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Tea Ceremony Ju-An at Jotokuji Temple

, Kyoto, Kyoto

Description

The Japanese tea ceremony is a 500-year old tradition during which a Tea Master prepares a bowl of matcha green tea for his/her guests. It generally takes place in a tea room (chashitsu) and was originally developed to help with meditation practice by Buddhist monks before evolving into an art form: Chanoyu, which captures the "way of the tea" (Chado) revolving around harmony, respect, purity, and tranquillity. This experience is held in the Grand Tea Room inside the Jotokuji Buddhist Temple in Kyoto.

Access & Transport

The temple is in the Shimogyo district, a 15mins walk northeast of Kyoto Station. The Gojo Station (Karasuma) and Kiyomizu-Gojō (Keihan) are both 500m away.

Instructions & Recommendations

There are 5 ceremonies each day, starting respectively at 11h00, 12h30, 14h00, 15h30 and 17h00. Max 9 visitors per session, full refund if cancelled two days ahead of time, 50% if cancelled one day before, and no refund for same day cancellation / no show.

Meta review

The tea ceremony held at Jotoku-ji is easily one of the best "guide-led" activities in Kyoto according to online reviews; not only are there very few dissatisfied customers but the vast majority thought it was interesting, well executed, and set in a very appropriate setting (both the temple and the room). The guide is described as using fluent English and performing very elegantly.

Environmental & Social

Environmentally neutral. Helps small independent operators.

Conclusion

Not necessarily the first thing that comes to mind when visiting Kyoto, and probably not the first thing you should do either, but if you have a little extra time and take a keen interest in the national culture then Chanoyu is an activity you should attend (and try to perform) at least once - and this is a very appropriate place to do it.

Key positive

Different and relaxing

Culturally immersive

Key negative

None

Suitability

Not set up to accommodate wheelchair users (floor mats)

About this Rating

TYPE

Desktop

RESEARCHED IN

August 2024

PROVIDER

Koreval

Included Items
None
Timing
Duration of visit
First ceremony at 11h00 and then every 90mins until the last one starts at 17h00

av. transport time:0h 20m

est. visit time:2h

Regulated hours

Monday11:00 - 18:15

Tuesday11:00 - 18:15

Wednesday11:00 - 18:15

Thursday11:00 - 18:15

Friday11:00 - 18:15

Saturday -

Sunday -

Pricing
Age band
Age band
Regular price / pers.
Senior
65 - 99
JP¥3,300
Adult
15 - 64
JP¥3,300
Child
6 - 14
JP¥2,000
Infant
0 - 5
JP¥0

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