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The World’s 15 Best Tea Experiences

393 tours  ·  from $7 a head

Every country that grows it or drinks it seriously does the thing differently, which makes this a harder choice than it looks. The 15 below span a Kyoto tatami room, a London top deck and a factory floor in the hills, each priced and timed, with the full catalogue underneath.

Kyoto: Tea Ceremony in a Traditional Tea House in Kiyomizu - A brief introduction to 500 years of tea tradition
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Kyoto: Tea Ceremony in a Traditional Tea House in Kiyomizu

1.Kyoto: Tea Ceremony in a Traditional Tea House in Kiyomizu

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 3,519 reviews · 45 min · from $49Our pick

In Sannenzaka near Kiyomizu-Dera, an English-speaking host introduces you to 500 years of tea tradition before a tea master performs the ceremony. You then whisk your own matcha, enjoy a Japanese sweet, and pose for a garden photo. The 45-minute session costs $49, uses small groups, and does not include kimono rental.

“This is an amazing experience! Definitely would recommend. Even though its locate on a busy street, the building itself is very peaceful and the vibe is sooo serene.”

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London: Afternoon Tea Cruise on the River Thames - Boarding at Tower Pier near the Tower of London
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London: Afternoon Tea Cruise on the River Thames

2.London: Afternoon Tea Cruise on the River Thames

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 3,274 reviews · 1.5 hours · from $53

Board a City Cruises boat at Tower Pier for a 90-minute afternoon tea with sandwiches, warm scones, cakes, unlimited tea and coffee, and Thames views. You’ll pass Tower Bridge, Shakespeare’s Globe, Tate Modern, The Shard, the London Eye, and the Houses of Parliament, with live or recorded commentary along the way.

“Great trip. Upgraded to window seats VIP package seats were amazing great view. Food was better standard than we expected and commentary good. Service fast and professional. Would recommend this and we are now looking at doing the dinner one.”

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Kyoto: Tea Ceremony Ju-An at Jotokuji Temple - Entering Jotokuji Temple through the main gates
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Kyoto: Tea Ceremony Ju-An at Jotokuji Temple

3.Kyoto: Tea Ceremony Ju-An at Jotokuji Temple

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 3,207 reviews · 1h 10m · from $29

At Jotokuji Temple, an English-speaking guide such as Kate introduces you to the site before a tea master demonstrates chanoyu, the Japanese tea ceremony. You’ll purify at the fountain, remove your shoes, taste matcha and sweets, and prepare your own tea in a small group of up to 10. The 70-minute session costs $29.

“interesting facts about the ritual, fun and tasty matcha”

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Afternoon Tea Bus Tour in Dublin - Trinity and the Georgian quarters
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Afternoon Tea Bus Tour in Dublin

4.Afternoon Tea Bus Tour in Dublin

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,791 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $72Top rated

Ride a restored front-engined double-decker through Dublin while enjoying afternoon tea, warm scones, sandwiches, cakes, and hot drinks. Guides such as Orla, Hannah, Aleks, Liam, and Adam add jokes and short history talks as you pass Phoenix Park, Trinity College, Georgian Dublin, Guinness, and St. Patrick’s Cathedral. The 90-minute tour starts and ends near St. Stephen’s Green.

“Delicious and substantial afternoon tea with wraps and sandwiches. Scones and sweet treats. Interesting history bites as you travel.”

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Kyoto: 45-Minute Tea Ceremony Lesson Experience - Why the tea master matters
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Kyoto: 45-Minute Tea Ceremony Lesson Experience

5.Kyoto: 45-Minute Tea Ceremony Lesson Experience

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 2,378 reviews · 45 min · from $22

At Tea Ceremony Koto near Kinkakuji, an English-speaking Urasenke tea master guides you through a 45-minute matcha lesson. You watch the formal preparation, make tea yourself, learn the meaning behind each gesture, and taste Japanese sweets. Choose a public, private, or candlelight session, with kimono rental available as an add-on.

