Kyoto Cooking Class
Making usucha tea (thin tea, matcha tea) with the professor of tea ceremony in Kyoto

Anna, Russia

Tea ceremony with Mutsuko was very interesting and educational. Completely different level of experience to having a tea ceremony in a big tourist group. Mutsuko has been telling us interesting facts not only about matcha but also Japanese culture in general. Definitely worth the trip!

Oct 2024

Response from Mutsuko
I am honored to be praised by people like you who are interested in Japanese culture and have a lot of knowledge about it. The usucha session with you was very heartwarming. I look forward to seeing you as friends again.

Sindi, Albania

The experience was amazing and incredibly personal. Mutsuko welcomed me and two other girls into her home with some matcha tasting. We were sat and chatting and discussing the different types of matchas and learned a lot about what makes a matcha good/what to avoid, etc. After, we went into her garden - everything organized perfectly to follow the rituals of tea ceremony. We then went to do the tea ceremony where she taught us specifically how to make matcha, gave us many yummy snacks, and delighted us with conversation. Would highly recommend for anyone who wants an authentic tea ceremony experience!

Oct 2024

Response from Mutsuko
I am very happy to hear your compliments. It was a short time, so I was only able to tell you about matcha and the tea ceremony in part. Let's definitely drink usucha tea together again.

Viktor, Israel

So we booked this tea ceremony before our flight because it looked very promising, the price is very good, and the host is a tea professor. But once we arrived to kyoto, we started having second thoughts, because the location was a little far from our hotel. But we decided to go anyway. And it was, hands down, the best decision of our trip. The ceremony was so enchanting and beautiful. But other than the exquisite ceremony, we have never encountered such an amazing host. First of all, she was so professional and her passion for tea is visible. And secondly, her unbelievable generosity which we could feel even during the emails phase (before we arrived). This experience made our trip so much more fun and cultural, and I think it’s a MUST when you visit Kyoto. Thank you so much, Mutsuko. We will forever cherish you and this experience in our hearts.

Mar 2024

Response from Mutsuko
I sincerely thank you for taking the time to write a review that encouraged me, and while I may not have been able to do everything perfectly in less than two hours, I was happy to have spent a usucha session with you. Next time we will enjoy the formal tea event more comfortably as friends.

Krishan, India

We thoroughly enjoyed the experience and Mutsuko’s patience and good manners. She was an excellent host and a very good sensei. Her English is very good and I would recommend this experience to anyone who wants to learn about matcha and tea ceremonies

May 2024

Response from Mutsuko
It is a great honor to be praised by someone like you who loves matcha and has so much knowledge and experience. If you ever come to Japan again, I hope you will join my formal tea event.

Walter , United Kingdom

Awesome

May 2024

Response from Mutsuko
I'm glad to hear your compliments. Matcha is medicine, please try it again when you have a chance.

Emilija , Lithuania

An incredible experience if you want to learn about matcha! The whole class is really well thought off, from start to finish and we had a really fun and educating time! Matsuko is lovely and her house is beautiful. A unique experience to go to outskirts of Kyoto and stay at Japanese persons house to learn about tea ceremony!

May 2024

Response from Mutsuko
Thank you for your interest in matcha. My Usucha session with you guys was so much fun that we extended the end time. Let's enjoy a Koicha session next time.

Alexandra, Portugal

Mutsuko is a knowledgeable and dedicated hostess. She will teach you everything you will wish to learn about matcha and the different types of tea ceremonies. One of the highlights of our stay in Kyoto!

May 2024

Response from Mutsuko
I am honored to receive the compliment from you who loves matcha . The time passed so quickly that I could not bear to leave it behind. Next time you come to Japan, let's enjoy Koicha (thick tea).

Chris, United Kingdom

Mutsuko was an amazing host and we had the most special time in her company. We were made to feel so welcome in her beautiful home and will keep the time we spent with her in our memories for a very long time. Thank you Mutsoku for a special experience. Chris & Mollie

May 2024

Response from Mutsuko
Thank you for your interest in matcha and the culture of tea ceremony. And thank you for trying so hard to understand my broken English throughout the class. You both encouraged me to have a good time. Next time you come to Japan, I will invite you to a formal tea event.

Tom, Germany

The tea ceremony with Mutsuko was one of the highlights on my 3 week Japan trip. It felt great to learn more about the Japanese culture first hand. She was an amazing host and I am feeling very grateful for the experience. She took her time to explain and demonstrate the traditional ceremony in detail. I fully recommend to visit her if you have the opportunity. Thank you, Mutsuko!

