JAPAN
Japan's classics.
The 15 most popular tea ceremony, kimono & geisha tours in Japan. What each one is really like, who runs it, and what you will pay.
A 45-minute Kyoto tea ceremony in a quiet Sannenzaka tea house, with a matcha lesson, sweets, garden views, and a keepsake photo.
“Extremely informative and relaxing! Felt rejuvenated afterwards”
2-hour Gion walk with a local guide: see geiko and maiko, learn Geisha culture, visit quiet temples, get Kyoto food and shop picks.
“Anton was fantastic! He was so knowledgeable and personable. We has such a great time.”
70-minute Kyoto tea ceremony at Jotokuji Temple. English guide, purification ritual, matcha how-to, and your own cup.
“The host and tea master were so kind and patient! I had a wonderful time enjoying the ceremony and matcha and all the decorations. So much time and effort went into making it a special experience. Thank you!”
Walk Gion at night from Minamiza Theatre on a 100-minute small-group tour with geisha trivia, shrines and pagoda views, plus photo service.
“Kevin was a fantastic tour guide. His English was perfect, and he was so friendly and informative. He really made the experience come alive.”
Calm Kyoto matcha lesson with a licensed Urasenke tea master. Make tea, taste two matcha styles, then optional kimono photos.
“Amazing 🤩 So good to learn about this beautiful cultural ceremony. Our host was lovely & explained everything well. Kimono dress up was very quick and another must do thing ticked off the list. Thank you !!”
Nighttime walk through Kyoto’s Gion and Pontocho, meeting geiko and maiko, with stories, shrines, and kabuki history for $20.
“Ann was a fantastic guide, really friendly and able to cater the content of the tour to people with no knowledge of Geisha or those with more experience. Obviously pationate about this subject and to provide a good walking tour. This really helped us get the most out of our short stay in Kyoto, and…”
Night walking tour through Gion and Higashiyama with shrines, cobblestones, a lit pagoda, and respectful geisha culture in small groups.
“Janiel was fantastic both for their good conversation and knowledge. would recommend her to anyone visiting Kyoto. Additionally, would recommend the tour on the first part of your city trip to get a better idea of the history of Kyoto.”
Night walk in Kyoto’s Gion with an English guide, etiquette tips, and a real chance to see geiko and maiko. 100 minutes, $21.
“Chako-San was our guide and she was amazing! She made the tour enjoyable and informative even though it rained for the majority of it. She also made sure to keep track of our large group when we got separated at a cross walk. This tour was a 12/10 and I would definitely recommend it!”
Walk Gion after dark with a small group (max 15) and hear geisha and maiko stories at lantern-lit Kyoto spots.
“Really informative tour of area and history of Geiko’s in area. Our multigenerational family including young adults all enjoyed it.”
Osaka tea ceremony in a tatami room: English-guided matcha making, seasonal sweets, and kimono instruction near Dotonbori for $25.
“It was great to see how a tea ceremony goes. Our guide (her name is Japanese for Harmony) was great. She explained everything very well in English and was very nice.”
Chair-side Kyoto tea ceremony in a 100-year townhouse: purify in the garden, whisk frothy matcha, write your name, and optionally wear kimono.
“We had an excellent time, the hosts were fantastic and spoke very good English. Overall would recommend!”
Walk Kyoto’s Gion in 2 hours with a local guide, spotting geisha chances, old shrines, Edo streets, and local food vibes.
“Uta was exceptional. So much knowledge and love for her city and its incredible treasures. This tour was a gem. Would highly recommend.”
Peaceful Kenrokuen matcha tea ceremony at Kenrokutei: watch the steps, try making tea, taste wagashi, and learn etiquette.
“We loved it. Pure authentic and relaxing experience!”
Kimono Tea Ceremony in Kyoto’s Nishiki: dress up, learn matcha steps, sip with wagashi. 1.5-hour small-group with photos.
“This was such a beautiful and enlightening experience! It was nice to not have to find a kimono place before going to a tea ceremony, it was all in one.”
Small-group Gion night walk with a real guide, lantern-lit streets, Hanamikoji, and Yasaka Shrine for about $18 in 3 hours.
“Tour is a nice tour around Gion. It is quite long with limited breaks but you see and learn a lot about Gion”
