Kyoto’s traditions come alive in this sacred place of matcha tea ceremony
When I think of Kyoto, temples, shrines, and beautiful seasonal scenery of the ancient capital come to mind, but what I particularly recommend is a tea ceremony experience centering on matcha (powdered green tea). This time, I visited a small teahouse nestled in a quiet alley in Kyoto City. It is a popular spot for foreign tourists, and is highly rated by TripAdvisor as a Kyoto tea ceremony experience. Here, you can learn about the traditional tea ceremony and taste authentic matcha (powdered green tea). In my experience, from the moment I entered the tea room, I was surrounded by silence and the scent of greenery, which was calming. It was a highlight of my trip to Kyoto and an opportunity to learn more about the appeal of matcha tea. a Google Maps search turned up several spots in Kyoto where you can experience the tea ceremony, but my recommendation is a secluded place a little far from the tourist areas. There, you can learn everything from how to make matcha tea to its history under the careful guidance of a tea ceremony instructor.
Matcha in Kyoto is not just a drink, but culture itself. Matcha from Uji is world famous for its perfect balance of bitterness and sweetness. In the tea room I visited, I first sat on a cushion, selected a tea bowl, and experienced the process of preparing matcha with a tea whisk. Under the teacher’s guidance, it was impressive to see the bubbling green liquid being produced. Through this experience, they realized the relaxing effects of matcha tea. It is also a great stress reliever. More and more English-speaking teahouses are available for foreigners, and you can check details on the official website of Kyoto Travel. In my case, I made a reservation in advance and visited on a weekday to avoid crowds. A matcha experience in Kyoto is not just a sightseeing trip, but a journey of the soul.
Another attraction is the wagashi (Japanese sweets) that accompany the matcha. Seasonal fresh sweets served in the tea room are beautiful to look at and complement the bitterness of matcha. I tasted the Kami-nagashi, which was made in the shape of cherry blossoms. The sweetness of the sweets melted in my mouth and enhanced the flavor of matcha. Such a combination is symbolic of Kyoto’s food culture. I should also mention the health benefits of matcha, which is rich in antioxidants and is said to help improve beauty and concentration. In my experience, I felt lighter after drinking matcha. When visiting Kyoto, you can use Google Maps to find a matcha café, but for the more serious, opt for a tea ceremony experience.
The atmosphere of the tea ceremony room is filled with the aroma of tatami mats and the soft light of shoji paper screens. As a foreigner, I was nervous at first, but the teacher’s warm welcome helped me relax. The trick to making matcha is to move the tea whisk quickly. On my first try, I laughed because the bubbles did not form properly, but that too is a pleasant memory. Matcha in Kyoto is a key to escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Incorporating it into your sightseeing breaks will enhance the quality of your trip.
My Experience Exploring the Profound World of Matcha
My first experience with matcha in Kyoto was in the fall a few years ago. I visited during the season of autumn leaves and spent a moment in a tea room. When I first entered the tea room, the view of the garden was a sight to behold, and my mind was cleansed. The teacher explained the history of matcha in English and we learned about its traditions since the Muromachi period. Matcha is powdered green tea, and the highest quality is grown in the tea fields of Uji. In my case, I had gathered information on the official Uji tea website beforehand, which helped me understand better. In the lesson on how to make the tea, we repeatedly practiced the process of heating the tea bowl, pouring in the matcha, pouring in the hot water, and stirring. The trick is a snap of the wrist, and even beginners can improve after a few times.
During the experience, I felt the taste of matcha changing. At first, I felt a strong bitterness, but it became mellower when drunk with Japanese sweets. My preference is for dark tea, not light tea. The rich flavor soaks into your body. Kyoto’s matcha is attractive for its diet benefits and mild caffeine stimulation. On a related note, while matcha parfait is a popular Kyoto gourmet food, I recommend a real tea ceremony, which many foreigners write about in their TripAdvisor reviews as a “life-changing experience. I agree and experienced the subtleties of Japanese culture through matcha.
Furthermore, I learned about the tea ceremony as a comprehensive art form with explanations of tea flowers and hanging scrolls in the tea room. In my experience, the hanging scroll chosen by the teacher included the words “Ichiki Ichiai” (“Once in a lifetime encounter”), which reminded me of the importance of travel encounters. Preparation time for the matcha ceremony is about 30 minutes, but the entire experience lasted more than one full hour. Prices vary depending on the location, but an authentic experience is available for around 2,000 yen. Many are located around Kyoto Station and in the Gion area, making them easily accessible; see TripAdvisor’s list of matcha-related restaurants.
What I learned from this experience is the mindfulness that matcha tea brings. Incorporating it into your daily routine improves your ability to focus. I myself have developed a habit of drinking matcha tea after returning to Japan, and it has helped me manage my health. Adding a matcha experience to your Kyoto travel plans will be a memorable experience.
Best Matcha Spots and Tips for Foreigners
There are many matcha spots in Kyoto, but the key is to choose a place that caters to foreigners and is English-speaking. I recommend Maikoya’s tea ceremony experience. Private sessions are available here and you can avoid the crowds. During my visit, I participated as an individual rather than in a group and enjoyed it in a relaxed atmosphere. As for choosing matcha, choose the best quality with bright colors. Uji matcha has a strong brand name and makes a great souvenir.
Another Kyoto event related to matcha is the tea-picking experience. Visiting during the new tea season in spring is a great way to enjoy the fresh taste of the tea. From what I have found, a Google search for Kyoto matcha events will give you the latest information. The health benefits of matcha are rich in polyphenols and effective in boosting the immune system. In my experience, my skin felt better the day after drinking it. Matcha lattes and desserts are also popular at restaurants, but give preference to the more traditional offerings.
As a tip, sitting on the floor in the tea room is the basic rule, but if your feet hurt, request a chair seat. In my case, I checked in advance and found it comfortable. Buses are convenient for transportation in Kyoto, check Google Maps for stops near the teahouses. After the matcha experience, you can kill two birds with one stone by exploring the nearby temples. As related words, many people look for Kyoto sweets and Japanese tea culture, which are mentioned in the article.
Overall, matcha is the essence of Kyoto. As the number of foreign tourists increases, these experiences promote cultural exchange. It has a charm that makes people like me want to visit repeatedly.
Private Wisdom-like Summary
Private Wisdom shares hidden wisdom that enriches our daily lives. The matcha experience in Kyoto is just such a treasure. What I gained through my trip was an opportunity to reflect on myself in a quiet moment. The green of matcha soothes the soul and the depth of tradition enriches life. If you are visiting as a foreigner, don’t forget to do your research and make reservations in advance. Let Kyoto’s secrets be part of your Private Wisdom. This experience will turn your travel memories into everlasting ones.
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