Kyoto: Private Tea Ceremony & Sake Tasting in Samurai House

Summary

Private matcha tea ceremony and sake tasting Kyoto samurai house

You’ll step into a centuries-old Kyoto samurai house for a private tea ceremony with organic matcha from Uji, try your hand at whisking your own tea, then taste local sake or whisky with stories from your host. Dress up in silk kimono or hold a katana for photos — it’s all included with exclusive use of the space. Expect small surprises and quiet moments you’ll remember long after.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll never forget the way the old wooden floor creaked under my socks as we stepped into the samurai house, just a short walk from Kyoto Station but it felt like we’d slipped into another century. Our host, Mrs. Yamada, greeted us with this gentle bow that made me instantly self-conscious about my own awkward attempt. The air inside was cool and smelled faintly of tatami and something sweet — maybe incense or just old wood. She led us to the tea room, sunlight filtering through rice paper screens, and for a second I forgot about everything outside.

The tea ceremony itself was quieter than I expected — not solemn exactly, but focused. Mrs. Yamada explained each step in soft English, showing us how to whisk the matcha (I made mine too frothy; she smiled anyway). The bowl felt warm in my hands. When I took that first sip of Uji matcha, it was earthy and almost grassy — nothing like what I’d had at home. Afterward, we could choose between sake or Japanese whisky tasting (I went for sake; my friend picked whisky), and she poured out these tiny shots while telling us little stories about each one. There was laughter when I tried to pronounce “kanpai” properly — let’s just say I need more practice.

They offered to dress me up in a silk kimono (just for women) or hand over a real katana for photos. It felt kind of silly at first but then looking back at the photos now… well, it’s a pretty great memory. You can even buy your own chawan or kimono if you want to bring some of it home. One thing: there’s only one old-school toilet here (it’s a 300-year-old house after all), so maybe go before you arrive.

Walking back toward modern Kyoto after the tea ceremony & sake tasting, I kept thinking about how quiet that room felt compared to everywhere else in the city — like time slowed down for an hour or so. If you’re curious about Japanese traditions but want something personal (and not crowded), this day trip is still on my mind weeks later.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Traditional tea ceremony and tasting

• Arrive at 300-year-old samurai house
• Experience authentic tea ceremony
• Learn ceremonial matcha preparation
• Make matcha or taste sake/whisky
• Take photos with katana and kimono

Top questions

How far is the samurai house from Kyoto Station?

It’s about an 8-minute walk from Kyoto Station to the samurai house.

Is this tea ceremony private?

Yes, your group will have exclusive use of the 300-year-old samurai house during the experience.

What drinks are included in the tasting?

You can choose between sake tasting (5 shots) or Japanese whisky tasting (2 shots), along with organic matcha tea.

Can I wear a kimono during the ceremony?

You can wear an authentic silk wedding kimono for photos; wearing it during the full ceremony takes extra time and cost.

Are children allowed on this tour?

Guests under 20 can join but will only participate in matcha whisking instead of alcohol tasting.

Is there an English-speaking guide?

Yes, your host will guide you through the tea ceremony and tastings in English.

How many people are required to book?

A minimum of two people is required per reservation.

Are there restroom facilities on site?

There is one traditional toilet inside the house; guests are advised to use other facilities before arriving if possible.

What’s included

Your visit includes exclusive access to a 300-year-old Kyoto samurai house with guidance from your local host, an authentic Japanese tea ceremony using organic Uji matcha, your choice of sake or Japanese whisky tasting (for guests over 20), plus opportunities for photos with silk kimono or katana before heading back into modern Kyoto life.