{"id":23630,"date":"2026-08-18T08:10:45","date_gmt":"2026-08-18T08:10:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.designerjourneys.com\/blog\/?p=23630"},"modified":"2026-08-18T08:10:45","modified_gmt":"2026-08-18T08:10:45","slug":"japanese-tea-making-ceremony-in-kyoto-tea-ceremonies-utensils-and-the-art-of-tea","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.designerjourneys.com\/blog\/japanese-tea-making-ceremony-in-kyoto-tea-ceremonies-utensils-and-the-art-of-tea\/","title":{"rendered":"Japanese Tea-Making Ceremony in Kyoto: Tea Ceremonies, Utensils, and the Art of Tea"},"content":{"rendered":"<div style=\"font-style: italic;\">In Japan, tea ceremonies are more than a cultural performance\u2014they are a quietly transformative way of living, shaped by matcha, stillness, and care. For high-end travellers seeking a destination guide with depth, the Japanese tea ceremony offers a rare invitation to slow down without losing the sense of occasion. Imagine attending a traditional gathering at Kyoto\u2019s Kodai-ji Temple, or a refined tea experience in Kanazawa\u2019s Nomura Family Samurai Residence, guided by an expert tea master. In this guide, you\u2019ll discover how the ritual unfolds, what to book, what it costs, and how to explore with confidence and impeccable etiquette\u2014while keeping your itinerary seamless.<\/div>\n<h2>Japanese tea-making ceremony in Japan: tea ceremonies, chanoyu, and the art of tea through refined utensil craft<\/h2>\n<figure>\n<div style=\"width: 1290px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/s3-cdn.designerjourneys.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/14041140\/3820_derweg-green-tea-gea9e5b4da_1280.jpg\" alt=\"Tea ceremonies and the Japanese tea ceremony as the art of tea\" width=\"1280\" height=\"852\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" class=\"lazyload\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1280px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1280\/852;\" \/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/s3-cdn.designerjourneys.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/14041140\/3820_derweg-green-tea-gea9e5b4da_1280.jpg\" alt=\"Tea ceremonies and the Japanese tea ceremony as the art of tea\" width=\"1280\" height=\"852\" \/><\/noscript><p class=\"wp-caption-text\">Tea ceremonies in Japan: chanoyu\u2019s calm hospitality and meticulous handcraft<\/p><\/div><\/figure>\n<p>For many first-time visitors, tea ceremonies in Japan can sound formal, even intimidating\u2014but a Japanese tea-making ceremony is, at its heart, a carefully composed welcome. Known as <em>chanoyu<\/em>, it is also called the <em>way of tea<\/em>: a ritual of hospitality where tranquillity is shaped through attention, restraint, and trust. For travellers short on time and rich in curiosity, this is often the most human kind of luxury\u2014being guided, unhurried, and fully present.<\/p>\n<p>What resonates is not only what you drink but also how you are cared for. A skilled host helps you relax even when you don\u2019t know the steps, so you can simply follow the rhythm and enjoy the green tea moment. If your days are filled with galleries, temples, and reservations, these tea ceremonies become a counterpoint that restores balance\u2014quiet, personal, and unexpectedly warm.<\/p>\n<h3>What happens in a traditional tea ceremony: entry, room flow, and matcha.<\/h3>\n<p>In a traditional tea ceremony, the experience begins before any green tea is served. You enter a tea house via a garden path with a gentle sense of leaving the outside world behind, pausing to cleanse your hands at a stone basin. Inside the tea room, you remove your shoes and settle on tatami, letting your breathing match the space\u2019s unspoken pace.<\/p>\n<p>A tea master leads the preparation, movements precise yet welcoming\u2014less performance, more presence. Water is heated in a kettle, the tea bowl is warmed, and the host prepares matcha with measured grace. There is usually a quiet moment of tea appreciation before drinking, and then you drink the tea\u2014often in a few sips\u2014turning the bowl slightly as a sign of respect.<\/p>\n<h3>Tea utensil essentials for tea ceremonies: tea bowl, tea scoop, tea whisk, kettle, and tea container<\/h3>\n<p>The objects are not decorative; each utensil is part of the conversation between host and guest. You\u2019ll quickly start recognising a few essentials: the tea bowl (often the emotional centrepiece), the tea scoop, the tea whisk, the kettle, and a tea container for the powdered green tea (matcha). Collectively, these tea utensils express season, lineage, and taste as much as they serve function.<\/p>\n<p>Here is a gentle lens to carry with you: you do not need to \u201cknow\u201d everything to belong in the room. Explore with quiet curiosity, watch how the host creates order from simplicity, and allow the ceremony\u2019s pace to guide you. In tea ceremonies, confidence comes from being present\u2014not from speaking or doing more.