Kyoto, one of Japan’s most iconic ancient capitals, has preserved its traditional culture in many places and remains a city that embodies Japanese heritage. In recent years, the number of cultural experiences for tourists—such as “samurai experiences” and “Japanese confectionery-making workshops”—has been increasing, gaining popularity especially among foreign visitors. Among these, the “tea ceremony experience” has been drawing particular attention. In fact, there is a tea ceremony experience shop just a short walk from Tekuteku Kyoto! This time, we visited wearing a kimono✨

Tea Ceremony Experience at “茶結(chayu)”

Just about a 3-minute walk from Tekuteku Kyoto, you’ll find “茶結(chayu)” at the entrance of a quiet residential area.

The tea ceremony is hosted by Yuko Hirai, a tea master of the Urasenke school, and has become popular especially among foreign visitors✨

Since it was a special opportunity, we experienced it wearing kimonos! Both of us were trying the tea ceremony for the first time.

1: Choose Your Favorite Tea Bowl

When we entered the tea room, the first thing that caught our eyes was the beautifully arranged tea bowls. In the softly lit, slightly dim room, their gentle glow stirred our hearts.

The designs featured flowers, mountain landscapes, and even figures like Fujin and Raijin, all reflecting the beauty of Japan. According to the host, Ms. Hirai, many of the bowls are traditional Kyoto crafts, such as Kiyomizu-yaki✨

You choose just one tea bowl that you’d like to use. With so many beautiful options, it’s not easy to decide.

We took our time, picking them up and admiring each one carefully before making our choice!

We decided on a majestic Mount Fuji tea bowl and a tea bowl adorned with hydrangeas!

Since it was late June, the hydrangeas were perfectly seasonal. Feeling the season through the tea bowl adds a special touch✨

2: Learn About the History and Spirit of the Tea Ceremony

Next, we were taught about the history and spirit of the tea ceremony. The explanations were given in easy-to-understand terms, so even those who know nothing about tea ceremony can feel at ease✨

It’s a rare opportunity to hear directly from a tea master. In the photo, the two of us are listening intently!

What also surprised us was the fragrance of incense floating in the tea room. That day, the scent was Ms. Hirai’s favorite, “White Plum.”

The staff who came along were also enchanted, saying, “What a lovely fragrance~.”

We were also taught why hanging scrolls are displayed in the tea room and the meanings behind the words written on them. Understanding the thought and intention behind each phrase makes the time spent in the tea room feel even more special.

A tea gathering is not only a moment to enjoy tea, but also a space where people connect heart-to-heart, regardless of social status or position.

In this way, the tea gathering begins with the spirit of cherishing each encounter of the day.

We took a photo in front of the hanging scroll — it naturally made us sit up straight.

3: Experience the Tea Ceremony Procedure!

After the explanation, it’s time to prepare for the tea ceremony.

Holding the natsume (the container for matcha) in our left hand, we scooped the matcha into the tea bowl. A gentle, pleasant aroma filled the air, heightening our anticipation for the tea ceremony experience.

We cleansed the tea utensils and poured hot water into the tea bowl. The elegant movements were mesmerizing.

Apparently, purifying the utensils in front of the guest symbolizes respect.

Finally, it’s time to whisk the tea! We were carefully guided on how to move the chasen (tea whisk) and the proper way to prepare matcha.

The satisfying “shasha…” sound echoed through the room, and the aroma of the tea filled the tea room.

First, we mixed the powder and hot water together, then gradually moved our wrists back and forth. Watching the frothy bubbles form was truly exciting.

Finally, we slowly lifted the chasen, drawing a “no” (の) shape in the bowl to finish!

The vibrant green of the tea in the bowl was so striking that it made us want to take a photo immediately.

4: Choosing Wagashi (Japanese Sweets) and Kaishi Paper

Before enjoying the tea, you’ll choose your kaishi (paper for sweets) and a Japanese confection.
(This time, we selected them before preparing the tea.)

The kaishi designs range from elegant floral patterns to cute cat motifs, offering something delightful for all ages. It was hard not to be distracted by all the beautiful options.

By the way, about one-third of the designs change with the seasons! In summer, there are kaishi featuring sunflowers and shaved ice✨

Some people even take their kaishi home to use as bookmarks!

We chose our kaishi! Even in selecting kaishi, each person’s personality shines through.

We placed the sweets on our chosen kaishi. The types of sweets also change with the seasons.

On this day, we enjoyed chocolate wasanbon and pale-colored kohakutou! The cool, translucent appearance of the kohakutou made the summer heat feel lighter.

5: Time to Enjoy the Sweets

We placed the sweets on the kaishi we had chosen earlier and enjoyed them!

That day’s selection included kohakutou flavored with strawberry, mango, and yuzu, as well as chocolate wasanbon.

We were carefully guided on the order in which to enjoy the sweets.

First, we savored the gently flavored kohakutou, followed by the richer, sweeter wasanbon.

6: Savoring the Tea You Prepared Yourself

After finishing the sweet, it’s time to learn the proper way to drink the tea — by avoiding the front of the tea bowl.

For the host, the tea bowl is one of the most treasured utensils, and in the past, it was often something of great value.

This gesture of turning the bowl slightly before drinking expresses the guest’s humility and respect toward both the host and the artisans who created the bowl.

Finally, it’s time to enjoy the tea we prepared ourselves!

These days, matcha drinks are sold everywhere, but tea whisked by your own hands is truly special. With each sip, you can feel your mind gradually calming.

Our impressions were, “It’s easy to drink!” and “It has a slightly sweet taste!”

According to Ms. Hirai, this matcha is “low in bitterness and rich in umami.”