Mar 2024

Response from Mutsuko
It would be more efficient if I invited 10 or 20 guests at a time, but I limit it to 3 because I would lose the opportunity to talk to each person. My conversation with you was very pleasant and I am implementing the advice you gave me. I will continue my efforts to let lots of people know about good matcha so that the population of Japan does not decrease.

Han, United States of America

My wife and I had the pleasure of learning Japanese traditional tea ceremony from Mutsuko-san, and it was an unforgettable experience that I highly recommend to anyone visiting Kyoto. Instead of just observing the preparation of the tea, Mutsuko-san created a whole mini-curriculum to help us understand how ususha is enjoyed in Japan. Because of the set up, we also got intimate 1:1 time to ask questions and explore our curiosities/observations. Even if you've had other tea ceremony experiences in Japan, I would say this is an awesome supplement for those wanting to learn more. Thank you for opening your home for such an enjoyable experience!

Mar 2024

Response from Mutsuko
It was a great honor to receive your compliments. For me, the usucha tea session with you and your wife was very enjoyable. I learned a lot too. Until the next time we meet, I will study more English and then learn more from you.

Amy, United Kingdom

Mutsuko was an amazing host. She has clearly put a lot of effort into learning the art of a Japanese tea ceremony and we thoroughly enjoyed learning from her expertise. The class provided opportunities to taste different teas, learn about their history and production before experiencing an authentic tea ceremony and having the chance to make tea ourselves. We loved it - thank you!

Apr 2024

Response from Mutsuko
Thank you for taking the time to write me an encouraging review. I really enjoyed sharing the time with you for the usucha tea session. I wish we had more time and if my English was better, it would have been more enjoyable. Next time you come to Japan, please come to my formal tea event as my friends.

Justin , Australia

Dear Mutsukosan. Thank you very much for inviting us into your beautiful home and sharing your extensive knowledge of usucha tea with us. We all enjoyed our cha and learning some of the conventions and interesting facts. Thank you for being so patient and understanding with us. We will all fondly remember our time with you in Kyoto.

Mar 2024

Response from Mutsuko
As you can see, there is nothing special or expensive in my home. I am delighted to had you and your family as guests in my home. For me, it is a pleasure to share a good time with my wonderful guests. I look forward to another day of drinking matcha tea with you.

Celestial, United States of America

We learned a lot about yea ceremony from Mutsuko! She answered any questions we had, she was very detailed, and it was a relaxing environment where we could enjoy the art. It was a fun experience!

Apr 2024

Response from Mutsuko
You understand Japanese, so you were able to correctly paraphrase my poor English. Thanks to you, I was able to talk a lot. I look forward to the day when we can drink usucha tea together again.

Janeen Plomondon, United States of America

This was my friend and I’s first ever tea ceremony and Mutsuko explained every step and the history behind tea ceremony kindly and in detail. Not only was the tea ceremony renewing and relaxing, but talking with Mutsuko was so much fun! Getting to her lesson was easy and her house was so elegant!

Apr 2024

Response from Mutsuko
Thank you for your patience in listening to my poor English. Thanks to you we enjoyed our conversation. I will use your advice to improve my classes.

Stéphanie, Canada

Our host was awesome! A real glimpse of the traditional Japanese tea ceremony. She was verry welcoming and the activity last two hours. Full of snacks, interesting background information on the matcha tea production. It was perfect!

Apr 2024

Response from Mutsuko
If you don't mind if I speak in Japanese, I can talk about the tea ceremony, matcha, and tea utensils for about two days straight (lol). Next time, I will ask you to make usucha tea and I will keep talking while you make usucha tea.

Regina , Kazakhstan

It was an awesome experience, besides a beautiful tea ceremony Mutsuko explained the differences between matcha teas and shared useful information!

Mar 2024

Response from Mutsuko
Thank you for coming all the way out here.　I would be very happy if you became more interested in matcha and wanted to participate in Mutsuko's tea ceremony again.

Guy, United Kingdom

Dear Mutsuku San, thank you so much for the absolutely wonderful afternoon we spent with you learning about Matcha and the tea ceremony, with the highlight being watching my daughters try to make and serve tea properly! We all really enjoyed it and we loved your company - it was a very relaxing and informative afternoon!

Mar 2024

Response from Mutsuko
There were many times when I had to keep you waiting because I was not prepared in time, but your family was close, kind and cooperative to me. So I was able to conduct the usucha tea session in a happy mood. I am the one who should thank you.

Quinlan Vivar, Spain

An excellent host and teacher, we learned a lot in this experience and had a lovely time throughout. Anyone looking to find a new appreciation for tea should absolutely visit. It's always a joy to meet a professional who's passionate about their craft.