<\/p>\n<h2>History of the Japanese tea ceremonies: origins, Zen influence, and today\u2019s tea schools<\/h2>\n<figure>\n<div style=\"width: 1290px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/s3-cdn.designerjourneys.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/14041147\/4602_mirkostoedter-tea-g393df17f5_1280.jpg\" alt=\"History of Japanese tea from Zen monks to Sen no Riky\u016b\" width=\"1280\" height=\"852\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" class=\"lazyload\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1280px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1280\/852;\" \/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/s3-cdn.designerjourneys.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/14041147\/4602_mirkostoedter-tea-g393df17f5_1280.jpg\" alt=\"History of Japanese tea from Zen monks to Sen no Riky\u016b\" width=\"1280\" height=\"852\" \/><\/noscript><p class=\"wp-caption-text\">From Zen practice to refined gatherings: the long history of Japanese tea<\/p><\/div><\/figure>\n<p>The history of tea ceremonies in Japan is not a straight line\u2014it is a layering of belief, aesthetics, and social change. Tea was introduced to Japan through contact with Chinese tea, and early tea drinking was closely tied to study and contemplation. Over time, tea leaves moved from monastery life to elite salons, evolving from lively tea parties into a quieter, more intentional form of gathering.<\/p>\n<p>Understanding the history of Japanese tea changes how it feels in your hands when a warm bowl is offered. It turns a simple act into a living Japanese tradition\u2014one you can sense even if you only visit once.<\/p>\n<h3>Zen monk beginnings: Zen Buddhism, green tea, and Buddhist simplicity<\/h3>\n<p>One thread begins with a Zen monk and the wider monk tradition: tea supported long hours of meditation, and Zen Buddhism shaped a preference for simplicity and clarity. In this context, green tea is not merely refreshment; it is a companion to attention and a quiet form of discipline. The structure of tea ceremonies still carries a Buddhist sensibility\u2014less about display, more about awareness.<\/p>\n<p>You\u2019ll notice the setting rewards soft focus: listening for water, noticing light, and appreciating what is not said. That is why many guests leave feeling unexpectedly grounded\u2014even if they didn\u2019t come seeking anything \u201cspiritual\u201d.<\/p>\n<h3>Development of the tea ceremony in the 16th century: etiquette, a formal tea ceremony, and schools of tea<\/h3>\n<p>This turning point is closely associated with tea master Sen no Riky\u016b, whose ideals centred on simplicity, respect, and restraint. You may also see the name written as Sen no Rikyu&#8217; in modern materials, but the underlying shift is the same: humble materials and deep intention mattered more than lavish display. These principles helped define the formal tea ceremony and still shape how guests move, bow, and speak today.<\/p>\n<p>Today, the tea ceremony is practised across Japan through living lineages\u2014schools of tea and tea schools that preserve technique while adapting to modern guests. You may also hear the term sado, another name for the way of tea, reflecting a path of learning rather than a single event. This history of Japanese tea ceremonies continues to shape what visitors see, hear, and feel in the tearoom.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Luxury insight:<\/strong> even a short lesson in the history of Japanese tea can make the next sip feel like a pause in time, not just consumption.<\/li>\n<li><strong>What to listen for:<\/strong> the subtle sound of the kettle and the hush that settles when the host begins.<\/li>\n<li><strong>What to notice:<\/strong> how your own pace naturally slows, without being told to slow down.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Kyoto tea ceremonies at Kodai-ji Temple: intimate guidance and a private tea experience<\/h2>\n<figure>\n<div style=\"width: 1290px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/s3-cdn.designerjourneys.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/14041210\/3246_derweg-kyoto-g466a6d069_1280.jpg\" alt=\"Kyoto tea ceremonies at Kodai-ji and intimate tea houses\" width=\"1280\" height=\"852\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" class=\"lazyload\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1280px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1280\/852;\" \/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/s3-cdn.designerjourneys.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/14041210\/3246_derweg-kyoto-g466a6d069_1280.jpg\" alt=\"Kyoto tea ceremonies at Kodai-ji and intimate tea houses\" width=\"1280\" height=\"852\" \/><\/noscript><p class=\"wp-caption-text\">Kyoto tea ceremonies: Kodai-ji\u2019s quiet atmosphere and intimate tea houses<\/p><\/div><\/figure>\n<p>Kyoto tea ceremonies at Kodai-ji Temple are where many discerning travellers begin\u2014and for good reason. Kyoto holds the texture of old Japan in a way you can feel underfoot: lantern-lit lanes, temple gardens, and small rooms that make stillness feel natural. Kodai-ji, in particular, offers an atmosphere of quiet reverence that suits the ritual\u2019s gentle gravity.