Kyoto | Matcha Tea Ceremony & Seasonal Wagashi Making Experience (English Guide Available) | Japanese Cultural Experience 'an'
POINT 2: You will make two types of Japanese sweets according to the season.
POINT 3: We use special single-origin matcha.
Package Options
Cultural Experiences
| Location | Indoor |
| Cuisine type | Wagashi (Japanese sweets) |
| Cultural experience type | Japanese tea ceremony, Traditional culture experience |
Product Info
What You Can Expect
1 Day
- Explanation of Japanese sweets
- Making flower-shaped Nerikiri and Kinton Nerikiri
- Tea grinding demonstration and tea ceremony experience
- Photo session
- Refreshment time after the experience
Important Info
Includes/Excludes
- Consumption tax
- Experience fee
- Certificate arrangement fee (paid on-site)
- Takeaway box arrangement fee (paid on-site)
- English guide fee (paid locally)
Reminders
Depending on the reception time and number of people, the tour may not be possible.
Reception hours are 10:00-17:00. Applications received after that will be processed the next day.
There are stairs to the venue. Please note that this building does not have an elevator.
Due to the nature of the program, we will not be able to hold the event to accommodate delays. You can enter midway, but if you are late for more than 10 minutes, your reservation may be cancelled.
As a general rule, food and drinks are not allowed to be brought in.
Please contact us if you would like to rent it out.
Those who do not want to try it out will not be able to enter.
Children who sit on their guardians' laps are free of charge (only for children under 2 years old).
If you change the date and time of your reservation after the cancellation fee has been incurred, we will charge you the specified fee.
We strictly prohibit the taking, repurposing, and monopolizing of images and videos for commercial purposes. If you wish to use them for commercial purposes, please apply for coverage and use in advance.
How to Redeem Your Voucher
How to Use Your Voucher
- Please present the e-voucher on-site
Meeting Point
Location Name: Japanese Cultural Experience 'an' Kyoto
Address: 2F Berg Karasuma, 135 Manjujicho, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto, 600-8104Experience Location
Location Name: AN KYOTO Japanese Culture Experience
Address: Japan, 〒600-8104, Japan Berg Karasuma 2nd Floor, 135 Manjuji-cho, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto PrefectureCancellation Policy
- Cancellations 1 day(s) (inclusive) before the selected date are allowed. Unused orders can be canceled for free
- Cancellation is not allowed between 0–0 days from the selected date. Orders cannot be canceled or modified, and refunds will not be granted.
- Due to time zone differences, the confirmed cancellation date is based on the supplier’s local time. Please allow 2–5 business days to process your cancellation request, after which the cancellation fee will be charged according to the product’s cancellation policy. Once your refund request is confirmed, KKday will initiate the refund to your original payment method within 15 days. The actual refund timing depends on your card-issuing bank’s policy.
FAQ
1. What is the typical flow of a Matcha Tea Ceremony Experience in Kyoto?
A Matcha Tea Ceremony Experience in Kyoto typically begins with guests being welcomed into a serene tea room. The host then performs precise, graceful movements to prepare the tea, whisking the special single-origin matcha. Seasonal Japanese sweets are served first to balance the tea's slight bitterness. Guests then mindfully drink the prepared matcha, appreciating its aroma and taste. The experience concludes with a moment of quiet reflection, often guided by an English-speaking expert.
2. What are the core cultural principles observed during a traditional Matcha Tea Ceremony in Kyoto?
A traditional Matcha Tea Ceremony in Kyoto embodies four core principles: Wa (harmony), Kei (respect), Sei (purity), and Jaku (tranquility). Harmony is fostered between guests and host, and with nature. Respect is shown through gestures and appreciation for the utensils and surroundings. Purity is reflected in the clean environment and mindful preparation. Tranquility is sought in the quiet contemplation and focused attention during the ceremony.
3. What makes the special single-origin matcha used in the Kyoto Tea Ceremony Experience unique?
The special single-origin matcha used in the Kyoto Tea Ceremony Experience is unique due to its specific origin, which contributes to its distinct flavor profile and high quality. Unlike blended matchas, single-origin matcha comes from a particular farm or region, ensuring a consistent and nuanced taste. This focus on a singular source allows for the appreciation of its unique terroir, offering a rich, vibrant, and authentic matcha flavor that is central to the traditional ceremony.
4. What kind of seasonal Japanese sweets (wagashi) will be made during the experience in Kyoto?
During the Japanese Sweets Making Experience in Kyoto, you will typically make two types of seasonal Japanese sweets, known as wagashi. These sweets are artistically crafted to reflect the current season's beauty and themes, often using ingredients like high-quality red bean paste sourced from a long-established Kyoto shop. The specific designs and ingredients will vary with the time of year, offering a unique and authentic taste of Japanese culinary artistry.
5. What factors contribute to the high quality of traditional Japanese sweets (wagashi) in Kyoto, especially those using local ingredients like red bean paste?
The high quality of traditional Japanese sweets (wagashi) in Kyoto stems from several factors, including meticulous craftsmanship, seasonal relevance, and the use of premium ingredients. Artisans employ intricate techniques to create visually stunning and delicately flavored sweets. The inclusion of local ingredients, such as red bean paste from long-established Kyoto shops, ensures an authentic taste and supports traditional producers, contributing to the sweets' rich cultural value and exceptional flavor.
6. How can I reach the An Kyoto Japanese Culture Experience Center for the tea ceremony and sweets making?
The An Kyoto Japanese Culture Experience Center is conveniently located in the Karasuma-Gojo area of Kyoto. To reach it, you can take the Kyoto City Subway Karasuma Line and alight at Gojo Station (五条駅). From Gojo Station, the center is typically just a short walk away. This central location makes it easily accessible for visitors using Kyoto's efficient public transportation network.
7. What overall experience can visitors expect from participating in the Matcha Tea Ceremony and Japanese Sweets Making at An Kyoto?
Visitors to An Kyoto can expect a deeply immersive and hands-on cultural experience. You will engage in the artistry of making two types of seasonal Japanese sweets, followed by participating in a traditional matcha tea ceremony using special single-origin matcha. With an English-speaking guide, the experience offers a serene atmosphere and a unique opportunity to understand and appreciate traditional Japanese hospitality, craftsmanship, and the profound aesthetics of tea culture in Kyoto.
8. How does the Kyoto Matcha Tea Ceremony Experience at An Kyoto reflect traditional Japanese culture?
The Kyoto Matcha Tea Ceremony Experience at An Kyoto deeply reflects traditional Japanese culture by emphasizing mindfulness, respect, and an appreciation for transient beauty. The ceremonial preparation and consumption of tea embody principles of harmony and purity, fostering a meditative state. The hands-on making of seasonal wagashi connects participants to Japan's artistic tradition and its reverence for nature's changing cycles, providing an authentic cultural immersion.
Get Help
