KYOTO · MATCHA & GREEN TEA TASTINGS
This is the shortlist to send a friend: 15 matcha & green tea tastings worth the yen, each with its price, its traveller verdict and the one thing to know before you commit.
Walk Arashiyama’s bamboo grove and Tenryu-ji, enjoy Uji matcha, cross Togetsukyo Bridge, then hike to Monkey Park views.
“Nonomiya Shrine's ancient purification history was absolutely fascinating to learn about. The moss covered surroundings created such an atmospheric, spiritual setting. Love how our guide connected past traditions to present day cultural practices.”
Learn Uji tea culture in Kyoto with a Chazuna museum ticket and matcha grinding workshop, plus whisking and a guided tasting in 1 hour.
“Our family of 5 enjoyed this hands on experience getting to grind and prepare our our own matcha. The small museum attached, which is included in the price, also helped in building our understanding of green tea . Easy 15min walk to the station . 10min walk to the main market street(great for matcha foods and souvenirs)and the Byodoin temple (also well worth visiting)”
Kyoto matcha tea ceremony in a 100-year townhouse. Learn Omotesenke steps, make your own bowl, taste sweets, and buy crafts.
“It was such a pleasant experience. We learned about the culture and how to properly prepare a matcha tea. It was great to share this activity with a small and nice group. Our guide was lovely and explained everything into detail. Totally recommend!”
Kyoto Arashiyama tour with Tenryu-ji, bamboo grove, Uji matcha, Nonomiya Shrine, and Monkey Park Iwatayama macaques.
“Nay (Nayeen Julkar) is a very impressive young man. His English was impeccable and with his excellent subject knowledge was delivered with enthusiasm. A guide of the highest standard.”
$66 kimono tea ceremony in Kyoto: English guidance, matcha making, seasonal wagashi, and Zen etiquette, in 90 minutes.
“I had an amazing experience joining the tea ceremony and kimono wearing activity. Everything was beautifully organized. Wearing the kimono and learning about the tea ceremony traditions was unforgettable and very special. Highly recommend this experience!”
Arashiyama bamboo, Tenryu-ji, matcha at Okochi Sanso, monkeys and bridge views in a 5-hour small-group walking tour.
“It is long walking tour although it is fun and interesting how bamboos grow and what is done after w/ it. My guide Francis is very knowledgeable on explaining everything from Shrines and how bamboo grow.”
Kyoto to Nara and Uji in one smooth bus day, hitting World Heritage temples, deer-filled Nara Park, and hands-on matcha making.
“the guide made the whole trip. she was so knowledgeable and fun! great experience at Nara park and knowing where and how to meet the deer!!”
Half-day Uji green tea tour with Gyokuro tasting and UNESCO Byodo-in and Koshoji Temple visits, plus Shinto purification and spring water.
“Our guide, Ferdinand, was exceptional, making the entire experience truly wholesome and deeply enriching. I gained a much greater understanding of Uji and Japan as a whole, including the cultural nuances and serene nature of its people. The selection of temples and the tea experience were impeccable, and the immersive tour was seamlessly executed. This was by far one of the best tours I’ve taken in Japan, and I would highly recommend it to anyone seeking an authentic and meaningful experience.”
Private Kyoto tea country day trip to Byodo-in and Wazuka, with matcha tastings, tea field photo stops, and scenic countryside views.
“Our tour with Daiki was wonderful. He is energetic and knowledgeable and took us to out of the way places we would have never seen with a group. Daiki had his own larger van so the 3 of us had plenty of room. We went to a local Hot Pot restaurant at the end of your tour and it was great. Thank you Daiki!”
3-hour Uji matcha tour from Kyoto with hands-on grinding, wagashi, soba lunch, and World Heritage temple stops for small groups.
“It was a great all inclusive tour which we were brought to visit the Byodin temple, the oldest Shrine and tea grinding and matcha making/tasting. Our guide was very informative and shared with us fun facts like the different types of teas, how to pray at a shrine. She made sure to make a pit stop so I can collect my goshuin (stamps 😉) and translated for us when we were having communication issues. We were well fed and even a sweet treat at the end of the tour. I definitely recommend this tour if you are planning to visit Uji. We had plenty of time at the end to…”
Kyoto matcha tea ceremony in Gion with chair seating, sweet tastings, hands-on bowl making, plus a simple recipe to take home.
“Our host was extremely approachable, hospitable, knowledgeable and passionate about what she does.”
Grind your own matcha in Uji with a stone mill, visit Byodo-in on the 10-yen coin, and finish with sweets or matcha ice cream.
“We went on the Matcha Grinding Experience & Walking Tour in Uji with Vincent and couldn’t have asked for a better time. Vincent was very friendly and we enjoyed spending time with him. He explained everything that we saw, even betteRead more”
Slow-cycle Uji on a Brompton with an English guide, visiting tea culture sites, shrines, temples, and river views for a calm half day.
“Takashi was an amazing guide! We did a private tour (just me and my wife) and he did an excellent job guiding us around, explaining the history, showing us the most scenic spots, and generally ensuring we had a great time. For EnglisRead more”
Kyoto kimono rental by Kyoto Station, then whisk matcha in a tatami tea room near Kiyomizu, with a photo walk in traditional streets.
“It was a great experience overall. Highly recommend it to anyone coming to kyoto.”
Taste Uji matcha, watch it made, enjoy a set lunch, and visit UNESCO Byodoin Temple with a small guided group.
“Warm welcome and gracious hospitality on our recent green tea and Japanese food tour in Uji (Kyoto).”
Every kind of day in the city, and the best-reviewed way to book it.
