Top 7 Places to Experience a Japanese Tea Ceremony in Kyoto

kyotoculture

Nov 18

Top 7 Places to Experience a Japanese Tea Ceremony in Kyoto

Kyoto, the cultural heart of Japan, has been long revered for its history, traditions, and arts. One of the most iconic experiences to be had in this ancient city is the Japanese tea ceremony. A mystical experience that transcends mere tradition, this ceremony encapsulates the essence of Japanese culture and Zen philosophy.

TokudAw private tea ceremony for a corporate event. (Video credit: TokudAw Inc)

A Peek Into History

Japanese tea ceremonies, or sado, chado, and chanoyu, have been a part of Japanese culture for over 1,000 years. Everyone from warlords to merchants and other elites competed to put on the most elaborate tea ceremonies. The ritual took on the highly refined form practiced today by the 16th century. A driving force in shaping the tea ceremony was the tea master Sen no Rikyu, who espoused "wabi-sabi” – a simple and rustic aesthetic. He put Kyoto on the map for this iconic ritual by building many teahouses in the city. Today, the three main schools of the Japanese tea ceremony are located in Kyoto, making it the perfect place to experience a tea ceremony in its purest form.

The Top 7 Japanese Tea Ceremonies in Kyoto

1. Maikoya Tea Ceremony

A top-rated tea room in Kyoto, Maikoya offers guests an immersive experience in the tea ceremony. The ancient machiya townhouse is steeped in history and conveniently located in downtown Kyoto, a short walk from the Gion District and Nishiki market. The venue gives guests the unique opportunity of wearing authentic kimonos and traditional hair styles. Experts explain the details as well as the cultural and historical significance of the garb, making for a truly memorable experience. You’ll even have the opportunity of posing for pics against the backdrop of Kyoto’s historic streets.

Location: Downtown Kyoto

Address: Root-Kawaramachi blg.5F, 407–2 Shimomaruyacho (Kawaramachidori), Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan

Phone : 075-606-5303

Email: kyoto@mai-ko.com

2. Camellia Tea Ceremony

Offering an authentic experience with a rich blend of history and tradition, Camellia is set apart from other Japanese tea ceremonies in Kyoto by its serene sanctuary-like location. Close to Kiyomizudera Temple in the Ninenzaka district, the tranquil and evocative setting is down winding streets at the end of a dead-end road. Camellia will treat you to a tea ceremony with every refinement and also give you the hands-on experience of crafting your own tea to take home.

The soul of Camellia is Atsuko Mori, a charismatic, bilingual tea master whose passion for the tea ceremony is palpable. With her at the helm, the ceremony is a harmonious blend of tradition and relaxation. Atsuko's knowledge strikes a balance that both the casual visitor and ardent Japanophile can learn from. Her graceful movements, synchronized with her insightful explanations, create an atmosphere of reverence and wonder. If you are keen on donning a traditional kimono, Camellia offers this service as well at a separate location near Yasaka and Kiyomizudera Temples.

Location: Higashiyama

Address: Camellia, 349 Masuya-cho, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto City

Phone: 525-3238

Email: contact@camelliakyoto.com

3. Tea Ceremony Koto

Gain insights into more than just tea and history. Here, every utensil and movement, which vary by month, is explained to curious travelers. Just a stone’s throw from the famous Kinkakuji Temple, this tea house offers a serene environment and exquisite tea served with wagashi sweets.

Rie-san, proficient in English, serves as the warm and welcoming face of Tea Ceremony Koto. Her gracious demeanor instantly puts guests at ease, allowing them to immerse fully in the ritualistic beauty of the ceremony. As a staunch practitioner of the Urasenke style, she ensures the ro and furo are switched according to the season, adding a dynamic touch to the ceremony.

Though you can’t see the Kinkakuji Temple from the house, the tranquil ambiance of the tea room compensates, offering a calm and soothing environment. Tea ceremony sessions are timed to align with temple visits, though this means that guests must pay a slight premium.

Location: Kinkakuji Area

Address: 37 Kinugasa-Nishigoshonouchi-cho, Kita-ku

Phone: 090-9624-5164

4. Tea Ceremony Juan

Nestled near Gojo Street lies this gem of Kyoto's tea culture. Juan (pronounced Ju-An for any confused Spanish speakers reading this) offers an authentic ceremony led by the experienced Masumi-san. Two tea masters guide you through the ceremony, one displaying the intricate motions, the other harmoniously explaining the significance of each step, allowing you to walk away with a newfound perspective on the depth of the ancient tradition.

This venue’s location within the precincts of the historic Jotokuji Temple makes it a particularly sought-after spot. So much so that it can be challenging to secure a reservation here. Make sure to plan in advance if Tea Ceremony Juan is your perfect pick.

Location: Higashi Honganji

Address: 556, Gojo-sagaru, Tominokoji Dori, Shimogyo-Ku, Kyoto

Phone: 901-138-4480

5. En Tea Ceremony

At its core, the name 'En' encapsulates significant meanings and resonances for Japanese culture. The term 'En' can be represented by the characters 縁 and 円, both bearing profound connotations. The character 縁 signifies vital connections or relationships between entities, be they people, spaces, or things. 円 symbolizes a circle, an emblem of eternity, completeness, and perfection that resonates with the ideals of Zen Buddhism. In Zen teachings, the circle is symbolic of enlightenment and the profound truths of existence.

