Private Tea Ceremony Experience and Japanese Lunch in Kyoto

You'll learn about the spirit of Chado and watch a traditional Japanese tea ceremony performed by a lecturer of Urasenke, which is one of the most famous tea schools in Japan. Traditional Japanese fresh sweets and lunch are served in addition to powdered green tea made in Kyoto. If you'd like, you can also learn how to make your own powdered green tea also. You'll enjoy this private session of tea ceremony and Japanese lunch.

This is a one minute walk from Kinkakuji. You can find your way here easily on the way from the city bus stop "Kinkakuji michi" to the temple.

Japanese tea ceremony is said to be "a comprehensive art including the art of the spiritual exchange between the host and the guests, tea utensils, flower arrangement, calligraphy, spiritual discipline and more." It is one of the traditional criteria for beauty and elegance in Japan. Sometimes it is a little difficult to ask questions if you go to tea ceremonies for the first time, but here, you can relax and learn everything you want to know.

The tour is approximately 60 to 90 minutes and includes a tea ceremony with 3 main parts followed by a Japanese lunch.

1. Introduction about the spirit of Chado, tea utensils, and history of tea ceremony in English. A host will explain where the powdered green tea come from and the process of its production also.
2. Watch a traditional ceremony performed by a lecturer of Urasenke, one of the most famous tea schools in Japan.You will enjoy a tranquil atmosphere in a tea room, where you will hear the sounds of the boiling water, the pouring of the water over the tea, and the tapping of utensils. When the tea is ready, all guests will try tasting the authentic powdered green tea made by the host. You can ask any questions after the demonstration.
3. After the demonstration, you will have the chance to try some traditional Japanese sweets and learn how to make your own powdered green tea. The host will help you make the powdered green tea and show you the traditional way of drinking it also.

Shortly after the tea ceremony, a Japanese traditional lunch will be served which includes rice, soup, boiled vegetables with Japanese dashi, tempura, grilled fish etc. (The menu is subject to change.)