Kyoto: Tea Ceremony in a Historic Machiya

Highlights

• Visit a historic machiya registered as an Important Cultural Property in Japan
• 3-minute walk from the Ichijo Modoribashi / Seimei Shrine-mae bus stop
• A variety of optional traditional cultural experiences are also available, including kimono dressing
• Enjoy an authentic tea ceremony experience in an authentic tea room

What to expect

Enjoy an authentic tea ceremony in a traditional tea room. Watch the tea master prepare matcha while learning the spirit of the tea ceremony, how to drink matcha, and simple etiquette. Tatami seating or comfortable chair seating is available.
Designated as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property of Japan, this historic machiya townhouse is still lived in today. Tondaya, a long-established kimono textile merchant in Kyoto’s Nishijin district, opened the house to the public after it received cultural property designation in 1999.

Everything you see, wear, and experience here reflects the traditions of everyday life that have been carefully passed down through generations at Tondaya. From traditional architecture to cultural practices, the house preserves the authentic lifestyle of Kyoto’s historic merchant families.

To share these traditions with visitors from Japan and around the world, the Nishijin Lifestyle Museum Tondaya offers a variety of hands-on cultural experiences, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the beauty and spirit of traditional Japanese culture.

Visiting this remarkable machiya provides a rare opportunity to rediscover the heart of Japanese tradition and hospitality.

What's included

• Machiya Tour
• Tea Ceremony Experience

About this experience

Starting at

11:00, 13:00, 15:00

This plan includes a guided machiya tour with insights into traditional Japanese life and etiquette, followed by a tea ceremony experience.

Schedule

1. 11:00
   Meet at Tondaya
2. —
   Guided Tour of the machiya

   The machiya is designated as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property of Japan. Founded by a long-established Nishijin kimono textile merchant, the house was opened to the public in 1999. During the tour, discover traditional architecture, furnishings, and the lifestyle of a Kyoto merchant family.

   
3. —
   Tea Ceremony

   In the tea room, watch the tea master prepare matcha while experiencing the spirit of the tea ceremony. You will also learn basic etiquette, including how to drink matcha and enjoy traditional Japanese sweets.

   
4. 12:00
   The tour and experience ends at the venue

Location and Directions

• Check-in / Check-out

  NishijinTondaya

  602-8226 Ichijo-agaru Omiya Kamigyo-ku Kyoto, Japan

  

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  Access:
  Approximately 15 minutes by taxi from Kyoto Station.
  About a 3-minute walk from the city bus stops Ichijo Modoribashi or Imadegawa Omiya.

Operated by

Cancellation policy