Tea Ceremony At Jotokuji Temple

Tea Ceremony at Jotokuji Temple, 1h 10m, rated 4.9 across 3,758 traveller reviews.

Overview

This ceremony takes place inside Jotoku-ji Temple, in a Grand Tearoom reached through the temple's main gates. Guests meet at red benches near the entrance, pass the purification fountain, then remove their shoes and sit on the floor of the tearoom for the session. The whole thing runs about 1 hour 10 minutes.

A tea master performs the ceremony and explains each step, with an interpreter covering the history and cultural meaning in English. Guests then get to whisk their own matcha, and one review mentions sweets made by the hosts served alongside. Photos are allowed, and the hosts have offered to take pictures for guests.

The tour suits adults and families with children aged 5 and over. Reviews from families with children of 6 and 10 say the length worked well for keeping kids engaged. It does not suit travellers who cannot manage three steps into the tearoom, and anyone uncomfortable sitting on the floor can ask for a stool or seat.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Arrive at Jotoku-ji TempleEnter through the main gates of the temple on Tominokoji Dori. The Grand Tearoom entrance is on the left past the Main Hall.
2. Meet at the red benchesThe guide waits at the red benches near the entrance. If it rains, guests can shelter under the shop gable or wait in the Grand Tearoom.
3. Purification ritualThe session opens with a traditional purification ritual, which the listing describes as uncommon for Western visitors.
4. Enter the Grand TearoomGuests remove their shoes at the entrance and take their seats inside as a group.
5. Tea ceremony and matchaThe tea master performs the ceremony and explains each step. Guests are taught how to drink the matcha and then make their own bowl.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points will help you get the most from this ceremony, from finding the right temple to sitting comfortably on the floor.

• Finding the temple. More than one reviewer had trouble locating the venue, and there is another Jotoku-ji temple elsewhere in Kyoto. The address is 556, Gojo-sagaru, Tominokoji Dori, Shimogyo-ku. Read the meeting details carefully before setting out.
• Sitting on the floor. The ceremony is held in the traditional seated position on the tearoom floor. The listing says seats and stools are available for anyone not comfortable sitting that way, so ask in advance or on arrival.
• Photos are welcome. Reviewers say they were allowed to take pictures and video freely, and the hosts offered to take photos of guests. You do not need to leave your camera behind.
• Hands-on matcha. This is not just a demonstration. Several reviews describe making their own matcha, with the tea master showing each step, so expect to try whisking yourself.
• Good with children. The ceremony is suited to guests aged 5 and above. One family with children aged 6 and 10 found the 70 minute duration kept the kids engaged throughout.
• Kimono is separate. A kimono is not included in the booking but can be rented separately. If that appeals, check the rental option when you book.

Common issues. The most common complaint is difficulty finding the venue: reviewers mention the address points to a nearby temple, the reference photo is ambiguous, and a second Jotoku-ji exists in Kyoto. One reviewer arrived late because of this, though the staff let them join a later slot. The tearoom itself is not wheelchair accessible because of three steps, even though the temple grounds are. Children under 5 are not admitted, and meals are not included.

Common Questions