Grind Matcha Tea in Kyoto's Arashiyama: Learn to Whisk

Grind tea leaves on a stone mill, whisk them smooth, taste what you made

Grind Your Own Matcha Tea Ceremony in Arashiyama is a 45-minute hands-on class in Kyoto where you grind raw tea leaves into powder using a traditional stone mill, then learn to whisk matcha with a bamboo whisk on a sheltered sky terrace. The workshop sits a one-minute walk from the station, includes a live guide in English or Japanese, and requires no prior experience or formal ceremony rules.

The Experience

What does fresh matcha actually smell like? You find out the moment you start turning the stone mill. The workshop sits on a sky terrace in Arashiyama, sheltered but open to the air, a few steps from the station. You begin with the Ishiusu—the traditional hand mill—and grind raw Tencha leaves yourself into a fine powder. The rhythmic sound and the aroma that rises only at the moment of grinding is something store-bought matcha never gives you. There are no rules about how to hold it or how fast to turn; the guide is there to help, not to judge.

Once you've ground the tea, you move to the bamboo whisk. The guide shows you how to create the frothy, creamy texture that makes matcha worth drinking, and you do it yourself with the Chasen whisk in your hands. Beginners are often surprised by how smooth and flavorful the tea tastes when you've made it from scratch. You sip what you've whisked, take in the terrace views, and leave with the knowledge of how the whole thing actually works—not as a ceremony to perform perfectly, but as a craft you can repeat.

The location is the real convenience here. Whether you're heading to the Bamboo Forest next or coming back from Togetsukyo Bridge, the terrace is a one-minute walk from the station. It's a cultural break that fits into the middle of a day of walking, not something that demands a separate trip across the city.

What’s included

• Grinding your own matcha on a traditional stone mill.
• learning to whisk with a bamboo whisk under live guidance in English or Japanese.
• a cup of the matcha you've made.
• access to the sky terrace with seasonal views.

Good to know

Public transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Viyago

Is this one for you?Book this if you're combining Arashiyama sightseeing with a hands-on activity—the terrace sits one minute from the station, and the 45-minute session fits between other stops without eating into your day.

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Top questions

What exactly do I grind and whisk during the class?

You grind raw Tencha tea leaves into powder using a traditional stone mill called an Ishiusu, then whisk the powder with a bamboo whisk (Chasen) to create a smooth, frothy matcha that you drink at the end.

Is there a dress code or formal ceremony I need to follow?

No. The workshop has no strict rules or formal ceremony requirements. The guide focuses on teaching you the process and the joy of making matcha yourself, and beginners are welcome.

Where exactly is the terrace, and how do I get there?

The sky terrace is in Arashiyama, a one-minute walk from the station, so you can reach it easily by train or bus without needing a car or arranging separate transport.

How long does the whole class take?

The workshop runs 45 minutes from start to finish, including grinding the tea, learning to whisk, and sipping what you've made.

Can I do this if I've never made matcha before?

Yes. The class is designed for all levels, including complete beginners. The guide will walk you through each step, and you'll be surprised by how creamy and flavorful your handmade matcha turns out.

What's the difference between grinding matcha myself and buying it ready-made?

When you grind Tencha leaves fresh on the stone mill, the aroma and flavor are released only at that moment—something pre-ground matcha cannot match. You experience the full sensory difference as you turn the mill and taste the tea you've made.