Mar 2024

Response from Mutsuko
Thank you for taking the time to write a review that encourages me. I will do my best to live up to the review you wrote.

Bella, United Kingdom

Mutsuko went above and beyond to welcome us into her home and ensure we were comfortable and had everything we needed. The experience was very insightful, authentic and calming. We came away feeling relaxed, energised and super grateful for being able to immerse ourselves in the world of usucha tea with Mutsukos’ guidance. Thank you Mutsuko for your time, patience and hospitality

Mar 2024

Response from Mutsuko
Thank you very much for writing this heartwarming review. My English is not very good, especially my listening skills are still poor and I could not answer your questions well enough. I was sorry that you had to come all the way out here in the rain, to a place so far away, and I wondered if my workshop was worth it. Your review will sustain me tomorrow. Thank you very much. I will try to make it more enjoyable the next time you are here.

Matani Rubinstein, Australia

This was the most incredible experience! An absolute highlight of our trip to Japan! Mutsuko taught us so much about tea ceremonies and matcha, and she was so hospitable and kind. Would recommend this experience to everyone!!

Mar 2024

Response from Mutsuko
I am so happy to receive such a compliment from you who love matcha. Since you were such good guests, I truly enjoyed myself. I wish we had more time. I hope to see you again. Thank you.

Gaétan, France

We had an amazing time, we were welcomed very warmly and learned everything about matcha tea ceremony and different types. Thank you for everything !!!

Mar 2024

Response from Mutsuko
Thank you for your interest in matcha green tea and Japanese culture. I would be happy if you could understand further and enjoy matcha tea more. Please come to our house again!

Guiriec, France

This experience was marvellous. Thank you so much for this unforgettable moment. Your passion and dedication are unique. We will recommend you to all people we know that love tea.

Mar 2024

Response from Mutsuko
I am glad you came to my house as guests. Your questions made me realize a lot. I will explain them in class in the future. I look forward to seeing you again. Thank you!

Tanja, Austria

It was one of the best experiences we had in Japan! We recommend it to everyone out there! Mutsuko is a really kind person and knows extremly much about tea! We asked many questions that we thought no one would know the answer for, but she did. We even got to try an additional sort of matcha that was not included in the tasting and afterwards, we enjoyed watching her and learning from her how to make usucha in a traditional way. Really amazing! Thank you!

Feb 2024

Response from Mutsuko
I am honored to be praised by someone like you who is familiar with Japanese culture and loves Japanese tea. The usucha tea you made was really delicious! Next time you come to Japan, I will invite you to my formal tea event.

Sophia, United States of America

My husband and I took a class with Mutsuko and absolutely loved it! We loved learning about the history, the different types of tea, and all about the tea ceremony itself. Mutsuko was so friendly, warm and informative. It was probably our favorite part of our Kyoto visit. Would recommend to others who are interested in learning about the Japanese tea ceremonies!

Jan 2024

Response from Mutsuko
I am happy to have good people like you as my first guests this year. And thank you so much for taking the time to write a heartwarming review. Please come back again and let's enjoy Koicha (thick tea) next time.

Hannah Villar, Spain

I had a really great time! I learnt a lot through he explanations, tasting and everything we tslked about. Definitely, an amazing experience! A must if you are around the area.

Dec 2023

Response from Mutsuko
Thank you for taking the time to write this review. It was a very interesting and enjoyable time talking many things with you. We didn't have enough time to implement everything I had planned, so I hope you will come again and we can discuss more. Next time, let's experience Koicha (thick tea).

Louis, United Kingdom

It's a very nice experience, from tea tasting, introducing of tea ceremony and practice. Learning a lot which could not be found in YouTube. Mutsuko-san is very nice explaining all the details. Thanks a lot.

Dec 2023

Response from Mutsuko
Since Louis had a lot of knowledge and experience with Chinese tea as well as matcha tea, I may not have been able to help much. Next time we will focus on how to make a good matcha tea and why.

Roman Krivochenitser, United States of America

This was the BEST thing we did in all of Japan. Mutsuko is nothing short of amazing - incredibly knowledgable and friendly. Her place is a little outside of the city but easy to get to and VERY worth it. She explained in great detail the tea ceremony, its significance, and how to properly perform it. This is the most authentic "non-touristy" experience you can get in Japan and worth every penny.

Nov 2023

Response from Mutsuko
I would like to thank you for the precious time I shared with you and for having such wonderful people like you as my guests. I felt your kindness in patiently listening to and understanding my poor English and your dignity as a human being. I hope to see you again and drink usucha tea with you.