<\/p>\n<p>If you\u2019re designing a premium journey, Kyoto also offers seamless access to high-quality guidance. Many hosts offer English support without diluting what feels authentic Japanese, so you can relax into the moment instead of worrying about every detail.<\/p>\n<h3>Designing a private traditional Japanese tea ceremony in Kyoto<\/h3>\n<p>The difference between a standard demonstration and a memorable private session is intimacy. A small-group or private traditional Japanese tea ceremony allows you to settle, ask a question softly, and feel the host\u2019s care without an audience\u2019s pressure. A tea master may introduce the setting, explain how matcha tea is prepared, and guide you through the gestures of receiving and returning the tea bowl with calm assurance.<\/p>\n<p>One luxury traveller described their private ceremony in Kyoto as \u201ca shared silence that felt strangely together\u201d. There was quiet bowing, a sense of harmony and respect, and the warmth of being welcomed by someone who seemed genuinely pleased you had come\u2014local, poised, and human in equal measure.<\/p>\n<h3>Inside the tea room: tokonoma alcove details, scrolls, and seasonal flowers<\/h3>\n<p>Part of the magic is visual, but never showy. In the tea room, your eyes may be drawn to the tokonoma alcove, where a hanging scroll sets the theme and a simple arrangement of seasonal flowers echoes the time of year. These details are small, yet they carry the weight of Japanese culture: a belief that meaning can be held lightly.<\/p>\n<p>Watch for the moment the tea bowl is placed before you\u2014often aligned with quiet precision. You might also see the host pause to admire a utensil\u2019s patina or to check the water\u2019s readiness. It invites you to slow down, practise tea appreciation, and let the room\u2019s balance do the work.<\/p>\n<h2>Kanazawa tea ceremonies at Nomura Family Samurai Residence: Ishikawa matcha and quiet refinement<\/h2>\n<figure>\n<div style=\"width: 1290px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/s3-cdn.designerjourneys.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/14041223\/8609_chiemseherin-kenroku-en-garden-gc50df4be3_1280.jpg\" alt=\"Kanazawa and the Nomura Family Samurai Residence tea experience\" width=\"1280\" height=\"852\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" class=\"lazyload\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1280px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1280\/852;\" \/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/s3-cdn.designerjourneys.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/14041223\/8609_chiemseherin-kenroku-en-garden-gc50df4be3_1280.jpg\" alt=\"Kanazawa and the Nomura Family Samurai Residence tea experience\" width=\"1280\" height=\"852\" \/><\/noscript><p class=\"wp-caption-text\">Kanazawa tea ceremonies: a refined Nomura Residence tea experience<\/p><\/div><\/figure>\n<p>Kanazawa tea ceremonies at the Nomura Family Samurai Residence in Ishikawa offer a refined complement to Kyoto\u2014less crowded, deeply atmospheric, and ideal if you prefer space to explore with confidence. In Ishikawa Prefecture, tea culture feels unhurried: gardens are contemplated rather than collected, and heritage houses encourage a slower kind of attention.<\/p>\n<p>Kanazawa is also a place where Japanese aesthetics feel intact\u2014clean lines, careful materials, and a sense that beauty is a form of care. If Kyoto is the classic gateway, Kanazawa can be the quiet chapter that travellers remember most vividly.<\/p>\n<h3>Matcha green tea paired with a Japanese sweet in a samurai residence<\/h3>\n<p>The Nomura Family Samurai Residence is a particularly resonant setting, linking tea culture to restraint and calm geometry. In such spaces, matcha green tea is usually served with a Japanese sweet, and the pairing is intentional: the sweetness supports matcha&#8217;s bitterness, allowing its grassy depth to feel balanced rather than sharp. You taste not just flavour but decision-making\u2014what to soften and what to let stand.<\/p>\n<p>As you sip, notice how green tea sits on the palate differently here. The ambience changes perception: the garden\u2019s stillness, the filtered light, the careful simplicity. It becomes less about \u201ctrying matcha\u201d and more about tea drinking as a kind of noticing.<\/p>\n<h3>Local hosts, simple guidance, and respectful etiquette<\/h3>\n<p>One visitor told us the most lasting part wasn\u2019t the architecture but the welcome. Their host explained a few gestures, offered reassurance with a smile, and created a space where questions felt safe. The atmosphere was undeniably formal, yet the kindness was genuine\u2014hospitality as both structure and heart.