Tea tours · PHOTOGRAPHY SESSIONS
This is the shortlist you would send a friend: 4 photography sessions worth the money, each with its price, its traveller verdict and the one thing to know before you commit.
Meet at the Nishiki Market or Gion location, choose a kimono and hair accessories, then watch an English tea ceremony demonstration and prepare matcha with sweets. A professional photographer takes three photos. You may stroll outside in your kimono afterward, but return it by 6:00 PM at Nishiki Market or 5:00 PM in Gion.
“Our guide, Mami was very knowledgeable and very kind!”
At a 100-year-old Kyoto machiya, Maya leads a small-group tea session covering tea ceremony history, traditional matcha preparation, seasonal wagashi, and a creamy matcha latte. The experience takes about 50 minutes within an overall visit of roughly 1 hour 20 minutes, then ends with photos in samurai armor. It suits first-time tea drinkers and curious culture seekers.
“I had lots of fun! Maya was a very fun host. I highly recommend visiting here! You will not be disappointed and will learn how to make matcha the proper way!”
At Nishiki Orizuruya in central Kyoto, you’ll choose a kimono, watch an English-speaking tea master demonstrate the ceremony, prepare your own matcha, and enjoy Japanese sweets. A professional photographer takes pictures during the 90-minute experience, and three edited photos arrive by email. Groups are capped at 10 people.
“It was very lovely! The tea master showed us the ritual and explain very good about the ceremony! I loved the fact that we wear the kimonos which you have a variety to choose from! I will go back again”
Spend 2.5 hours with Sayoko and AKIZAKURA learning tea ceremony customs, choosing a traditional kimono or summer yukata, and practicing matcha. You will visit a local shrine, learn respectful prayer and kimono manners, and receive photos taken on an iPhone 14 Pro. Groups are limited to three people.
“Fun experience. Sayoko and the other ladies are very kind and walk you through the entire process. Sayoko is also an excellent photographer, she captured some really great pictures! worth experiencing if you come to Japan.”
Pick a country, a hillside or a table.
