Kyoto: Hands-On Matcha Tea Ceremony with a Real Maiko

About this experience

This hands-on matcha tea ceremony is a heritage experience in Kyoto in which participants prepare and drink matcha under the guidance of a real maiko, the apprentice geisha of the Gion district. The ceremony draws on the principles of chado, the Japanese way of tea, a practice formalised in Kyoto during the 16th century under tea master Sen no Rikyu. Guests learn to whisk powdered matcha using a chasen, follow the prescribed movements of the ceremony, and receive instruction on the etiquette observed in a traditional tea setting. The maiko explains the cultural significance of each step. Tickets cover the full ceremony session, matcha preparation, and the opportunity to taste the tea alongside a seasonal wagashi sweet. For more to plan around this booking, see things to do in Kyoto.

Highlights

• Prepare and drink matcha guided by a real Gion district maiko
• Learn to whisk matcha using a traditional chasen bamboo whisk
• Rooted in chado, formalised in Kyoto in the 16th century
• Follow prescribed ceremony movements with etiquette instruction
• Hosted in Kyoto, the historic home of Japanese tea culture
• Gain direct insight into maiko culture from the Gion district

What is included

• Hands-on matcha tea ceremony session
• Instruction from a real maiko
• Matcha preparation using a chasen
• Guidance on traditional tea ceremony etiquette

Cancellation terms

These tickets cannot be cancelled or rescheduled.