You will meet your guide near Keihan Uji Station, where the experience begins with a short introduction to the history of Uji and its deep connection to Japanese tea culture. As you walk through the charming streets of Uji, your guide will share stories about the town, its traditions, and the origins of Uji matcha.
Along the way, you will pass the UNESCO World Heritage site Ujigami Shrine. If time allows, your guide will take you there and explain its historical and cultural significance.
After about 30 minutes, you will arrive at Tōka-an, a quiet traditional house where the cultural experience takes place.
Here, the host—a former geiko who spent many years immersed in Kyoto’s traditional arts—will welcome you and guide you through one of two cultural options that you may choose when booking.
Option 1: Uji Matcha Tasting & Tea Ceremony
In this option, you will enjoy a guided tasting of three varieties of carefully selected unblended Uji matcha. You will learn how to appreciate the differences in aroma, bitterness, sweetness, and depth of flavour between the teas.
After the tasting, you will move to the tea room and experience the basics of the Japanese tea ceremony.
Option 2: Kimono & Tea Ceremony Experience
In this option, you will first wear a traditional kimono. While dressed in kimono, you will learn about the meaning of kimono in Japanese culture and experience the beauty of movement and posture within traditional clothing.
Afterwards, you will enter the tea room to experience a tea ceremony. You will learn the basic etiquette of tea and prepare your own bowl of matcha in a peaceful setting.
After approximately 2–3 hours, depending on the number of participants, both the guide and the host will warmly see you off at the end of the experience.
This is a fully private experience, so you can enjoy the time at your own pace without other participants.
Schedule
0:00｜Meeting (Keihan Uji Station Area)
Meet your guide and begin a walk through historic Uji while learning about Uji tea and the town’s cultural history.
0:10｜Visit Japan’s Oldest Tea House
Stop by Japan’s oldest tea house and hear about the history of Uji tea and traditional tea brewing.
0:20｜Uji Town Stroll
Enjoy a walk along the Uji River, passing the UNESCO World Heritage site Ujigami Shrine while hearing about local shrines, pottery, and the history of Uji.
0:30｜Arrival at Tōka-an
Arrive at a traditional sukiya-style house and enjoy the cultural experience you selected when booking.
Option 1: Uji Matcha Tasting & Tea Ceremony
Option 2: Kimono & Tea Ceremony Experience
2:00–3:00｜End of Experience
The guide and host will see you off at the end of the experience.
A quiet introduction to Japanese culture guided by a former geiko.
Beyond the taste of matcha, experience Japanese culture through space, movement, and ma—the subtle beauty of pause and harmony.
