Kyoto Tea Ceremony & Gion Walking Tour
About this activity
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
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
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"
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
Kenninji Temple awaits you. Have a look at the historical Temple that has been standing for centuries
Visit some craft shops
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.
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.
Pass by: End of the tour at tea experience places
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
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
Wabi-sabi
We had a great guide telling us about history, religion, art and tea ceremony. We walked aroud in Gion and visited many temples. Our guide was Hide. We had a great time.
Amazing
We had an excellent time taking the tour through Kyotos Buddhist temples guided by our wonderful guide Hide! Not only was Hide a wealth of knowledge but was a genuine joy to have guide us through religious sites and tourism districts. Even at his age Hide was sharp, witty, and quite up to date on modern cultures and opinions held by locals and tourists. His presence through the temple was especially welcomed as he supplied us a seemingly exclusive view and walk through the various buildings and garden paths. Overall if one is looking for an English friendly guide that is a long time local and practitioner Hide is your best bet. 10/10 would book again
Great tour and friendly guide
Great tour with Hide, he was very informative and really made us feel welcome. I would highly recommend the tour, we got to see parts of the Gion area we may have missed if we were on our own. We also had a wonderful experience at the tea ceremony, our host was so gracious, it finished our tour beautifully.
Excellent guide on an interesting tour route.
Hide was an excellent guide. We saw a lot in our time with him. He kept things moving, answered all our questions and was a delightful host. Thoroughly recommend this tour.
Educational and interesting
Our guide Hide is a very enthusiastic and inspired man who has fascinated us very much with his stories. Arigatou gozaimasu