visit Byodoin Temple and a historic shrine, sample local dishes, grind tea, make matcha, enjoy wagashi and matcha ice cream, then shop at your own pace. Guides have included Karim, Miki, Jamelah, and Sanae.

“Very nice visit, even better than expected ! It’s a mix with history, religion explanations, gastronomy and Matcha tea taste. Thomas our guide was really good. Knowing a part of Japan through this activity is really amazing and maybe one of my best experience in Kyoto! I really recommend this activity.”

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Kyoto: Traditional Tea Ceremony with Matcha & Sweets in Gion - Making your own bowl of matcha
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Kyoto: Traditional Tea Ceremony with Matcha & Sweets in Gion

5.Kyoto: Traditional Tea Ceremony with Matcha & Sweets in Gion

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 27 reviews · 1 hour - 150 minutes · from $22

In Gion, an English-speaking tea master introduces you to matcha, Zen ideas, and tea ceremony manners without stiff rules. You will watch a demonstration, taste sweets from established Japanese confectioners, whisk your own matcha from a family tea farm, and take home a simple recipe. Chair seating makes this a comfortable choice for most visitors.

“As soon as the hot pot started whistling I got pretty relaxed! A calm and peaceful tea sip indeed. I enjoyed learning the history behind matcha in Japan, and learning how to properly mix quality matcha into bubbles. Def recommend.”

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Matcha Grinding Experience and Walking Tour in Uji Kyoto - Uji Shrine adds a quieter local stop
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Matcha Grinding Experience and Walking Tour in Uji Kyoto

6.Matcha Grinding Experience and Walking Tour in Uji Kyoto

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 26 reviews · from $130

Travel from Kyoto Station to Uji for a four-hour English-guided walk with Vincent or another Tomodachi Tours guide. Visit Byodo-in and Uji Shrine, grind tea leaves with a traditional stone mill, then drink your matcha with Japanese sweets or ice cream. The group is limited to six people.

“We had a great experience with Vincent! The tour ended up being a private tour which allowed us to go with the flow a bit more. He was great in showing us several temples and shrines, and talked us through the matcha making experience. We would definitely recommend it!”

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Kyoto: Kimono Rental and Matcha Experience - My Booking Advice
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Kyoto: Kimono Rental and Matcha Experience

7.Kyoto: Kimono Rental and Matcha Experience

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 24 reviews · 1 day · from $50

Start one minute from Kyoto Station with kimono dressing, free luggage storage, and English-speaking staff. Ride by private taxi to Ichinenzaka 362 Café for a short tea ceremony and hands-on matcha making, then explore Kiyomizu’s traditional streets in your kimono. Return transport is not included.

“The matcha experience with Kimono was such a wonderful and unforgettable experience. We got suit up with the Kimono and my wife got a beautiful hairstyle. We peacefully enjoyed how the woman prepared the matcha in front of us, such an art. Finally we could take some pictures on the emblematic streets of Kyoto. The staff was very kind and enjoyed this experience a lot. I can only recommend to everyone this fantastic experience!”

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Kyoto Local Gourmet Night Experience: Kaiseki & Izakaya & Matcha - A first look at Gion and Shirakawa-dori
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Kyoto Local Gourmet Night Experience: Kaiseki & Izakaya & Matcha

8.Kyoto Local Gourmet Night Experience: Kaiseki & Izakaya & Matcha

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 22 reviews · from $70

Meet your local guide at Minamiza for a 3.5-hour evening of Kyoto food and culture. Visit three restaurants in Gion, Pontocho, and Kawaramachi for dinner, desserts, sake, tea, and nonalcoholic drinks. Groups are capped at seven, with guides such as Akari, Ayane, Lisa, and Sura leading recent departures.

“Had an amazing night with our fab guide Sura!!!! Knowledgeable relaxed and easy to talk and loved the fact we went to places close to all the busy locations but supporting smaller locals. Supporting locals and local tour guide is the best way to do this guided tour.”

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Nerikiri and Matcha Making Class in Kyoto - Why the five designs matter
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Nerikiri and Matcha Making Class in Kyoto

9.Nerikiri and Matcha Making Class in Kyoto

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 13 reviews · from $84

Meet your instructor at Matsugasaki Station for a 2.5-hour class in her Kyoto home. Learn how nerikiri dough works, shape five seasonal-style sweets with traditional tools, prepare table-style matcha, and taste your creations. You can take the remaining sweets and two dough recipes home.

“A truly unique experience and one we will think about for years to come. It was fun, educational, and relaxing. Our instructor invited us into her home and we immediately felt comfortable. Highly recommend!”

