An authentic tea ceremony experience by a famous tea master near a famous temple in Kyoto

I was a very enjoyable experience, with superb tea and a lot of learning about the tea ceremony, it's rituals and it's significance. Great host a true tea master. Don't missed.

TEN STARS!!! My husband and I recently had the privilege of attending a master tea ceremony workshop led by an incredibly knowledgeable and passionate teacher, and I cannot recommend this experience highly enough! From the moment we stepped into the serene space, we were transported into the beautiful world of Japanese culture and tradition. Our teacher began with a captivating introduction to the history of the tea ceremony, sharing anecdotes that brought to life the rich tapestry of Japanese culture. The way he articulated the significance of each step in the ceremony truly deepened our appreciation for this ancient art form. It was not just a lesson in making tea; it was an exploration of mindfulness, respect, and harmony—core values that resonate through Japanese society. The highlight of the workshop was undoubtedly the hands-on experience with Uji-matcha tea accompanied with knowledge and stories from our master teacher. Under his expert guidance, we learned the precise techniques for preparing matcha, from the careful whisking to the proper presentation of tea. My husband and I were encouraged to embrace the ritual, and we found ourselves immersed in the experience, appreciating the flavors, aromas, and the calming atmosphere that surrounded us. By the end of the workshop, we left not only with new skills but also a deeper connection to Japanese culture and an appreciation for the tea ceremony as an expression of tranquility and reflection. I wholeheartedly believe that anyone interested in Japanese culture, art, or simply seeking a peaceful experience should attend this master tea ceremony. It is an unforgettable journey that enriches the soul and invites one to slow down and savor the moment. Thank you to our wonderful master teacher for this invaluable experience! Your passion and expertise have left a lasting impact on us and we will always come back to visit whenever in Japan.

This was a great experience and super informative. Uji is about 35-45 mins from Kyoto. A couple of things to note are that you meet in the parking lot 5 minutes before the start time don't be late. Second, you need pay an additional 1000 yen per person which is buried in the klook info. Third, the tea master is just that: a master. So be respectful and listen to him.

I recently had the privilege of attending a traditional tea ceremony in Kyoto, and it was an experience I will never forget. Our tea master was incredibly knowledgeable, offering both a detailed and immersive understanding of the history and philosophy behind the ceremony. Throughout the entire process, she guided us with grace, explaining the significance of each movement and the meticulous attention to detail that goes into the preparation of the tea. What stood out most was how she connected the ceremony to Japan’s deep cultural and spiritual traditions, making us feel like we were not just observing, but actively participating in a centuries-old practice. She explained the origins of the tea ceremony, highlighting its roots in Zen Buddhism, and how it has evolved over time while still maintaining its core principles of harmony, respect, purity, and tranquility. The atmosphere was serene, and every step of the ceremony— from the preparation of the matcha to the way we were invited to enjoy it— was done with a sense of reverence. The tea master took the time to guide us in how to properly drink the tea, emphasizing the importance of mindfulness and appreciation in each sip. Overall, this tea ceremony was much more than just a cultural activity; it was a profound experience that allowed me to feel the essence of Japanese tradition in a way that was both educational and meditative. If you’re ever in Kyoto, I highly recommend participating in such an experience—it’s an unforgettable way to connect with Japan’s rich cultural heritage.

booked only a few days before attending and they were able to accommodate our kimono rental request very quickly! Tea master was very knowledgeable, great English and showed us traditional tea ceremony that we all got to partake making the tea, drinking and eating a sweet. highly recommend to anyone who wants to experience a really traditional unique experience in Kyoto. thank you for welcoming us into the temple

it was a really good experience, we went of a group of 4 and experience a really good time. the tea master is really nice and explain a lot of the history of this process.

If you are interested in learning about the history behind the tea ceremony, then this is a great activity. The tea master was very knowledgable and was even humourous at times. We learned how to be in his words "a gentle delicate and elegant" host :) we had a car so the location was easy to get to, and there was a parking nearby . The Buddhist temple was very Zen and we were even lucky enough to see some monks in meditation upon leaving the temple.

I ended up being the only person booked onto this so had a private lesson. The ceremony teacher had a great knowledge and was very passionate about his proffesion. He was translating to English and I understood everything. highly recommended

Very informative and educational experience. Learnt the history and mannerisms of a Japanese tea ceremony as well as the origins of tea in Japan. It was a pleasant and relaxed experience and I would recommend this. Some minor negatives include some difficulty understanding the English but it was in English and we learnt some Japanese phrases to say during the tea ceremony. Kimonos were nice to wear as well.

This was a very small matcha class (4 students total) and the instructor was very knowledgeable about matcha and Japanese history. He made everyone feel welcome and comfortable.