A family tea ceremony tour in Kyoto and Tokyo
A short walk through an old neighborhood, then a host-led tea ceremony in a traditional tea room. A calm, proper introduction for parents and older children.
What happens
A tea ceremony is one of the quietest things you can do in Japan, and that is the point. Your host meets the family nearby, walks you through the neighborhood and explains what you are about to see, so that the room makes sense when you step inside.
In the tea room you watch each step of the preparation, from cleaning the utensils to whisking the tea, and then receive a bowl with a seasonal sweet. Your host explains the gestures as they go and tells you when it is your turn.
This one suits parents and children old enough to sit and watch for a while. If you have younger kids, a Travel Nanny caregiver can look after them close by, so the grown-ups get an unhurried hour.
- A host-led ceremony in a traditional tea room
- A short neighborhood walk that sets the scene
- Matcha and a seasonal Japanese sweet for each guest
- The meaning behind each gesture, explained in English
- Older children take part; a nanny can mind younger ones nearby
Made for traveling families
Paced for kids
Every session is private and shaped around your children's ages, naps and attention spans.
One team you already trust
The Travel Nanny team that vets our nannies arranges each experience and confirms every detail with you.
Childcare built in
Add a nanny for younger siblings, or for the hours after, so the grown-ups get time too.
Questions families ask
Can young children come?
A tea room asks children to sit still and stay quiet for a while, which is hard under about eight. You can add a Travel Nanny caregiver to look after them nearby, or book our matcha for kids session instead, which is made for little ones.
Do we have to kneel?
Kneeling is traditional, but nobody will mind if you shift or sit cross-legged. If anyone needs a chair, tell us in your request and we'll look for a tea room that has seating.
How is this different from the matcha for kids session?
Matcha for kids is hands-on and playful, built around children whisking their own tea. The tea ceremony tour is the traditional version, with a host preparing tea in a tea room while guests watch and follow along.
Request this experience
Tell us when you're traveling and who's coming. We'll reply by email to confirm availability and the price. Nothing is charged until you confirm.
Tea ceremony tour
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