<\/p>\n<p>In tea ceremonies, that blend of formality and warmth is the point: the guidelines aren\u2019t there to exclude you but to support you. When you bow, when you pause, when you lift the bowl carefully\u2014those actions become a shared language, even without many words.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Design note for luxury travellers:<\/strong> pair Kanazawa with a quiet evening stroll so the ceremony\u2019s tranquillity isn\u2019t immediately replaced by noise.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Tasting cue:<\/strong> let the Japanese sweet melt slowly, then return to the matcha for contrast.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Atmosphere cue:<\/strong> sit long enough to notice how the room\u2019s calm changes your breathing.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Booking tea ceremonies in Japan: etiquette, costs, rail planning, and matcha workshops<\/h2>\n<figure>\n<div style=\"width: 1290px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/s3-cdn.designerjourneys.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/14041230\/4338_teechen-matcha-g11352cd30_1280.jpg\" alt=\"Create a seamless tea journey in Japan booking etiquette and costs\" width=\"1280\" height=\"852\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" class=\"lazyload\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1280px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1280\/852;\" \/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/s3-cdn.designerjourneys.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/14041230\/4338_teechen-matcha-g11352cd30_1280.jpg\" alt=\"Create a seamless tea journey in Japan booking etiquette and costs\" width=\"1280\" height=\"852\" \/><\/noscript><p class=\"wp-caption-text\">Plan tea ceremonies with ease: booking, etiquette, and costs<\/p><\/div><\/figure>\n<p>Planning tea ceremonies in Japan is where a beautiful idea becomes a seamless reality. The most sought-after tea ceremonies\u2014especially in Kyoto and Kanazawa\u2014often have limited seating, and the best hosts keep groups small to preserve intimacy. For high-end travellers, booking ahead is less about scarcity and more about protecting the mood of the day: no rushing, no compromises, just a calm arrival and a quiet welcome.<\/p>\n<p>If you\u2019d like inspiration for routing and style, you can explore our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.designerjourneys.com\/japan-tours\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Trip gallery<\/a> for journeys designed with breathing space built in.<\/p>\n<h3>Seasonal tea ceremonies: hanami spring gatherings and autumn chrysanthemum themes<\/h3>\n<p>The best time to experience tea ceremonies is spring and autumn, when seasonal themes are most vivid. In spring, you may find cherry blossom viewing gatherings\u2014hanami tea occasions that reflect fleeting beauty with a lighter palette and gentle motifs. In autumn, chrysanthemum festivals bring a different mood: contemplative, golden, and grounded.<\/p>\n<p>Seasonal cues can appear everywhere: in the scroll\u2019s calligraphy, in the sweet\u2019s shape, and even in the way a tea master speaks about the day. If you love design, this is where Japan excels\u2014nature and tradition woven together with care.<\/p>\n<h3>Etiquette and costs: dress, tatami mat seating, and a hands-on matcha workshop<\/h3>\n<p>For budgeting, expect premium pricing for exclusive sessions\u2014roughly 5,000 to 15,000 yen per person (historically broken into smaller units like sen)\u2014especially for private guidance and English interpretation. Plan to reserve in advance, particularly for central Kyoto and Kanazawa, and build buffer time around trains so you arrive settled rather than hurried. Japan\u2019s rail network makes this easy; the luxury is in not cutting it fine.<\/p>\n<p>Etiquette is simple when you think of it as kindness. Bow upon entering, sit quietly on a tatami mat, follow the host\u2019s rhythm, and avoid disruptive behaviour (including loud photos or constant movement). Dress modestly and comfortably for shoe removal; some guests find looser sleeves helpful for not brushing objects in the small space.<\/p>\n<p>For an insider upgrade, choose a workshop where you whisk powdered matcha tea yourself. You\u2019ll handle a tea scoop and learn how the chasen and whisk work through the bowl\u2014lightly, quickly, and controlled. Some tea masters will gently correct your angle and speed and explain what may damage the tea if handled poorly, including overheating water or pressing too hard. If you\u2019ve ever wanted to move from observation to participation, this is where tea preparation becomes personal.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Seamless arrival:<\/strong> arrive 10\u201315 minutes early to reset your pace before stepping into the tearoom.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Small detail with big impact:<\/strong> keep fragrance minimal; strong perfume can distract in an enclosed space.