Get your discount tickets for the The Way of Tea: Kyoto Crafts, Hidden Temples & Wabi-Sabi Walk, save up to 9% !
Overview
Discover the beauty of Japanese tea culture beyond a simple matcha tasting on this immersive cultural walking tour in Kyoto. Visit historic temples, artisan shops, and hidden Zen spots while learning the philosophy, history, and aesthetics behind the tea ceremony. Begin at Kennin-ji Temple, the birthplace of matcha culture in Japan, where you’ll explore how tea influenced Zen Buddhism and Kyoto’s traditions. Then stop by a specialty shop for tea ceremony tools such as bamboo whisks and raku teacups. Next, step into a quiet hidden Zen temple to experience Kyoto’s peaceful side, with moss gardens, stone paths, and the timeless beauty of Wabi-Sabi aesthetics. The tour concludes with an authentic tea ceremony, enjoying a carefully prepared bowl of matcha guided by the philosophy of ichi-go ichi-e—“one chance, one encounter.” Located near Kiyomizu-dera and Yasaka Shrine, this experience fits perfectly into your Kyoto sightseeing plans.
Meeting and Pickup
In front of Izumo no Okuni Statue, right outside of Exit 5 of Gion-Shijo Station (Keihan line)
End Point
End the tour after a tea ceremony experience
Language Offered
English-GUIDE
Itinerary
1. Statue of Izumo no Okuni
2. Gion
3. Kennin-ji Temple
4. Kyoto Prefecture
5. Kyoto Prefecture
6. Tea Ceremony Chayu
7. Kyoto Prefecture
Inclusion
Tea ceremony experience Drink Matcha (Green Tea) at a traditional Japanese house
Photos during the tour - You'll get photos taken during the tour.
3 hours with a local guide - An English-speaking guide
Entrance fees of 2 temples
Exclusion
Additional Food and Drinks
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- 100% refund if cancelled 1+ days before the start date
- 0% refund if cancelled less than 1 day(s) before the start date
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Out of respect for our other guests and to ensure the best tour for everyone, we must start the tour on time. You will not be able to join the tour, get a refund or reschedule if you are late for the tour and miss the group.
The tour might be cancelled in case of unsuitable weather for safety reasons.
You do not need to pay for the guide's food and drinks.
Please note that there might be other participants
Japan's climate has become more extreme, with summer highs of 40°C (110°F) and winter lows of -5°C (20°F). Please prepare accordingly for the tour.
Free cancellation and free reschedule is available until 24h prior to the tour starting time.
Tea ceremony experience can only accommodate those who are and older than 6 years old. You can bring children younger than that but one adult needs to be accompanying them outside the facility during the experience.
Reviews
4.9
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
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