“Splendid to learn the history of the tea ceremony from a practicing professional.”

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London: Afternoon Tea Bus Tour - 1960s Routemaster Bus - Harrods and Knightsbridge through the bus window
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London: Afternoon Tea Bus Tour – 1960s Routemaster Bus

6.London: Afternoon Tea Bus Tour – 1960s Routemaster Bus

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 2,032 reviews · 1 hour 25 minutes (approx.) · from $87

Ride a 1960s Routemaster through Central London while enjoying tea, sandwiches, scones, cakes, and French-inspired pastries. The 85-minute route passes Harrods, Knightsbridge, Hyde Park, Mayfair, and other major sights, with recorded commentary and music. Staff seat you upstairs or downstairs, and dietary choices include vegetarian, vegan, pescatarian, and gluten-free.

“The Food Was Fantastic Staff Lovely And The Whole Experience Was Wonderful Seeing The Sites in This Way I Would Recommend it Anytime”

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London: Afternoon Tea Bus with a Glass of Prosecco - What you eat, from sandwiches to scones
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London: Afternoon Tea Bus with a Glass of Prosecco

7.London: Afternoon Tea Bus with a Glass of Prosecco

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 1,853 reviews · 1.5 hours · from $64

Ride Golden Tours’ pink-striped English Tea Bus for 90 minutes past the London Eye, Tower of London, and St. Paul’s Cathedral. You’ll share a table, enjoy sandwiches, scones, cakes, tea, and Prosecco or a soft drink, with hosts such as Ayaan, Dee, and Wumi looking after the bus. It is a sightseeing ride with recorded commentary, not a fully guided tour.

“it was very cozy and peaceful. First they serve plate and prosecco . Then , coffee came. They tell us every important corner in the London. Thank you very much🩷”

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Dublin: Afternoon Tea Vintage Bus Tour - Choosing between the upper and lower decks
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Dublin: Afternoon Tea Vintage Bus Tour

8.Dublin: Afternoon Tea Vintage Bus Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 1,664 reviews · from $65

Settle into a restored 1960s double-decker at St. Stephen’s Green for a 75-minute Dublin tour with tea, sandwiches, warm scones, desserts, and live commentary. Hosts such as Adam, Leah, Rachel, and Niamh are known for playful storytelling, while vegan, vegetarian, halal, and gluten-free menus are available with advance notice.

“A truly delightful way to spend a Sunday afternoon. Tasty and filling food, and a good dose of facts added for good measure. Rachel was a wonderful host, and Adam and Ella braved the City Roads in a vintage Double Decker bus majestically. We will return!”

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World Heritage Kyoto & Nara Uji Authentic Matcha Experience - The Heijo Palace site from the coach
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World Heritage Kyoto & Nara Uji Authentic Matcha Experience

9.World Heritage Kyoto & Nara Uji Authentic Matcha Experience

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

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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Osaka: Tea Ceremony Experience - Watching the demonstration brings the ritual into focus
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Osaka: Tea Ceremony Experience

10.Osaka: Tea Ceremony Experience

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 1,426 reviews · 45 min · from $25

In a traditional tatami room in Dotonbori, an English-speaking host in kimono introduces you to Japanese tea ceremony. You’ll watch a demonstration, learn the meaning behind the gestures, make your own matcha with authentic tools, and taste seasonal sweets. Hosts have more than 10 years of experience, and names may include Yuki, Akiko, Kazu, or Mayumi.

“We loved hearing about the history of tea ceremonies and learning how to make matcha. This was a really special experience and a highlight of our trip.”

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Edinburgh Afternoon Tea Experience - Afternoon tea with Edinburgh moving past the window
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Edinburgh Afternoon Tea Experience

11.Edinburgh Afternoon Tea Experience

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,275 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $60

Spend about 90 minutes touring Edinburgh aboard a vintage red Routemaster bus while eating sandwiches, scones, petit fours, cupcakes, and drinking tea or coffee. The route passes the Scott Monument, Edinburgh Castle, Arthur’s Seat, Holyroodhouse, and more. This is a dining experience, not a fully narrated sightseeing tour.

