Hidden Gion Tea Ceremony in a Historic Machiya
Step away from the crowds of Gion and enter a private tea room inside a historic machiya.
This 90-year-old Kyoto townhouse was once an ochaya, a traditional Gion teahouse connected to geisha culture. Its second-floor tea room is usually closed to the public, offering a rare opportunity to experience tea ceremony in a historic setting away from the busy streets.
This is more than watching a tea ceremony. You will learn about the tea room, watch your tea ceremony instructor perform the traditional tea ceremony, and then perform the tea-making process yourself.
Your experience is private and exclusively for your group.
Your Experience
- Welcome to Hidden Gion
Enter the historic machiya and leave the bustle of Gion behind as you make your way to the private second-floor tea room.
Your tea ceremony instructor will welcome you and introduce the experience.
- The Tea Room
Discover the meaning behind the hanging scroll, seasonal flowers, and traditional tea utensils, and learn how they create the atmosphere of a Japanese tea gathering.
- Traditional Tea Ceremony
Watch your tea ceremony instructor perform a traditional Japanese tea ceremony up close.
Notice the sounds, rhythm, gestures, and careful movements behind each step.
- Perform the Tea Ceremony Yourself
Now it is your turn.
Under the guidance of your instructor, you will experience the traditional movements yourself.
Begin by drawing hot water from the iron kettle, prepare your matcha, and whisk it with a traditional bamboo whisk.
You do not need to be perfect. Take your time and experience the rhythm and quiet focus of each movement.
- Matcha, Japanese Sweets & Photos
Enjoy the matcha you prepared with a traditional Japanese sweet.
Before leaving, take photos in the historic tea room and keep a memory of your time in this hidden corner of Gion.
A Different Kind of Kyoto Experience
Kyoto can be busy and crowded. Here, you can step away from the crowds and slow down.
There is no need to rush anywhere.
Just your group, a private tea room, and the simple rituals of Japanese tea.
For a moment, there is nowhere else you need to be.
Pause. Breathe. Feel Japan.
Experience the stillness of Kyoto in a historic Gion tea room.
