Tea ceremony class in Kyoto near Daitoku-ji Temple

The tea master explains the ceremony before you make your own matcha.

A tea ceremony class in Kyoto close to Daitoku-ji, the Zen Buddhist monastery, where you learn to prepare matcha from a qualified tea master. The host walks you through the utensils, the room's significance and the steps involved. Then you watch the ceremony, whisk your own bowl and enjoy two bowls of matcha in all with seasonal Japanese sweets. All the tools are included (tea bowls, scoops, whisks and containers) plus white socks and a folding fan.

The experience

You arrive at a small tea room near Daitoku-ji Temple, one of Kyoto's most historically significant Zen monasteries. The tea master, who holds a Tea Name signifying full professional qualification, greets your group and leads you into the tea room to view the hanging scroll and flower arrangement: details that frame the ceremony itself. Before anyone touches the tools, the host explains what each utensil does, why the room's layout matters, and how the ceremony connects to Zen philosophy and self-discovery.

You then watch the tea master perform an authentic ceremony while enjoying a seasonal sweet. The real learning comes next: you move to your own place, receive a tea bowl, tea scoop, whisk and container, and the master guides you through whisking matcha into hot water. You enjoy two bowls of matcha in all, including the one you whisk yourself, along with two kinds of Japanese sweets that pair with the tea's slight bitterness.

Daitoku-ji itself is a working monastery with deep historical ties to tea culture, and the Golden Pavilion Temple (Kinkaku-ji) sits only four bus stops away if you want to extend the afternoon.

What’s included

• Two bowls of matcha tea and two kinds of Japanese sweets.
• tea bowls, tea containers, tea scoops and bamboo whisks.
• white socks and a folding fan.
• instruction from a qualified tea master in English, Chinese or Japanese.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day except Tuesday and SundayDepartures at 11:00, 13:00 and 14:00

AgesAdult (18 to 59 years) · Senior (60 and older) · Youth (13 to 17 years) · Child (4 to 12 years) · Infant (under 4): free

GroupUp to 6

Live guideEnglish, Chinese and Japanese

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 5 days ago

Good to know

Pets welcomePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by SHIUN AN

Is this one for you?Choose this if you want hands-on instruction from a qualified tea master and the chance to whisk your own bowl of matcha in a tea room near Daitoku-ji.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Chinese and Japanese.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (13 to 17 years); Child (4 to 12 years); Infant (under 4): free.

What do I actually make during the tea ceremony class?

You prepare your own bowl of matcha by hand, whisking the powdered green tea with hot water using a bamboo whisk. The tea master demonstrates the technique first, then guides you through the motion and the proper way to hold the bowl and whisk.

Is the tea ceremony class near any other temples or attractions in Kyoto?

The class takes place near Daitoku-ji Temple, a major Zen Buddhist monastery with a long history tied to tea culture. The Golden Pavilion Temple (Kinkaku-ji), a UNESCO World Heritage site, is only four bus stops away, making it easy to visit both on the same afternoon.

What tools and supplies are provided for the class?

The tea ceremony class includes tea bowls, tea containers, tea scoops, bamboo whisks, white socks and a folding fan. You use these tools to prepare and drink your matcha, and the master explains the purpose of each one.

Are there any food allergies I should mention before booking?

Yes, let the operator know about any food allergies when you reserve, since the class includes Japanese sweets served with the matcha tea.