Mergul, Kazakhstan

I recently had the privilege of attending a tea ceremony master class with Mutsuko, and I am compelled to express my profound gratitude for the unforgettable experience she provided. Although I've participated in tea ceremonies before, my understanding of the intricate world of matcha and the true essence of the tea ceremony itself was somewhat limited—until I had the pleasure of learning from Mutsuko. Prior to the master class, I wasn't a fervent admirer of matcha, but Mutsuko's expertise and passion for the art of tea left an indelible mark on my perception. She generously shared her extensive knowledge, patiently guiding me through every aspect of the tea ceremony. What sets Mutsuko apart is not just her mastery of the subject matter but her ability to convey the deeper meanings and intricacies of the ceremony, transforming it from a simple tradition into a profound, soul-enriching experience. Under Mutsuko's guidance, I not only learned the technical aspects of preparing matcha but gained a profound understanding of the spiritual and cultural significance behind every movement and gesture. It was a revelation that extended beyond the teacup, giving me a newfound appreciation for the ritual's profound connection to life. Mutsuko is not merely an instructor; she is a true sensei, imparting not only knowledge about tea but also wisdom about life. Her openness and willingness to address my myriad questions, no matter how random, created an environment where curiosity thrived. I never felt any hesitation in seeking knowledge, as Mutsuko embraced each question with grace, offering insights that extended far beyond the realm of tea. This encounter proved to be genuinely life-changing for me, and as I bid farewell, I couldn't help but feel a sense of regret that my time was limited. However, it ignited a spark within me, compelling me to return to Kyoto for an extended stay, with the sincere intention of becoming a dedicated student of Mutsuko. I yearn to delve even deeper into the profound teachings she imparts and unravel more layers of the rich tapestry that is the tea ceremony. In conclusion, Mutsuko's master class was more than a lesson; it was a journey into the heart and soul of the tea ceremony. For anyone seeking not just knowledge but a transformative experience, I wholeheartedly recommend learning from Mutsuko. It's a decision that has the potential to reshape your perception of tea, mindfulness, and life itself.

Nov 2023

Response from Mutsuko
Thank you for your review which warms my heart and encourages me. Before the class starts, I always worry that the participants are only thinking about taking pictures and videos and not about the experience. And after the class is over, I always worry that I have skimped on knowledge and action. Thank you for dispelling that. I will learn more about the tea ceremony and practice it. I will act to make matcha a more accessible beverage around the world. Next time we meet in Japan, let's have a formal tea event.

Susanna, Italy

Dear Mutzuko, thank you so much for the wonderful welcome you gave us. It was a truly unique experience! Thank you for taking so much time and explaining everything to us in detail! You are an elegant, competent and very zen person! Even if the location is not in the center of Kyoto, the experience is unique and allows you to get to know the true soul of Japan. Furthermore, you are a person who loves and puts passion into every single cup of tea! Delicious biscuits! An experience that I highly recommend!

Nov 2023

Response from Mutsuko
I am sorry that I extend our scheduled end time, which may have interfered with your plans. And I regret that we were not able to do the entire experience I had planned. Nonetheless, I sincerely appreciate your kind review. I hope you will come back again. Let's enjoy a meal, conversation, and continue the tea ceremony.

Emir Rahmanovic, United States of America

Our tea ceremony and tasting was outstanding. I wasn't sure what to expect exactly but the visit and experience was simply outstanding. Mutsuko is a very gracious host, and speaks excellent English. She took time to explain every step very precisely and clearly. I can highly recommend this experience to everyone who hasn't had the opportunity. Thanks Mutsuko for letting us into your lovely home.

Nov 2023

Response from Mutsuko
I would have liked to explain about tea utensils and matcha, but I regret that I could not entertain you sufficiently in the short time I had with you. Today I have changed the tea ceremony room from the summer version you saw to the winter version. The winter version will be in use from the first day of winter until the first day of summer next year. Please come again. Let's have a formal tea event next time.

Pornpimon Tongplod, Thailand

Our experience is fabulous! Matsuko is very kind and professional. We really love this experience.

Nov 2023

Response from Mutsuko
Thank you for taking the time to write a kind review. Since it was so short, I wasn't able to fully explain matcha to you, so if you have any questions, please feel free to email me and I'll be happy to answer them. I look forward to seeing you again!

Fan, Australia

Mutsuko welcomed us (same-sex couple with a toddler) into her home with warmth, patience, and generosity. We talked about many topics and she was able to explain the intricacies of different practices to our level. The ceremony was intimate and spiritual while taking into account the toddler's needs. Mutsuko even invited us to make and have lunch with her, which was the best part. This is one of the highlights of our month-long trip in Japan! If you are craving connections with a local like we do, this is a must.

