Highlights

Visit a historic machiya registered as an Important Cultural Property in Japan
3-minute walk from the Ichijo Modoribashi / Seimei Shrine-mae bus stop
A variety of optional traditional cultural experiences are also available, including kimono dressing
Enjoy an authentic tea ceremony experience in an authentic tea room

What to expect

Tea Ceremony Experience
Guests can enjoy the tea ceremony in a variety of settings, from a traditional tatami tea room to a ritsurei-style tea room with chairs recommended for those who find sitting on the floor difficult, as well as tea rooms suitable for groups. During the experience, you will watch the tea preparation and learn the spirit of the tea ceremony and how to properly enjoy matcha.

A Message from the Proprietor Mineko Tanaka, 13th Generation Proprietor of Tondaya

President, Nishijin Lifestyle Museum Tondaya
Headmaster, Koto no Kaze Wadokai (Kimono Etiquette School)

We hope that our guests will feel the special atmosphere and spirit that comes from a machiya that is still alive and breathing today—one that continues to serve as both a home and a place of business. By experiencing it firsthand, we believe your memories of Kyoto and Japan will become even more meaningful and unforgettable.

What's included

Machiya Tour
Tea Ceremony Experience

About this experience

Starting at: 11:00, 13:00, 15:00

This plan includes a guided machiya tour with insights into traditional Japanese life and etiquette, followed by a tea ceremony experience.

Schedule

Meet at Tondaya
Guided Tour of the machiya
The machiya is designated as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property of Japan. Founded by a long-established Nishijin kimono textile merchant, the house was opened to the public in 1999. During the tour, discover traditional architecture, furnishings, and the lifestyle of a Kyoto merchant family.
Tea Ceremony
In the tea room, watch the tea master prepare matcha while experiencing the spirit of the tea ceremony. You will also learn basic etiquette, including how to drink matcha and enjoy traditional Japanese sweets.
The tour and experience ends at the venue

Location and Directions

Check-in / Check-out
NishijinTondaya
602-8226 Ichijo-agaru Omiya Kamigyo-ku Kyoto, Japan
Access:
Approximately 15 minutes by taxi from Kyoto Station.
About a 3-minute walk from the city bus stops Ichijo Modoribashi or Imadegawa Omiya.