4.9(56 reviews)
Kyoto Tea Ceremony & Gion Walking Tour
From¥14,300
3h 30m
Kyoto, Japan
About this activity
Immerse yourself in Kyoto's rich culture with a traditional tea ceremony and a guided walk through the historic Gion district, visiting iconic temples and shrines.
Highlights
- Experience a traditional Japanese tea ceremony
- Explore the historic Gion district
- Visit Yasaka Shrine, a significant cultural landmark
- Discover the beauty of Kiyomizu-dera Temple
- Stroll through the picturesque Higashiyama district
Full description
Delve into Kyoto's rich cultural heritage with this immersive experience. Begin with a traditional Japanese tea ceremony, where you'll learn about the art of tea preparation and its significance in Japanese culture. Then, embark on a guided walking tour through the historic Gion district, renowned for its well-preserved wooden machiya houses and as a hub for geisha culture. Visit iconic landmarks such as Yasaka Shrine, a significant cultural site, and Kiyomizu-dera Temple, famous for its wooden stage that offers panoramic views of the city. Conclude your journey with a leisurely stroll through the picturesque Higashiyama district, where narrow lanes and traditional shops transport you back in time. This tour offers a perfect blend of cultural immersion and historical exploration, providing a memorable glimpse into Kyoto's timeless beauty.
Included / Excluded
- Traditional Japanese tea ceremony experience
- Guided walking tour of Gion district
- Visit to historic temples and shrines
- Meals and beverages not specified in the itinerary
Itinerary
1
Pass by: In front of the Statue of Izumo-no-Okuni, right outside Exit 5 of Gion Shijo Station (Keihan Line) A guide will be holding a orange signboard saying "Magical Trip Tour"
Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE
2
The first attraction allows you to learn the history of Japanese tea and how it is made. We will stroll through the historical district of Gion, visiting a famous matcha shop
Duration: 30 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
3
Kenninji Temple awaits you. Have a look at the historical Temple that has been standing for centuries
Duration: 30 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
4
Visit some craft shops
Duration: 30 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
5
Visit a hidden temple & garden Next, discover the beauty of ceramics at a tea bowl shop where the raku teacup takes center stage. Your guide will share how each cup has its own character, history, and meaning. From there, you’ll avoid Kyoto’s crowded tourist trails and step into a peaceful hidden temple where time feels slower. In this quiet space, you’ll connect with simplicity, textures, natural materials, and thoughtful design—letting your senses absorb the stillness, air, and subtle beauty that define Japanese tea philosophy.
Duration: 30 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
6
End the tour with a tea-making experience in a real tea house! Enjoy tea ceremony with tea master's instruction! Based on the knowledge of Wabi-Sabi learned through the city walk, you will experience tea ceremony under a tea master at last. Choose a tea bowl according to season and taste, enjoy Japanese sweets, and immerse yourself in the deep culture of matcha green tea and the tea ceremony.
Duration: 1 hourAdmission: YES
7
Pass by: End of the tour at tea experience places
Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE
Meeting point
Start Location
Statue of Izumo-no-Okuni, Kawabatachō, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, Japan
Important information
Know before you book
- The tour is conducted in English; proficiency is recommended.
- Photography is allowed in most areas; however, be respectful of local customs.
- The tour operates rain or shine; dress appropriately for the weather conditions.
Know before you go
- Wear comfortable walking shoes suitable for uneven terrain.
- Bring a camera to capture the scenic beauty and historic sites.
- Carry a bottle of water to stay hydrated during the tour.
Cancellation policy
Free cancellation up to 1 days before the activity starts
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Accessibility
- Easy Public Transport
- Infants Required On Laps
Good to know
- Out of respect for our other guests and to ensure the best tour for everyone, we must start the tour on time. You will not be able to join the tour, get a refund or reschedule if you are late for the tour and miss the group.
- The tour might be cancelled in case of unsuitable weather for safety reasons.
- You do not need to pay for the guide's food and drinks.
- Please note that there might be other participants
- Japan's climate has become more extreme, with summer highs of 40°C (110°F) and winter lows of -5°C (20°F). Please prepare accordingly for the tour.
- Free cancellation and free reschedule is available until 24h prior to the tour starting time.
- Tea ceremony experience can only accommodate those who are and older than 6 years old. You can bring children younger than that but one adult needs to be accompanying them outside the facility during the experience.
Traveler reviews
4.956 reviews
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Educational and interesting
Our guide Hide is a very enthusiastic and inspired man who has fascinated us very much with his stories. Arigatou gozaimasu
Erik FMay 20, 2026TRIPADVISOR
Advice
It was amazing trip! The guide Kana very educated and interesting! Wonderful
U6079XZ_May 18, 2026TRIPADVISOR
Waby-sabi tour in Kyoto and tea ceremony
The tour with Hide Nakanishi, a very friendly guide, was really interesting. On the other hand, the matcha tea ceremony, hosted by the tea master, was a little disappointing. Very solemn, of course, it did not correspond to the presentation images of the tour, the description on TripAdvisor, or the description provided by the travel agency.
Coastal22819299549Apr 19, 2026TRIPADVISOR
Enjoyable friendly host very helpful
Our tour guide was very informative and spoke good English
waynefissioliApr 9, 2026TRIPADVISOR
Walk and talk in Gion, Tokyo.
Lovely experience walking through the streets of Gion with our knowledgeable tour guide Hide Nakanishi. He married the history behind the experience so well. We also met and really enjoyed the Belgium couple we toured with.
kieral689Apr 6, 2026TRIPADVISOR
Additional information
Out of respect for our other guests and to ensure the best tour for everyone, we must start the tour on time. You will not be able to join the tour, get a refund or reschedule if you are late for the tour and miss the group.
The tour might be cancelled in case of unsuitable weather for safety reasons.
You do not need to pay for the guide's food and drinks.
Please note that there might be other participants
Japan's climate has become more extreme, with summer highs of 40°C (110°F) and winter lows of -5°C (20°F). Please prepare accordingly for the tour.
Free cancellation and free reschedule is available until 24h prior to the tour starting time.
Tea ceremony experience can only accommodate those who are and older than 6 years old. You can bring children younger than that but one adult needs to be accompanying them outside the facility during the experience.