<\/li>\n<li><strong>What to bring:<\/strong> curiosity, patience, and a willingness to be quietly guided by an expert.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>FAQs about tea ceremonies in Japan<\/h2>\n<h4>What happens during a Japanese tea ceremony in Japan?<\/h4>\n<p>A host welcomes guests into a small tea room, often with tatami flooring, and prepares matcha with deliberate, calm movements. You\u2019ll usually observe the cleansing of utensils, the whisking of tea, and the offering of a Japanese sweet before you sip. Guests bow, receive the tea bowl with care, and follow the host\u2019s rhythm in a few quiet moments. The focus is on hospitality, respect, and presence rather than conversation.<\/p>\n<h4>How much do tea ceremonies cost in Kyoto and Kanazawa?<\/h4>\n<p>Costs vary by venue and group size. In Kyoto and Kanazawa, premium tea ceremonies commonly range from around 5,000 to 15,000 yen per person, especially for private or small-group sessions with English guidance. Some tea experience options include a sweet and a short cultural explanation, while hands-on matcha workshops can cost more. Booking in advance helps you secure the most refined options.<\/p>\n<h4>What not to do during tea ceremonies?<\/h4>\n<p>Avoid disruptive behaviour such as talking loudly, moving around unnecessarily, or taking constant photos. Don\u2019t wear shoes onto tatami, and try not to touch a utensil unless invited to do so. Strong perfume can be distracting in a small room. Most importantly, don\u2019t rush: follow the host\u2019s pace, bow when appropriate, and handle the tea bowl gently to maintain an atmosphere of calm and respect.<\/p>\n<h4>What are the four principles of the way of tea?<\/h4>\n<p>The four principles are harmony, respect, purity, and tranquillity. They guide how the space is prepared, how guests are welcomed, and how matcha is shared. You\u2019ll feel these values in small details\u2014quiet bows, careful cleaning, and the unhurried pace of preparation. Even as a visitor, you can honour the principles by arriving settled, observing attentively, and responding with simple gratitude.<\/p>\n<h2>Tea ceremonies in Japan: zen calm, tranquillity, and matcha memories that linger<\/h2>\n<p>Long after the end of the ceremony, what returns is often sound: the water\u2019s soft hush, the pause before the first sip, the gentle weight of the tea bowl warming your hands. Tea ceremonies can feel like stepping into Zen\u2014not an abstract idea, but a lived experience of attention. In a world that rewards speed, the ritual offers a different kind of confidence: permission to move slowly without apology.<\/p>\n<p>What stays with you is not a checklist of steps, but a changed relationship with small rituals. You might find yourself noticing how you place a cup on a saucer or how morning light falls across a table. That is the quiet gift of this Japanese tea-making ceremony tradition: it teaches you to uncover meaning in ordinary moments, without needing to make them grand.<\/p>\n<p>One traveller remembered the moment they learnt to whisk matcha under a master\u2019s calm gaze. Their first attempt was clumsy, then steadier; the foam gathered and the surface smoothed. They left with a simple insight\u2014grace is built through patience and care, and the most beautiful things are often created by doing less, more thoughtfully.<\/p>\n<p>Back home, you may not have tatami or temple gardens, yet you can still return to that feeling \u2013 hands around a warm bowl, breath slowing, attention settling. Even a simple cup of traditional Japanese tea can bring you back to that sense of quiet, shared presence.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"kk-star-ratings kksr-auto kksr-align-left kksr-valign-bottom\"\n    data-payload='{&quot;align&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;id&quot;:&quot;23630&quot;,&quot;slug&quot;:&quot;default&quot;,&quot;valign&quot;:&quot;bottom&quot;,&quot;ignore&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;reference&quot;:&quot;auto&quot;,&quot;class&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;count&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;legendonly&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;readonly&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;score&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;starsonly&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;best&quot;:&quot;5&quot;,&quot;gap&quot;:&quot;5&quot;,&quot;greet&quot;:&quot;Rate this post&quot;,&quot;legend&quot;:&quot;0\\\/5 - (0 votes)&quot;,&quot;size&quot;:&quot;24&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;Japanese Tea-Making Ceremony in Kyoto: Tea Ceremonies, Utensils, and the Art of Tea&quot;,&quot;width&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;_legend&quot;:&quot;{score}\\\/{best} - ({count} {votes})&quot;,&quot;font_factor&quot;:&quot;1.25&quot;}'>\n            \n<div class=\"kksr-stars\">\n    \n<div class=\"kksr-stars-inactive\">\n            <div class=\"kksr-star\" data-star=\"1\" style=\"padding-right: 