Kyoto Tea Ceremony & Gion Walking Tour

From¥12,650
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

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

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Tea ceremony and lots more!

Very interesting tour! We've got a lot of information beside the whole tea story!

danisO7708RLOct 4, 2026TRIPADVISOR

Highly Recommend

The experience was truly amazing. Our guide Kana is wonderful and knowledgeable. She gave us so much content to what we saw and explored. The temples visited were eye opening. Thank you for the great experience.

richardchan414Sep 29, 2026TRIPADVISOR

A wonderful and unique experience

We had such a great time on this tour with Niko! Niko was incredibly friendly, knowledgeable and entertaining. We visited beautiful temples and learned much about Zen, Japanese culture, and the philosophy behind wabi-sabi. Creating and working on our own Zen garden was a really memorable experience. Niko’s explanations were fascinating. We also had many lovely and funny conversations along the way. The relaxed and personal atmosphere made the whole experience even more special. Highly recommended for anyone looking to discover a different and authentic side of Kyoto! Thank you Niko !

katjac430Sep 25, 2026TRIPADVISOR

Fantastic experience with a great guide!

We had so much fun on this tour! Our guide was incredible—very knowledgeable, competent, and enthusiastic. Learning about the tea culture and hidden spots was an absolute pleasure. Highly recommended!

julianmF4801WYSep 23, 2026TRIPADVISOR

A great experience

An unforgettable excursion with an exceptional guide! We had a fantastic excursion today with Hide as our guide, and we couldn't have asked for a better experience. From start to finish, the tour was wonderfully paced and filled with fascinating, in-depth insights into the historical sites and places we visited. Hide's extensive knowledge and engaging storytelling brought the history to life, making it both educational and deeply memorable. If you are looking for an informative, well-organized, and insightful tour, we wholeheartedly recommend booking with Hide

Departure551537Jul 29, 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.