Kyoto: Private Tea Ceremony & Matcha Experience in a Traditional Machiya (90 min)

Visit a traditional Kyoto machiya near Higashiyama Station and take part in a private Japanese tea ceremony experience. Each session is reserved for one group of up to five guests. During this approximately 90-minute experience, learn about Japanese tea history, try traditional stone-mill grinding, watch a tea ceremony demonstration, and prepare your own bowl of matcha. What You'll Experience 1. Discover the Secret History of Samurai and Tea Travel back about 400 years to Japan's Edo period and discover how tea became a symbol of power and prestige. Learn about the grand tea jar processions known as Ochatsubo Dochū, when precious tea leaves were transported from Uji to the Shogun in Edo. 2. Watch a Traditional Tea Jar Opening Watch a special demonstration inspired by the traditional opening of a tea jar, revealing the carefully preserved tea leaves inside. Discover how tencha leaves are transformed into the fine green powder we know as matcha. 3. Try Grinding Tea Leaves with a Stone Mill Try grinding tencha tea leaves using a traditional Japanese stone mill and learn how matcha powder is made. 4. Enter the Tea Room Through a Traditional Nijiriguchi Entrance Enter the tea room through a small traditional doorway called a nijiriguchi. Learn about its role in Japanese tea culture. Inside the tea room, enjoy a seasonal Japanese sweet and watch your host perform a traditional tea ceremony. 5. Whisk Your Own Matcha Now it's your turn! Learn how to use a bamboo whisk (chasen) and prepare your own bowl of matcha with guidance from your host. The experience includes time for questions and photographs. No previous tea ceremony experience is required.