5px\">\n            \n\n<div class=\"kksr-icon\" style=\"width: 24px; height: 24px;\"><\/div>\n        <\/div>\n            <div class=\"kksr-star\" data-star=\"2\" style=\"padding-right: 5px\">\n            \n\n<div class=\"kksr-icon\" style=\"width: 24px; height: 24px;\"><\/div>\n        <\/div>\n            <div class=\"kksr-star\" data-star=\"3\" style=\"padding-right: 5px\">\n            \n\n<div class=\"kksr-icon\" style=\"width: 24px; height: 24px;\"><\/div>\n        <\/div>\n            <div class=\"kksr-star\" data-star=\"4\" style=\"padding-right: 5px\">\n            \n\n<div class=\"kksr-icon\" style=\"width: 24px; height: 24px;\"><\/div>\n        <\/div>\n            <div class=\"kksr-star\" data-star=\"5\" style=\"padding-right: 5px\">\n            \n\n<div class=\"kksr-icon\" style=\"width: 24px; height: 24px;\"><\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    \n<div class=\"kksr-stars-active\" style=\"width: 0px;\">\n            <div class=\"kksr-star\" style=\"padding-right: 5px\">\n            \n\n<div class=\"kksr-icon\" style=\"width: 24px; height: 24px;\"><\/div>\n        <\/div>\n            <div class=\"kksr-star\" style=\"padding-right: 5px\">\n            \n\n<div class=\"kksr-icon\" style=\"width: 24px; height: 24px;\"><\/div>\n        <\/div>\n            <div class=\"kksr-star\" style=\"padding-right: 5px\">\n            \n\n<div class=\"kksr-icon\" style=\"width: 24px; height: 24px;\"><\/div>\n        <\/div>\n            <div class=\"kksr-star\" style=\"padding-right: 5px\">\n            \n\n<div class=\"kksr-icon\" style=\"width: 24px; height: 24px;\"><\/div>\n        <\/div>\n            <div class=\"kksr-star\" style=\"padding-right: 5px\">\n            \n\n<div class=\"kksr-icon\" style=\"width: 24px; height: 24px;\"><\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n                \n\n<div class=\"kksr-legend\" style=\"font-size: 19.2px;\">\n            <span class=\"kksr-muted\">Rate this post<\/span>\n    <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>In Japan, tea ceremonies are more than a cultural performance\u2014they are a quietly transformative way of living, shaped by matcha, stillness, and care. For high-end travellers seeking a destination guide with depth,&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":17,"featured_media":23679,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"faq_json_schema":["[\r\n  {\r\n    \"@type\": \"Question\",\r\n    \"name\": \"What happens during a Japanese tea ceremony in Japan?\",\r\n    \"acceptedAnswer\": {\r\n      \"@type\": \"Answer\",\r\n      \"text\": \"A host welcomes guests into a small tea room, often with tatami flooring, and prepares matcha with deliberate, calm movements. You\u2019ll usually observe the cleansing of utensils, the whisking of tea, and the offering of a japanese sweet before you sip. Guests bow, receive the tea bowl with care, and follow the host\u2019s rhythm in a few quiet moments. The focus is on hospitality, respect, and presence rather than conversation.\"\r\n    }\r\n  },\r\n  {\r\n    \"@type\": \"Question\",\r\n    \"name\": \"How much do tea ceremonies cost in Kyoto and Kanazawa?\",\r\n    \"acceptedAnswer\": {\r\n      \"@type\": \"Answer\",\r\n      \"text\": \"Costs vary by venue and group size. In Kyoto and Kanazawa, premium tea ceremonies commonly range from around 5,000 to 15,000 yen per person, especially for private or small-group sessions with English guidance. Some tea experience options include a sweet and a short cultural explanation, while hands-on matcha workshops can cost more. Booking in advance helps you secure the most refined options.\"\r\n    }\r\n  },\r\n  {\r\n    \"@type\": \"Question\",\r\n    \"name\": \"What not to do during tea ceremonies?\",\r\n    \"acceptedAnswer\": {\r\n      \"@type\": \"Answer\",\r\n      \"text\": \"Avoid disruptive behaviour such as talking loudly, moving around unnecessarily, or taking constant photos. Don\u2019t wear shoes onto tatami, and try not to touch a utensil unless invited. Strong perfume can be distracting in a small room. Most importantly, don\u2019t rush: follow the host\u2019s pace, bow when appropriate, and handle the tea bowl gently so the atmosphere of calm and respect is maintained.\"\r\n    }\r\n  },\r\n  {\r\n    \"@type\": \"Question\",\r\n    \"name\": \"What are the four principles of the way of tea?\",\r\n    \"acceptedAnswer\": {\r\n      \"@type\": \"Answer\",\r\n      \"text\": \"The four principles are harmony, respect, purity, and tranquility. They guide how the space is prepared, how guests are welcomed, and how matcha is shared. You\u2019ll feel these values in small details\u2014quiet bows, careful cleaning, and the unhurried pace of preparation. Even as a visitor, you can honour the principles by arriving settled, observing attentively, and responding with simple gratitude.