Kyoto: Tea Ceremony in a Traditional Tea Room

Kyoto, Japan
Duration1h
Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before
Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away
TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
LanguagesJapanese, English
Group sizeUp to 6 travelers

Overview

This special tea ceremony takes place in the most traditional tea room at Nishijin Lifestyle Museum Tondaya, a nationally designated cultural asset with a history spanning more than 140 years.

Within this historic machiya lies a small, authentic tea room known as Rakuju. Its construction was supervised by the 12th-generation tea master of the Musha Koji Senke school, one of the principal schools of Japanese tea ceremony.

Enjoy Uji matcha and traditional Japanese sweets as you immerse yourself in the quiet history and serenity of an authentic tea ceremony, while observing a seasoned tea master perform the ritual.

Following the tea ceremony, we will guide you through Tondaya itself—a 140-year-old machiya designated as a culturally significant landmark by the Kyoto City Government. A treasure trove of historically valuable artifacts and stories, Tondaya offers a deeper understanding of Kyoto’s living heritage, shared by passionate staff.

We at Tonadya look forward to your visit!

Options

Silk Kimono & Tea at Rakuju

Duration: 2 hours: [Duration: 90 minutes]Professional kimono dressing, machiya tour, authentic tea ceremony, and time to change back are include
kimono Included

Tea Ceremony: Rakuj(No Kimono)

Duration: 1 hour
No Kimono

What's included

  • Admission fee
  • Tea ceremony experience
  • Uji matcha and Japanese sweets
  • Tour of the machiya
  • Kimono (If the option with Kimono is selected)
  • Socks (Please bring your own or purchase a pair from Tondaya.)

What to expect

Explore Tondaya, a traditional Kyoto machiya and nationally registered cultural landmark. Originally a kimono wholesaler, this historic townhouse offers a profound cultural journey.
This experience features an authentic tea ceremony in "Rakuju," a prestigious tea room supervised by the 12th-generation grandmaster of the Sen no Rikyu lineage. The room includes a traditional "Nijiriguchi" (crawl-in entrance), creating a mystical and serene atmosphere.
[Optional Silk Kimono Experience]
While this tour is enjoyable in your own clothes, you can select the "Silk Kimono" option to fully immerse yourself in Japanese tradition. We provide high-quality silk kimonos for both men and women.
Important Notes:
Attire for Kimono: If choosing the kimono option, please wear an inner shirt with a low neckline so it does not show at the collar.
Socks: Regardless of your choice, please wear socks to protect our historic wooden floors.
Language: We strive to provide interpreters, but translation devices may be used if needed.
Punctuality: Please arrive on time for your scheduled experience.
We look forward to welcoming you to the timeless history of Tondaya.

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

Please come inside the building and tell the staff your name.

End point

Please come inside the building and tell the staff your name.

Additional information

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
From
21,000.00 JPY per person
Check availability & book
  • Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts
  • Instant confirmation
  • You'll choose your date and travelers and pay on viator.com. Prices vary by date, group size and option.
More activities in Kyoto
From
21,000.00 JPY per person
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