Immersing oneself in the local culture is one of the most enriching aspects of travel. When exploring Kyoto, Japan’s historic capital, there’s no better way to delve into its rich heritage than by participating in a traditional tea ceremony. For visitors from the United States, the language barrier can often be a daunting challenge. However, fear not! In this guide, we present handpicked establishments where you can enjoy a tea ceremony with English-speaking hosts. Seize this chance to intimately experience Kyoto’s time-honored traditions.
A Shop Offering Tea Ceremony Experiences in English
BIKOUEN
BIKOUEN’s charm lies in its proprietress who speaks English, Chinese, and Japanese fluently. Situated just a 15-minute walk from Kyoto Station, it offers easy accessibility, allowing visitors to indulge in a tea ceremony amidst their sightseeing adventures. With five courses to choose from, the ‘Samurai Spirit tea ceremony’ comes highly recommended.
| URL | https://bikouen.com/english/ |
| Business Hours | Mon-Fri: 10:00-16:00 Closed on Sat,Sun and Public Holidays |
| Location – Google Map | MAP |
| Nearest Station | 15 minutes walk from “JR Kyoto Station” |
| Nearby Tourist Attractions | Fushimi-Inari Taisha Sanjusangendo Kiyomizu temple |
| Price | \1,300～\15,000 |
| Duration | 25min～120min |
Ju-An
Ju-An’s host is fluent in English, having studied the language at university and working as a tourist guide, ensuring seamless communication for visitors. If you wish to don a kimono, you have the option to utilize our affiliated kimono rental shop. The workshop is meticulously structured, allowing participants to immerse themselves in the tea ceremony experience for approximately 70 minutes.
| URL | https://www.teaceremonyjuan.com/directions-to-juan/ |
| Business Hours | OPEN MONDAY TO FRIDAY 11am～5pm |
| Location – Google Map | MAP |
| Nearest Station | Walk: 16 minutes on-foot; 1200 metres. |
| Nearby Tourist Attractions | Kinkakuji Temple Nijo Castle Arashiyama |
| Price | \３３００ |
| Duration | 70min |
MAIKOYA
MAIKOYA is a renowned establishment, consistently ranked as the top tea ceremony experience by TripAdvisor travelers for five consecutive years. Located in the heart of Kyoto, we possess two historic traditional townhouses where guests can immerse themselves in the beauty of Japanese culture. With options for kimono rental and hairstyling available, MAIKOYA is ideal for those seeking to fully enjoy their time in Japan.
| URL | https://mai-ko.com/culture/tea-ceremony/ |
| Business Hours | 9am～5pm |
| Location – Google Map | 【NISHIKI】MAP 【GION KIYOMIZU】MAP |
| Nearest Station | 【NISHIKI】hankyu-line7min walk from Kawaramachi Stn. Exit9 【GION KIYOMIZU】keihan-line9min walk from Gion shijo Stn. Exit1 |
| Nearby Tourist Attractions | Fushimi Inari Shrine Kiyomizu Temple Kinkakuji Temple |
| Price | \7,000～\12,000 |
| Duration | 90min～120min |
Experience Japanese Culture Through Tea Ceremony
Participating in a tea ceremony in Kyoto offers a precious opportunity to immerse yourself in Japan’s rich cultural heritage and nourish your soul. With many establishments offering English support, there’s no need to fret over any language barriers. Each of the shops highlighted in this article provides a chance to fully appreciate the allure of Kyoto. Why not consider adding a tea ceremony experience to your travel itinerary and create lasting memories of your trip?