\"\r\n    }\r\n  }\r\n]"],"footnotes":""},"categories":[307,118],"tags":[270,263,264,266],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v23.4 (Yoast SEO v23.4) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Japanese Tea-Making Ceremony in Kyoto: Tea Ceremonies, Utensils, and the Art of Tea | Designer Journeys<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.designerjourneys.com\/blog\/japanese-tea-making-ceremony-in-kyoto-tea-ceremonies-utensils-and-the-art-of-tea\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_GB\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Japanese Tea-Making Ceremony in Kyoto: Tea Ceremonies, Utensils, and the Art of Tea\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"In Japan, tea ceremonies are more than a cultural performance\u2014they are a quietly transformative way of living, shaped by matcha, stillness, and care. For high-end travellers seeking a destination guide with depth,&hellip;\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.designerjourneys.com\/blog\/japanese-tea-making-ceremony-in-kyoto-tea-ceremonies-utensils-and-the-art-of-tea\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Travel Journal by Designer Journeys\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/DesignerJourneys\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2026-08-18T08:10:45+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/s3-cdn.designerjourneys.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/18080959\/%E3%82%B9%E3%82%AF%E3%83%AA%E3%83%BC%E3%83%B3%E3%82%B7%E3%83%A7%E3%83%83%E3%83%88-2024-07-29-111659-1024x680.png\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1024\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"680\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/png\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Quang Nguyen\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Quang Nguyen\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Estimated reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"14 minutes\" \/>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO Premium plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"Japanese Tea-Making Ceremony in Kyoto: Tea Ceremonies, Utensils, and the Art of Tea | Designer Journeys","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/www.designerjourneys.com\/blog\/japanese-tea-making-ceremony-in-kyoto-tea-ceremonies-utensils-and-the-art-of-tea\/","og_locale":"en_GB","og_type":"article","og_title":"Japanese Tea-Making Ceremony in Kyoto: Tea Ceremonies, Utensils, and the Art of Tea","og_description":"In Japan, tea ceremonies are more than a cultural performance\u2014they are a quietly transformative way of living, shaped by matcha, stillness, and care. For high-end travellers seeking a destination guide with depth,&hellip;","og_url":"https:\/\/www.designerjourneys.com\/blog\/japanese-tea-making-ceremony-in-kyoto-tea-ceremonies-utensils-and-the-art-of-tea\/","og_site_name":"Travel Journal by Designer Journeys","article_publisher":"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/DesignerJourneys\/","article_published_time":"2026-08-18T08:10:45+00:00","og_image":[{"width":1024,"height":680,"url":"https:\/\/s3-cdn.designerjourneys.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/18080959\/%E3%82%B9%E3%82%AF%E3%83%AA%E3%83%BC%E3%83%B3%E3%82%B7%E3%83%A7%E3%83%83%E3%83%88-2024-07-29-111659-1024x680.png","type":"image\/png"}],"author":"Quang Nguyen","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"Quang Nguyen","Estimated reading time":"14 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/www.designerjourneys.com\/blog\/japanese-tea-making-ceremony-in-kyoto-tea-ceremonies-utensils-and-the-art-of-tea\/","url":"https:\/\/www.designerjourneys.com\/blog\/japanese-tea-making-ceremony-in-kyoto-tea-ceremonies-utensils-and-the-art-of-tea\/","name":"Japanese Tea-Making Ceremony in Kyoto: Tea Ceremonies, Utensils, and the Art of Tea | Designer Journeys","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.designerjourneys.com\/blog\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.designerjourneys.com\/blog\/japanese-tea-making-ceremony-in-kyoto-tea-ceremonies-utensils-and-the-art-of-tea\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.designerjourneys.com\/blog\/japanese-tea-making-ceremony-in-kyoto-tea-ceremonies-utensils-and-the-art-of-tea\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/s3-cdn.designerjourneys.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/18080959\/%E3%82%B9%E3%82%AF%E3%83%AA%E3%83%BC%E3%83%B3%E3%82%B7%E3%83%A7%E3%83%83%E3%83%88-2024-07-29-111659.png","datePublished":"2026-08-18T08:10:45+00:00","dateModified":"2026-08-18T08:10:45+00:00","author":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.designerjourneys.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/6605941f50392e8f1f9807f8236848df"},"breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.designerjourneys.com\/blog\/japanese-tea-making-ceremony-in-kyoto-tea-ceremonies-utensils-and-the-art-of-tea\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-GB","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/www.designerjourneys.com\/blog\/japanese-tea-making-ceremony-in-kyoto-tea-ceremonies-utensils-and-the-art-of-tea\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-GB","@id":"https:\/\/www.designerjourneys.com\/blog\/japanese-tea-making-ceremony-in-kyoto-tea-ceremonies-utensils-and-the-art-of-tea\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/s3-cdn.designerjourneys.