An eight-minute walk from Yasaka shrine, En offers a more casual experience, perfect for those keen to understand the tea culture without delving too deep. That means if you’d like to be more Zen about your tea ceremony adventure and don’t necessarily need a lot of explanation or instruction in the process, En is the spot to simply observe and appreciate the tradition.

Location: Chionin area

Address: En is located at the intersection of Higashioji St. & Shinbashi St. Address: 272, Matsubara-cho, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto City

Phone: 0803-782-2706

Email: info@teaceremonyen.com

6. Tea Ceremony Kyugetsu

Kyugetsu is set apart from other Japanese tea ceremonies in Kyoto in that it’s overseen by two foreign tea masters, Tyas Sosen and Stephen Soshun. The venue stands as a testament to the universality and adaptability of cultural practices. Both Sosen and Soshun, despite having European origins, have become fully accredited teachers in the art of the Japanese tea ceremony. This rare juxtaposition of Western upbringing and deep immersion in traditional Japanese culture equips them with an unparalleled ability to convey the nuances of the tea ceremony to a diverse audience.

The dynamic duo doesn't just host a tea ceremony; they craft an entire experience. Their sessions offer an intimate dive into the rich history and profound meaning of the tea ceremony. As guests savor the exquisite, organic matcha tea, they're taken on a journey that explores the significance of each gesture, each tool, and each moment in the ritual. Complementing the tea are traditional Japanese sweets, carefully selected to enhance the overall experience.

While many traditional establishments might provide a rich sensory experience, Kyugetsu offers a cognitive one as well. The ability of Sosen and Soshun to provide lucid explanations in polished English, combined with their innate understanding of what Westerners might find perplexing, ensures that every guest leaves not just with memories, but with a deeper understanding of Japanese culture. They don't just bridge the gap between East and West; they blend the two, crafting a tea experience that's simultaneously authentic and globally relevant.

Location: Higishiyama

Address: 374-1 Miyagawa-suji 6-chome, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto 605-0801

email: contact@the-tea-crane.com

7. Tea Ceremonies at Temples

Finally, it’s important to note that many of Kyoto’s famous temples offer their own tea ceremonies. These ceremonies tend to be simpler than the options mentioned above, but the serene setting of the temple grounds offers a truly unmatched experience. You will likely be served traditional sweets with a bowl of matcha tea as you look out over a lovely garden. Two good options are Nanzen-ji Temple and Shoren-in Temple.

FAQ About the Tea Ceremony

What happens in a Japanese tea ceremony?

In the simplest terms, a Japanese tea ceremony involves drinking matcha tea (ground tea leaves) and eating Japanese sweets. But that doesn’t mean it’s a tea party; It’s a meditative, highly refined process involving precise dress, utensils, movements, and etiquette.

What is the purpose of a Japanese tea ceremony?

To foster bonding and promote peace of mind. It also leads to a greater appreciation of beauty. The “Way of Tea” as a practice is even meant to teach a person proper conduct in life.

What do Japanese tea ceremonies have to do with geishas and samurais?

Both of these iconic figures in Japanese history had integral roles in the tea ceremony's evolution. During the cherry blossom season in spring, public tea ceremonies were held under sakura trees by “women of art,” who were expected to be trained in traditional arts like the tea ceremony.

At a certain point in history, before the Meiji Restoration, samurai were some of the only people who performed the tea ceremony. They influenced many of the tradition’s rules and valued their tea caddies as highly as their swords.

What kind of tea is used in a Japanese tea ceremony?

Ground matcha leaves, with the best ones being grown in Uji, a city south of Kyoto.

What is the proper etiquette for a Japanese tea ceremony?

The ceremony emphasizes respect, silence, and mindfulness. It usually lasts around 45 minutes. Follow the directions of your host. They are used to first-time visitors, so be sure to listen to their instructions.

During the ceremony, you should not check your phone or talk to others. Try to forget about your cares and material thoughts and let your mind be entirely present to the moment. Drink your tea in three to four sips if possible.

The ceremony is generally conducted on the floor but you can often ask for a special chair if sitting on your knees is not an option. As for dress, the tea ceremony is typically conducted in a kimono, but foreigners are often excused from this rule. However, as mentioned above, many venues will give you a kimono and traditional hairstyle as part of their services.

A visit to Kyoto would be incomplete without experiencing a tea ceremony. While form and function often change, the spirit of the ceremony is what one should cherish. To experience this ethereal ritual in the heart of where it all began is an opportunity like no other.

Discover Kyoto with TokudAw DMC Services

Planning a trip to Kyoto? Let TokudAw DMC Services be your guide. Our specialty in private car travel, combined with our deep-rooted understanding of Japan's cultural nuances, ensures a seamless and memorable journey. From arranging unique experiences to flawless event planning, our commitment to precision ensures perfection in every moment, just like the tea ceremony itself. Contact us for a tailor-made adventure.