Our 7 Favourite Nara Tea Tours

1.World Heritage Kyoto & Nara Uji Authentic Matcha Experience

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,573 reviews · from $129Our pick

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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2.Nara：Authentic Tea Ceremony(Max 5 ppl) -Master Matcha Making

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 119 reviews · 1 hour · from $46Best value

Meet Kurabi or another tea master for a one-hour, small-group lesson in a 120-year-old Nara farmhouse. Learn ceremony etiquette, compare Nara matcha, prepare your own bowl, and enjoy seasonal wagashi. English and Japanese instruction is available, with personal guidance and practical tips for tea, food, and sightseeing.

“It was a great experience in a real tea house. The Tea Master was very professional, but also super friendly. We learned a lot about unique japanese culture. The Tea Master gave us excellent recommendation for local B&Q(Yakiniku) restaurant and even made a reservation for us.”

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3.Nara:5 Type of Tea Tasting & Mindful Tea Ceremony

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 28 reviews · 1h 30m · from $61

In Nara, tea master Mike guides you through five locally sourced teas, a favorite-tea pot brew, hands-on matcha whisking, and seasonal wagashi. The 90-minute private session takes place in a traditional Japanese house with a garden view. You will learn tea etiquette, tools, and history in English, with time for local tips.

“Wonderful atmosphere, lots of interesting facts, a great tea brewing ritual with delicious snacks. We could also try various types of tea and sake.. The whole family was very impressed. Thank you.”

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4.Nara:Tea Tasting&Private Tea Ceremony -Master Matcha Making-

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 19 reviews · from $63

Meet Mike at Guesthouse Naramachi30 for a private 90-minute tea session in a renovated traditional Nara house. Taste five locally sourced teas, choose one for a pot-brewed serving, learn tea tools and etiquette, then make your own matcha with personal guidance. Seasonal wagashi completes the experience.

“The best tea ceremony experience I have ever had! I never expected to have a friendly and knowledgable senpai! The activity was fun and enjoyable! Highly recommend!”

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5.Nara Takayama Tea Whisk Craft and Tea Culture Experience

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 3 reviews · 150 - 330 minutes · from $141

Meet guide Benoit or another English-speaking guide at Tanimura Tango in Takayama, Nara. Watch 20th-generation artisan Tango Tanimura make a tea whisk, then choose chashaku carving, chasen making, or a tea ceremony. The Premium Plan adds all three, lunch, and matcha whisking.

“This experience was definitely one of the highlights of our Japan trip. It was an honor and a privilege to be able to watch and learn from Tanimura Tango himself as he demonstrates the craft of chasen making. Our guide, Benoit, was extremely helpful and professional as well. He even gave great recommendations on other local spots we should visit, which we appreciate. Would highly recommend this activity to anyone with an interest in matcha or in traditional Japanese crafts in general. Really worth it!”

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6.Full Day Nara Deer, Temple, Shrine, Activities & Tea Ceremony

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 3 reviews · from $110

Spend about seven hours walking through Nara with a bilingual guide, from Todaiji’s Great Buddha and Kasuga Taisha to deer encounters, Kikuichi knives, Gangoji Temple, origami, calligraphy, and a genuine tea ceremony. Guides including Harry and Rémi have led this experience, which ends with matcha and handmade wagashi in a traditional café.

“Our guide was very friendly and extremely informative about the religions/stories and everything around them. A great experience and will definitely not be our last time choosing TripAdvisor. The man knows what he is doing and was able to teach us everything in perfect German in the bamboo garden and the various shrines. Thanks for the great day!Auto-translated”

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7.Nara：Private Tea Ceremony(Max 5 ppl) -Master Matcha Making-

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 3 reviews · from $50

At Tea Lounge Navi Cafe, Mike guides your private group of up to five through a one-hour tea lesson in a 120-year-old Japanese house. You will taste two Nara single-origin matchas, watch a tea master’s demonstration, learn basic etiquette, and whisk your own bowl with a bamboo chasen. A Japanese sweet, coffee, or tea is included.

“We loved this experience in Nara. Mike was so earnest and generous. He shared so much with us and we really felt transported. We loved the tea shop and tiny tea room. We definitely came to understand how the ceremony can make you feel like you’ve escaped the real world for a few minutes. Even my 17 year old son got into it”

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