Our 8 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.”

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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.”

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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.”

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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.”

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5.Kyoto near Fushimiinari Wagashi making&Small Group Tea Ceremony

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 14 reviews · from $52

At a local home near Fushimi Inari, you’ll make a Japanese wagashi sweet, learn tea ceremony customs, and prepare your own bowl of matcha. English-speaking instructor Miho and the host guide a small group of up to eight through the kitchen and tatami room. The 75-minute session includes two bowls of matcha and traditional sweets, with chairs available instead of floor seating.

“We enjoyed the entire experience. It was quite fun (a bit sticky!) to make our own Japanese desserts (which we enjoyed during the tea ceremony). The instruction was terrific and memorable. The setting for the tea ceremony was lovely and tRead more”

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6.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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7.Japanese Traditional Sweets making with Tatedashi Matcha

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 6 reviews · 1h 5m · from $14Best value

At AN Japanese Culture Experience near Gojo Station, you’ll shape two seasonal nerikiri sweets from Kyoto-made white and red bean paste. A Japanese-speaking instructor guides the 65-minute class, with English help available when requested. Finish by photographing your sweets, then eating them with Tatedashi Matcha. Takeout boxes cost 100 JPY.

“The class was fun, but too many people in one class.”

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8.Kyoto WAKIMIZU Half Day Tour: Secrets of Matcha & Wagashi Sweets

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2 reviews · from $80

Join a small Kyoto walking tour focused on wakimizu, the spring water behind matcha and wagashi. Visit Yasaka Shrine, Nishiki Tenmangu, and Hiyoketemmangu, taste spring water, then finish with a bowl of matcha and tour-only namagashi at Kameya Yoshinaga, founded in 1803.

“It was great to discover secret places with our lovely local guide. I learnt quite a lot about the culture and the Japanese sweets were awesome.”

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