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/18080959\/%E3%82%B9%E3%82%AF%E3%83%AA%E3%83%BC%E3%83%B3%E3%82%B7%E3%83%A7%E3%83%83%E3%83%88-2024-07-29-111659.png","contentUrl":"https:\/\/s3-cdn.designerjourneys.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/18080959\/%E3%82%B9%E3%82%AF%E3%83%AA%E3%83%BC%E3%83%B3%E3%82%B7%E3%83%A7%E3%83%83%E3%83%88-2024-07-29-111659.png","width":1362,"height":905},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/www.designerjourneys.com\/blog\/japanese-tea-making-ceremony-in-kyoto-tea-ceremonies-utensils-and-the-art-of-tea\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Travel Journal","item":"https:\/\/www.designerjourneys.com\/blog\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Asia Travel","item":"https:\/\/www.designerjourneys.com\/blog\/category\/asia-travel\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"Japan","item":"https:\/\/www.designerjourneys.com\/blog\/category\/asia-travel\/japan\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":4,"name":"Japanese Tea-Making Ceremony in Kyoto: Tea Ceremonies, Utensils, and the Art of Tea"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/www.designerjourneys.com\/blog\/#website","url":"https:\/\/www.designerjourneys.com\/blog\/","name":"Designer Journeys","description":"","potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/www.designerjourneys.com\/blog\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-GB"},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/www.designerjourneys.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/6605941f50392e8f1f9807f8236848df","name":"Quang Nguyen","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-GB","@id":"https:\/\/www.designerjourneys.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/blog-admin.designerjourneys.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/IMG_5463-96x96.jpg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/blog-admin.designerjourneys.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/IMG_5463-96x96.jpg","caption":"Quang Nguyen"},"description":"I grew up in Quang Binh \u2014 the province in central Vietnam where S\u01a1n \u0110o\u00f2ng, the world's largest cave, hides in the jungle. Growing up there, with a camera in hand, taught me early that the best of Vietnam is rarely the version on the postcard. Over the past 6 years, I've travelled and photographed across Vietnam, from the rice terraces of Sa Pa to the floating markets of the Mekong Delta. I've hiked into Phong Nha's cave systems, eaten my way through Hanoi's Old Quarter, kayaked the lagoons of Lan Ha Bay. Everything I write here comes from places I've experiences. At Designer Journeys, I work alongside our network of local trip designers to translate that on-the-ground experience into custom itineraries for travellers who want more than the standard tour. My focus areas are food, off-the-beaten-path destinations, photography spots, and slow, region-by-region travel.","sameAs":["https:\/\/www.designerjourneys.com\/","quangcomm\/"],"honorificPrefix":"Mr","gender":"male","knowsLanguage":["Vietnamese","English"],"url":"https:\/\/www.designerjourneys.com\/blog\/author\/quang\/"}]}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"","yoast_wpseo_canonical":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.designerjourneys.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23630"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.designerjourneys.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.designerjourneys.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.designerjourneys.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/17"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.designerjourneys.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=23630"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/www.designerjourneys.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23630\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":23680,"href":"https:\/\/www.designerjourneys.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23630\/revisions\/23680"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.designerjourneys.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/23679"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.designerjourneys.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=23630"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.designerjourneys.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=23630"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.designerjourneys.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=23630"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}