Our 4 Favourite Tea and Sweets Making in Kyoto

1.Kyoto: Japanese Traditional Sweets Making and Tea Ceremony

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 314 reviews · 1h 35m · from $18Our pick

At a small venue one minute from Gojo Station, you will shape two seasonal nerikiri sweets from Kyoto bean paste, then prepare Uji matcha and learn basic tea etiquette. The Japanese-speaking instructors provide English help as much as possible. Expect a hands-on, low-intensity class for $18, with optional take-home packaging and certificates available for a small extra fee.

“This is an amazing experience very much on target for something that I wanted to do in Japan, pro tip. You don’t need the helper fee unless you have a child with you.”

Check availability →Read our full review

2.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.”

Check availability →Read our full review

3.2 Types of Japanese Sweets making and Tea Ceremony

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 17 reviews · 2h 5m · from $28

At a venue one minute from Gojo Station, you make three Japanese treats: wasanbon ohigashi and two seasonal nerikiri using Kyoto bean paste. Then you grind matcha and prepare your own bowl in a casual tea session. Japanese-led instruction, English help when possible, and a 125-minute schedule make this a practical Kyoto culture stop.

“I thought it was good. The presenter translated everything into English which was very helpful. The sweet making was interesting. Maybe I misunderstood, but I thought that we would do an actual tea ceremony but it was more an informative session and we made a cup of matcha tea.”

Check availability →Read our full review

4.Kyoto Fushimiinari:Wagashi Making & Small Group Tea Ceremony

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 14 reviews · 1h 15m · from $55Top rated

Spend 75 minutes in a local Japanese home near Fushimi Inari, making seasonal wagashi and preparing matcha with an English-speaking licensed guide interpreter. Miho and the tea master explain the ritual in a relaxed small group of no more than six, with a garden, tatami room, and two bowls of tea included.

“Excellent experience. Smiling and welcoming.I highly recommend it.”

Check availability →Read our full review