Some people might worry that traditional matcha—unlike sweets or lattes—would be too bitter, but it was absolutely delicious✨

When drinking, take 3–5 sips, and finish with a small slurping sound to fully enjoy the tea.

We turned slightly to the side for a photo. The kimono and tea bowl really stand out beautifully in the tea room!

Spending time with someone special, fully experiencing the tea ceremony in a tea room, is sure to become a memory that stays in your heart forever.

【Interview】Thoughts on the Tea Ceremony Experience

We spoke with Yuko Hirai, the host of “Sadamusubi” tea ceremony experience, during our visit!

I want people to grasp the “essence” of the tea ceremony.

Ms. Hirai talks about how “there are various forms in the tea ceremony.”

She explains, “While the traditional forms passed down through generations are important, at this shop, we want people to grasp the ‘essence’ more than just the form. I hope to convey why the forms have been valued, the feelings embedded in them, and the deeper emotions behind the forms.”

Rather than being overly focused on following the steps perfectly, she wants visitors to feel the intention behind each movement. Her sincere dedication to sharing this was palpable.

Using the Tea Ceremony Experience as a Gateway to Japanese Culture

During the interview, Ms. Hirai described the tea ceremony as a “comprehensive art form.”

From the Kiyomizu-yaki tea bowls, a traditional craft of Kyoto, to the handmade Japanese goods displayed at the shop entrance by her mother, it’s clear how much she values Japanese culture.

She shared, “I hope this tea ceremony experience can serve as a gateway, sparking greater interest in Japanese culture.”

The tea ceremony experience can be a bridge into the world of Japanese culture. Even those with little knowledge of the tea ceremony can join with ease and enjoy the experience.

A World of Tea Ceremony Experiences Expanded Through Kimono

The “Tea Ceremony Experience” allows you to enjoyably learn and participate in Japanese tea culture. While chayu does not require a specific dress code for the experience, we recommend trying it in a kimono✨

Wearing a kimono naturally improves your posture and makes your movements look more elegant. It harmonizes with the calm atmosphere of the tea room, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the world of “Wa” (Japanese style).

If the tea ceremony experience is a “space to experience Japanese culture,” then wearing a kimono is “dressing in Japanese culture.” By combining the two, you can fully enjoy the tea ceremony in traditional Japanese attire—a truly luxurious experience.

Simulating the Tea Ceremony Experience in a Kimono

From here, we’ll walk through a simulation of participating in Sadamusubi’s tea ceremony experience while wearing a rented kimono!

1: Rent a Kimono at Tekuteku Kyoto (approximately 90 minutes)

For those who are interested in experiencing the tea ceremony in kimono but don’t own one, kimono rental is the perfect option!

At Tekuteku Kyoto, everything is provided—including kimono dressing, hair styling, juban (inner garment), and accessories—so you can come completely empty-handed✨

Our Kiyomizu store offers around 800 kimonos, including many rare pieces such as pure silk and antique kimonos.

2: Walk to Sadamusubi Tea Ceremony Experience (3 minutes on foot)

Once you’re dressed in your kimono, it’s time to head to chayu!

It’s only about a 3-minute walk from Tekuteku Kyoto✨

Look for the large banner that says “Tea Ceremony” as your landmark.

3: Enjoy the Tea Ceremony Experience in Kimono (40–50 minutes)

From choosing your tea bowl to enjoying sweets and taking part in the tea-making process, you can fully experience the heart of the tea ceremony✨

Many guests join with friends or family, and private session plans are also available—perfect for spending a relaxing time with those close to you!

4: Stroll Around the Kiyomizu Area on Foot

After enjoying the tea ceremony at chayu, take a leisurely stroll around the Kiyomizu area✨

It’s only about 300 meters from chayu to Kiyomizuzaka—an easy walk!

Along Kiyomizuzaka, you can snap photogenic pictures, relax at a café, or shop for souvenirs—there are endless ways to enjoy your time!

5: Return (by 6:30 PM)

Please return to Tekuteku Kyoto Kiyomizu by 6:30 PM✨

If you want to join an evening event, you can also opt to return your kimono the next day.

Store Information

茶道体験 茶結(chayu Tea Ceremony Experience)

Store Name	茶結”Chayu” Tea Ceremony Experience
Reservation	Required (Same-day reservations available)
Business Hours	10:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Closed on Tuesdays and the 1st & 3rd Saturdays)
Access	• 2-minute walk from Gojozaka Bus Stop • 3-minute walk from Kiyomizumichi Bus Stop • 6-minute walk from Higashiyama Yasui Bus Stop
Website & SNS	Website: https://chayu-kyoto.com/ SNS: https://www.instagram.com/chayu_kyoto/

Plan

Shared Seating Plan	A plan to enjoy the tea ceremony casually with others 3,300 JPY per person ・ Duration: 40 minutes ※ If accompanied by children under 5, please use the private plan
Special Matcha Shared Plan	A plan featuring stone-mill grinding experience and matcha tasting comparison 6,600 JPY per person ・ Duration: 50 minutes ※ If accompanied by children under 5, please use the private plan
Private Plan	A plan to enjoy the experience privately 30,800 JPY ・ Up to 10 participants per session ・ Duration: 40 minutes
Plan Page	https://chayu-kyoto.com/jp

Tekuteku Kyoto Kiyomizu store

Store Name	Tekuteku Kyoto Kiyomizu
Reservation	Required (Same-day reservations available)
Business Hours	9:00 AM – 6:30 PM (Open daily)
Access	Immediately on foot from Kiyomizumichi Bus Stop
Website & SNS	Website: https://tekutekukyoto.com/en/ SNS: https://www.instagram.com/tekutekukyoto_global/

Create Unforgettable Memories with the Tea Ceremony Experience × Kimono