Step inside Shizuhamo, a machiya officially designated as an Important Kyoto Townhouse, and journey back in time to old Kyoto. You'll explore two authentic tea rooms — one for winter, one for summer — along with a traditional mizuya area and a tranquil Japanese garden, all within a single historic building. Along the way, discover the distinctive features of Japanese tea culture up close: the low nijiriguchi entrance, the sunken ro hearth, a hanging kettle, tea jars, a stone tea mill, and seasonal ikebana displays. Your host will bring these details to life, explaining how each room and utensil plays its part in the tea ceremony tradition. The highlight of your visit: using an authentic kettle and bamboo ladle, you'll prepare your own bowl of matcha, paired with seasonal wagashi sweets from nearby Fushimi. Sessions are reserved exclusively for your small group, and chairs are provided in the tea room — so you can savour the moment in comfort, without sitting on the tatami floor. Whether you're new to tea ceremony or a longtime admirer of Japanese culture, this is a rare chance to experience it hands-on, in an intimate, unhurried setting unlike any other in Kyoto.