Tea Ceremonies in Tokyo

The Japanese Tea Ceremony in Tokyo is a pivotal part of the country’s culture. The ritual involves the act of preparing green matcha tea through the classic “temae” procedure.

The ceremony dates back to the eighth century when wealthy members of society would host tea-drinking parties and display their knowledge of fine teas. Today, the experience is available for all interested travelers to Tokyo.

Check out our compete guide on tea ceremonies, one of the most traditional gastronomic experiences in Tokyo.

What are the most popular tea ceremony tours in Tokyo?

Tea Ceremony in an authentic tea room

Celebrate over 400 years of Japanese culture with a tea ceremony tour in an authentic tea room. This 1.5-hour experience teaches the importance of mindfulness, spiritual discipline and the age-old tea-making process.

Visit the Urasenke Chado School in Kyoto, one of the biggest schools of tea ceremonies, or Chado, in the world. Learn the fascinating process from the school owner, Ms. Mika Soka Haneishi, who has been practicing the art for over 25 years.

You’ll feel immersed in Japanese culture as you indulge in delicious matcha and cherry blossom teas, paired with sumptuous sweets. Relax with a guided meditation to complete the cultural encounter.

Practicing zen through Tea Ceremony

This tea ceremony tour combines the ancient Japanese tea ceremony with a lesson in Zen Buddhism meditation from an expert instructor.

During your 1-hour, 15-minute excursion, you’ll learn the history of Zen Buddhism and its importance in Japanese architecture and art.

Your guide will explain the connection between Zen and the revered tea ceremony and will help you search for peace of mind through meditation.

From there, you’ll take part in the traditional practice of tea making, by preparing a cup of matcha paired with savory sweets.

Private Tea Ceremony with Kimono in Traditional Japanese Garden

This exclusive tea ceremony tour allows you to indulge in the elegance of the age-old Japanese culture with an experienced guide.

You’ll begin your trip with a visit to a picturesque Japanese garden, where you’ll be outfitted in a traditional kimono for your ceremony.

From there, you’ll sit for the tea ceremony and learn the ancient rituals that have been used by the Japanese for centuries.

You’ll hear about the country’s culture from a personal instructor and appreciate the escape from bustling Tokyo for a more peaceful environment during this private excursion.

Which places will I visit on a tea ceremony tour?

During a tea ceremony in Tokyo, you will visit a traditional Japanese tearoom to take part in the cultural experience. Some excursions include a visit to a traditional Japanese garden where you’ll enjoy natural beauty outside the busy city.

How much do Tea Ceremony tours in Tokyo cost?

For a basic tea ceremony tour in an authentic Japanese tea room that lasts 1.5 hours, you can expect to pay around €30 per person.

For a tea ceremony tour that includes a lesson on Zen Buddhism, prepare to pay around €60 per person.

A private tea ceremony that includes a traditional kimono and a visit to a Japanese garden typically costs around €250 for two people.

What is included?

All tea ceremony tours include instruction from an expert guide, as well as one to three cups of tea. Most ceremonies also include traditional Japanese sweet and savory treats to accompany the beverage.

Private trips include a visit to a garden and a traditional kimono to wear during the ceremony. Private excursions also typically include a translator to help with communication throughout the tour.

What is the starting point?

Most tea ceremony tours begin with a meetup near a prominent train station in the city. From there, your guide will lead you to the tea room. Some excursions will meet directly at the tea room with a specific address located in the city.

How much time do I need?

Standard tea ceremony tours will last between 1 and 2 hours, while private trips can last up to 4 hours. The longer excursions typically include a garden tour or longer zen sessions.

When is the best time for a Tea Ceremony tour in Tokyo?

Though Tokyo can be enjoyed all year long due to its temperate climate, the most popular times to visit are in the spring and fall. Summer can be somewhat hot and humid, but still manageable for outdoor activities.

Tea ceremonies are typically hosted indoors and can be booked year-round. If you plan to purchase tickets for a tea ceremony tour in a traditional Japanese garden, avoid June and July as that is Tokyo’s rainy season.

Are there any combos available with Tea Ceremony tours in Tokyo?

Tea Ceremony plus Tenugui-Furoshiki wrapping class

This tea ceremony tour includes a class that teaches the art of Japanese cloth wrapping. On this excursion, you’ll be greeted by your instructor who will allow you to choose from the two main wrapping styles: tenugui and furoshiki.

From there, you will learn the ancient techniques, while hearing the important history and evolution of the trend from a traditional kimono-wearer.

Finish your tour with a small and casual tea ceremony where you’ll learn how to make matcha green tea.

Tea Ceremony plus Japanese culture and food experience

This 4-hour food tour experience combines the classic Japanese tea ceremony with lessons in origami, udon, calligraphy and more.

This personalized excursion takes place at an authentic Tokyo home where your guide will teach you the treasured techniques of origami paper folding, making udon noodles from scratch and preparing foods such as sushi and dumplings.

Afterward, you’ll indulge in a tea ceremony where you’ll learn the process of brewing matcha and pair your drink with local sweets.

This cozy tour includes beer, sake and all beverages as well as a lovely souvenir of calligraphy on colored paper to take home.

Which other drinking experiences can be done in Tokyo?

• Sake tastings
• Tea ceremonies
• Beer tastings

Travel tips

• Socks are typically required in the traditional tea rooms as guests are instructed to remove their shoes upon entry.
• Most tours do not include transportation to the meeting spot, so prepare travel ahead of time.
• Book a garden tea ceremony tour in the springtime to enjoy the lovely Japanese flowers.