Oct 2023

Response from Mutsuko
Thank you for writing this heartwarming review. It was a pleasure to share time with you over a cup of thin tea. I hope you will visit me again when you come to Japan.

Sander , Estonia

Thanks a bunch Mutsuko! It was a very lovely workshop and you made us feel very homely!

Nov 2023

Response from Mutsuko
Thank you for attending my workshop and for taking the time to write a review. It was great to have good students like you attend. Let's have usucha tea in the tea room again by all means.

Molly Patton, Australia

We had the most incredible experience with Mutsuko. She welcomed us into her home and shared her knowledge about matcha with us. She was warm and very generous with her time and knowledge. Highly recommend for anyone traveling in the Kyoto area.

Oct 2023

Response from Mutsuko
Thank you for taking the time to write a review. I am happy to have shared the time with you, however short it was. My explanation was inadequate, but I am happy if your interest in matcha has deepened. Please come back to my house again for a cup of matcha tea.

Chris, Australia

We were very fortunate to experience the most delightful tea ceremony led by Mutzuko. She truly made us feel like cherished guests. We were captivated by her eloquent explanations on the art of making matcha tea. Her warm and inviting house created the perfect atmosphere. Moreover, the snacks she served were absolutely delectable. We wholeheartedly recommend paying her a visit, as Mutzuko's dedication and meticulousness in conducting the tea ceremony truly shines through. The experience is undeniably worthwhile. Chris & Jeni

Oct 2023

Response from Mutsuko
I am happy to have you as my guests. It was a privilege to spend time with you. If we had more time, we would have enjoyed it even more. When you come to Japan again, let's have matcha tea together again. Thank you very much.

Pierre Pazgrat, France

Mutsuko has been very friendly and helpful during this authentic experience. She went through different tea types and explained the multiple steps of the tea ceremony process. After some first trials, we went through the whole ceremony process and had the chance not only to appreciate some sweets and usucha macha tea but also practice our first time making it ourselves. On paper, some distance to go there but totally worth it! Go for it! Pierre

Oct 2023

Response from Mutsuko
Thank you for taking the time to write this heartwarming review. Drinking usucah (thin tea) in the tea room with you was a restful time for me as well. Thank you for coming. Please come again.

Kristin Le Hauksdottir, Australia

Mutsuko is a wonderful host. Trust me if you want an authentic Japanese experience this it is. She taught us about the traditions and the importance of tea ceremony, and how to to perform it. Was well always made sure we were comfortable for the whole time. She was wonderful enough to invite us for lunch. Hint: she's an amazing cook. This is an experience that I will cherish greatly. And honestly I will definitely return when I get to kyoto again. Thank you Mutsuko, thank you for your time and kindness, and being a wonderful host!

Oct 2023

Response from Mutsuko
I am very happy that we had a good time together. Due to my poor English, I did not explain enough about the historical background and movements of the tea ceremony, but I will improve it, including the advice you gave me. Next time you come to Japan, please stay at my house. Thank you！

Cristina, Italy

We had the most enchanting tea ceremony experience with Mutsuko in her lovely home in Japan. From the moment we arrived, we were captivated by the serene atmosphere of her place. The ceremony took place in a room with a picturesque view of her beautiful garden, where the sunset added a touch of magic to the surroundings. What truly stood out was Mutsuko's warm hospitality and patience. Despite our late arrival due to a small mishap with the connection to her village, she welcomed us with a gracious smile and didn't rush the ceremony. Instead, she took the time to explain every gesture and its cultural significance, allowing us to truly appreciate the art and tradition behind it. Mutsuko's dedication to sharing the essence of the tea ceremony was evident in her detailed explanations, making us feel like we were not just participants but also learners of this ancient art. Her passion for the culture shone through, enriching the experience. Her generosity and kindness extended beyond the tea ceremony. If you're looking for a unique and authentic tea ceremony experience that's both enlightening and immersive, we highly recommend Mutsuko. Her hospitality and dedication to preserving and sharing Japanese culture make her an exceptional host. Thank you!

Oct 2023

Response from Mutsuko
I am really happy to receive so many compliments. I believe that tea is a way to get to know each other, so I am happy that I could share a good time with you. I hope to see you again, and next time you come to Japan, please stay at my house. Thank you!

tuval, Israel

really had the best time. with this professional and kind person, mutsuko. she knows so much and here movement during the cermony are so gentle. really enjoyed this!

Oct 2023

Response from Mutsuko
It is a pleasure to share a moment of tea ceremony with you. I hope this experience will be useful to you. Thank you for joining my class.

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