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Traditional Tea Ceremony with Matcha and Sweets in Kyoto - Watching a tea master work
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Traditional Tea Ceremony with Matcha and Sweets in Kyoto

10.Traditional Tea Ceremony with Matcha and Sweets in Kyoto

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 13 reviews · from $22

In Kyoto’s Gion district, a tea master introduces you to chanoyu, Zen ideas, and the meaning of Japanese hospitality. You’ll watch a formal demonstration, taste sweets from long-established artisans, then whisk your own matcha with tea from a family-run farm. Chair seating, a small group of up to 13, and a final Q&A make this a friendly first step into tea culture.

“Amazing and informative experience with instructor Mitsune. Everyone was so friendly and welcoming, and I loved learning the history of tea ceremonies and matcha while in Kyoto!”

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Cycling Tour at Uji's Matcha Green Tea Fields and Heritage - Three historic stops, three different moods
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Cycling Tour at Uji’s Matcha Green Tea Fields and Heritage

11.Cycling Tour at Uji’s Matcha Green Tea Fields and Heritage

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 10 reviews · 4h 30m · from $160

Spend 270 minutes exploring Uji by Brompton bicycle with a local English-speaking guide, identified as Takashi. Visit Chazuna, ancient shrines, Kosho-ji Temple, quiet stretches of the Uji River, Tō-no-shima Island, and Byodoin Temple. Finish with local matcha treats. The group is limited to six, and the route can be adjusted to your wishes.

“It was an amazing experience. Biking around the Uji river was my favorite part. Uji is so beautiful and peaceful. Our guide was very patient since I was a slow biker and knowledgeable guiding us with different places. I highly recommend the tour!”

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Kyoto: Matcha & Traditional Japanese Music Immersive Experience - The koto session makes the music easier to understand
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Kyoto: Matcha & Traditional Japanese Music Immersive Experience

12.Kyoto: Matcha & Traditional Japanese Music Immersive Experience

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 9 reviews · from $850

At Suzaku Garden in Kyoto, you’ll hear young musicians combine the Japanese koto with violin, traditional melodies, anime themes, game music, and original arrangements. You’ll also try the koto yourself, enjoy matcha in a Japanese-style space, and speak with the artists after the concert. The indoor experience lasts about 60 to 80 minutes.

“This experience was one of my highlights in Kyoto, I've had the chance with my friend to attend this amazing music moment, with artists that have been training since childhood playing instruments they love, they are so good! We also shared an unforgettable moment with the family over a tea ceremony. Do not hesitate to go, it's worth it!”

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Kyoto Hidden Riverside Zen Mediation and Uji Matcha Experience - Meeting the Zen instructor and cultural guide
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Kyoto Hidden Riverside Zen Mediation and Uji Matcha Experience

13.Kyoto Hidden Riverside Zen Mediation and Uji Matcha Experience

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 9 reviews · from $105

Meet in Kyoto’s Ukyo Ward for a two-hour Zen workshop on an open-air riverside deck. A seasoned Zen instructor guides beginners through zazen, while an English-speaking cultural guide explains the practice and its place in daily life. Finish with premium Uji matcha and seasonal wagashi. The group is limited to 10 people.

“If you are thinking about doing this experience while in Kyoto, take this review as your sign that you should register right now. This has been the highlight of our trip, amongst some very notable experiences. Highly recommend!!!”

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Kyoto: Nighttime Zen Meditation and Matcha Tea Experience - Four gardens under evening light
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Kyoto: Nighttime Zen Meditation and Matcha Tea Experience

14.Kyoto: Nighttime Zen Meditation and Matcha Tea Experience

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 7 reviews · 1h 30m · from $206

Spend 90 private minutes at Keishunin, a sub-temple of Myoshinji, with an English- or Chinese-speaking guide. Explore four illuminated gardens, the Sehakuan tea room, and Kano Sansetsu’s fusuma paintings. Deputy Chief Priest Yasumasa Arashima leads zazen, followed by matcha and a traditional Japanese sweet.

“One of the best activities that I did on this trip , worth it every penny!”

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Whisk Your Own Matcha: A Zen Matcha Experience at Temple - What Sakura adds to the 45 minutes
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Whisk Your Own Matcha: A Zen Matcha Experience at Temple

15.Whisk Your Own Matcha: A Zen Matcha Experience at Temple

★★★★★★★★★★3.6 · 7 reviews · 45 min · from $32

At this 45-minute Kyoto experience, English-speaking host Sakura explains the history and meaning of Japanese tea ceremony, then guides you as you whisk matcha with traditional tools. You will drink your tea with a traditional Kyoto sweet and receive a photo shoot. Check the meeting details carefully, since directions and venue clues have caused confusion.

“It was a disaster! We could not find the tea ceremony, japanese locals couldnt help us to find the place, nowhere was a sign! I hope I will get my money back!”

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New in Matcha Experiences in Kyoto

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★ 4.5Kyoto: A Walking Tour of Four Spring Waters, Tofu Lunch & MatchaFrom $1302 reviews
★ 5.0Kyoto WAKIMIZU Half Day Tour: Secrets of Matcha & Wagashi SweetsFrom $802 reviews
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