“A Moment to Embrace Tradition” - Welcome to the Tea Ceremony Experience Course!
Welcome to the Tea Ceremony Experience Course!
Experience the tea ceremony in Ninenzaka, Kyoto.
Prepare and enjoy matcha in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony.
Our experienced instructors provide detailed guidance.
We provide experiences in English every day.
Wear socks (if you forget, please purchase socks).
Wear clothing that does not expose too much skin.
Perfume is strictly prohibited. It will interfere with the smell of incense and tea in the tea ceremony room.
Only smart phones are allowed in the tea room.
Video recording during the instructor's demonstration is prohibited.
Children under 12 years old are not allowed to participate.
Please inform us in advance if you have any allergies.
The Japanese tea ceremony is a centuries-old tradition closely tied to Zen Buddhist principles, and a popular way to experience Japanese culture. There are several variations on this ritual. At its base, powdered green tea (matcha) is prepared and served in accordance with strict rules. Oftentimes, wagashi (Japanese sweets) is served alongside the bitter green tea.
Beginners are welcome! Experience tea ceremony at Ninenzaka in Kyoto.
Make matcha and enjoy it in a tea bowl. Why not calm your mind with a traditional Japanese tea ceremony?
Tea ceremonies are performed on a standing shelf while sitting on a chair, making it perfect for beginners and those who find it difficult to sit upright.
1. Introduction and history
2. How to use tea utensils and their meanings
3. Preparation etiquette and how to enjoy tea
4. Tea ceremony demonstration
5. Tea ceremony experience: Make your own matcha
We will be waiting for you at the corner of Starbucks Coffee Kyoto Ninenzaka Yasaka Chaya store. Please say, "Are you Kangetsu-san?"
We will introduce the history and cultural background of the tea ceremony in detail. We will explain how tea ceremony, a traditional Japanese culture, developed and has been passed down to the present day, as well as its basic concepts and deep relationship with Japanese culture.
Learn how to explain, use, and handle tea utensils such as tea bowls, whisks, and tea scoops. We will introduce how each utensil is used, the role and meaning it plays in the tea ceremony, and explain how to maintain it on a daily basis.
You will learn how to properly handle a tea bowl and the etiquette when drinking tea. Through the actions taken during the tea ceremony, students will deepen their understanding of the importance of Japanese etiquette and mindset.
A tea ceremony instructor will demonstrate how to perform tea ceremony, allowing you to experience the flowing sequence of movements and the spirit of seasonal hospitality.
Participants will experience actually making matcha themselves and enjoy the real pleasure of the tea ceremony. By experiencing Japanese traditional etiquette, you can enjoy the depth of the tea ceremony and a relaxing time.
We value a peaceful atmosphere so that participants can relax and enjoy themselves. Since it is aimed at beginners, difficult terms and operations are avoided and explanations are provided in an easy-to-understand manner.
I started this business because I wanted to spread the Japanese culture that I learned from my parents to people overseas. I wanted to teach various aspects of Japanese culture, including the tea ceremony and calligraphy, so I have prepared staff who can speak multiple languages. I hope that you will be able to experience a little bit of Japanese culture in Kyoto.
The closest station
Higashiyama Yasui
How to get to the station?
From Gion-Shijo Station: 10mins
Exact location provided after booking.
Michelle, United States of America
★★★★★We had a wonderful time at our Tea Ceremony Experience. The ceremony itself was lovely. Both the location and room were beautiful. And we were able to ask lots and lots of questions! It was truly an enriching experience. They were very friendly and welcoming. I definitely recommend this experience if you are curious to learn more about Japanese tea ceremonies and Japanese culture ❤
May 2025
Response from Manabu
Thank you so much for your thoughtful and kind comment! We're delighted to hear that you had a wonderful time and enjoyed the ceremony, the setting, and the opportunity to ask questions. We're especially happy to hear that even as beginners or if sitting in seiza is difficult, you still felt comfortable and welcomed. Your recommendation means a lot to us. We hope to welcome you again one day! ❤
心のこもったコメントをありがとうございます！茶道や会場の雰囲気を楽しんでいただけたこと、たくさんご質問いただけたこともとても嬉しいです。正座が難しい方や初心者の方にも安心してご参加いただけたとのことで、私たちも安心しました。またぜひお越しくださいませ。❤
Geoff Mower, Australia
★★★★★We had a thoroughly enjoyable time with Sakura and Iko at Kangetsu Tea Ceremony. All the staff were friendly and welcoming, and helped us Westerners understand the significance of the ceremony, and stepped us through the (to us) complex ritual motions. The location was a delight, in an ancient building in an alley just off the famous shopping street of Ninenzaka, almost in the shadow of Kiyomizodera. The interior was newly renovated, with new tatami, and all the necessary symbolism! Even better, the ceremony was conducted at small benches of medium height, and we sat on little stools. This did not detract from the authenticity in nay way, but was a godsend for our aging bones, as my foot arthritis won't let me kneel in the proper way for more than 10 minutes! It was an honour for us to be their first guests in this new location and we wish them every success (and recommendation) for the future.
Nov 2024
Response from Manabu
Dear Geoff Mower,
Thank you so much for your kind and thoughtful review! We are delighted to hear that you enjoyed your time with us at Kangetsu Tea Ceremony. It was our pleasure to guide you through the beautiful traditions of tea ceremony and share its deeper meaning with you.
We are especially pleased that the standing shelf setup provided comfort and ease during the experience. Making the tea ceremony accessible to everyone, including those who find seiza difficult, is very important to us, so we’re glad to hear it worked well for you.
We’re honored that you were among our first guests at our new location near Ninenzaka. We love being able to host visitors in such a historic and serene setting. Your warm wishes and recommendation mean a lot to us, and we truly appreciate your support.
We hope you’ll visit us again if you’re ever back in Kyoto. Wishing you and your family all the best!
Warm regards,
Sakura & Ito
Kangetsu Tea Ceremony
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Response from Manabu
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Yes, Tea ceremony experience class using a standing shelf. Tea ceremony, which is performed while sitting on a chair, is ideal for beginners and those who find it difficult to sit in seiza. has a vegetarian option.
It costs 6600 per person.
Yes, Tea ceremony experience class using a standing shelf. Tea ceremony, which is performed while sitting on a chair, is ideal for beginners and those who find it difficult to sit in seiza. has a vegan option.
Up to 4 people can join Manabu's cooking class.
Duration of this cooking class is 1 hours.
You will receive the confirmation within 24 hours.
We accepts these cards on airKitchen.
Cancellations up to 48 hours prior to the class begins will be fully refunded by the airKitchen cancellation policy.