“Enjoyed chatting with some Scots sitting near me. Food was ok, there is no tour as such— just riding around Edinburgh. Music was good, acoustics for microphone was awful so couldn’t understand anything that was said. Staff was pleasant and worked hard. Enjoyed the experience and we laughed a lot but there is room for improvement”

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Kyoto: Table-Style Tea Ceremony at a Kyo-Machiya - What happens during the 90 minutes
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Kyoto: Table-Style Tea Ceremony at a Kyo-Machiya

12.Kyoto: Table-Style Tea Ceremony at a Kyo-Machiya

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 1,211 reviews · 1h 30m · from $45

Spend 90 minutes in a 100-year-old Kyo-machiya in southern Kyoto, where English-speaking hosts explain tea ceremony manners, serve sweets and drinks, and guide you through matcha-making, calligraphy, flower arranging, and photos. Chairs replace floor seating, and an optional kimono makes the visit especially photogenic.

“Enjoyed a fantastic Tea Ceremony with very welcoming hosts. Very informative and amazing experience. Would recommend for anyone!!”

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Kanazawa: Kenrokuen Tea Ceremony Experience - Wagashi first, matcha second
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Kanazawa: Kenrokuen Tea Ceremony Experience

13.Kanazawa: Kenrokuen Tea Ceremony Experience

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 1,139 reviews · 1 hour · from $35

At Kenrokutei in Kenrokuen Garden, an English-speaking guide introduces the history and etiquette of tea before a tea master performs the ceremony. You will taste wagashi sweets, watch each careful movement, and whisk your own matcha with help. The room is quiet and traditional, though the garden entrance fee is extra and the room itself has no garden view.

“The Manager of the Store was super nice and spread a very calm atmosphere. I felt relaxed and home :) I strongly recommend it !! Aregato ! Greets Mario”

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The Kensington Palace Gardens Royal High Tea - The Italian Gardens and Round Pond
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The Kensington Palace Gardens Royal High Tea

14.The Kensington Palace Gardens Royal High Tea

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 934 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $158

Meet your guide at Queensway Station for a two-hour walk through Kensington Gardens, including the Italian Gardens, Round Pond, royal sites, and Hyde Park history. Finish with traditional afternoon tea at the Orangery beside Kensington Palace. Guides such as Doug and Paul are praised for humor and strong storytelling. Palace entry costs extra unless selected.

“The guide was informative, witty, and made us feel at ease. It was perfect to be informed about the history of the Gardens.”

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Kimono Tea Ceremony at Kyoto Maikoya, NISHIKI - Sitting on Tatami for the Tea Ceremony
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Kimono Tea Ceremony at Kyoto Maikoya, NISHIKI

15.Kimono Tea Ceremony at Kyoto Maikoya, NISHIKI

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 911 reviews · from $65

At Maikoya Nishiki in central Kyoto, you choose a kimono, receive simple hairstyling, and join a guided tea ceremony on tatami mats. Your host explains the ritual, utensils, and Kyoto connections, then shows you how to whisk matcha. Wagashi sweets, photo time, and morning or afternoon bookings are included.

“It was such a peaceful process watching our hostess show us a traditional tea ceremony. And so much fun choosing our kimonos and having our hair done. Totally recommend this experience!!”

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Tea Ceremony Experiences92Afternoon Tea Experiences92Tea Plantation & Farm Tours51Matcha Experiences36Tea Factory Tours23Tea Tastings19
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Where tea is served

Pick a country, a hillside or a table.

The ceremony

Tea CeremoniesKimono MorningsMatcha ClassesSweets MakingCalligraphy

Afternoon tea

Afternoon TeaLondon StandsBus TeasTea AfloatTastings

Where it grows

Plantation DaysFactory ToursGreen TeaOut With the PickersIndian Estates

Other cups

Mint TeaTurkish TeaChinese CeremonyBubble TeaPrivate Rooms