The 9 Best Matcha Experiences in Kyoto

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

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

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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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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7.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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8.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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9.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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