In the quiet corners of Kyoto’s Nijo neighborhood, Way of Matcha offers an intimate look at the city’s tea culture through the lens of a lived-in traditional townhouse.
Founded in 2024, this inviting space moves away from the crowds to focus on the authentic role of tea in everyday life. You’ll find yourself grinding leaves on a traditional stone mill and sharing bowls of single-origin Uji matcha in a cozy, private setting. It’s an unhurried, expert-led experience that highlights the craftsmanship and local community that keep these traditions vibrant for modern guests.
Join us as we chat with the founder to discover how Way of Matcha is making Kyoto’s tea traditions feel right at home.
Could you tell us a bit about yourself as well as the personal journey that led you to the world of the Japanese tea ceremony?
I grew up in an environment where tea was always close to me, as both my grandmother and mother practiced the tea ceremony. Being surrounded by this culture from a young age naturally led me into the world of tea.
Tatami area prepared for the ceremony – Photo Credit: Way of Matcha
What was the vision behind hosting these sessions in a lived-in townhouse in Nijo, and how does that local neighborhood atmosphere shape the experience?
There are many tea ceremony experiences available in Kyoto, but most are offered in very formal and highly curated spaces. While beautiful, they felt somewhat distant from the tea culture I grew up with.
I wanted to create something more real and local, an experience that reflects how tea exists in everyday life in Kyoto. By hosting sessions in a lived-in townhouse, guests can feel a more authentic connection to the culture.
As a result, we’ve been able to welcome many families, and seeing both children and adults enjoy the experience has given us strong confidence in what we are creating.
Grinding the tea leaves – Photo Credit: Way of Matcha
For someone joining you for the first time, could you walk us through the full experience and how each part, from the tea field video to the ceremony itself, helps guests connect with the true culture behind matcha?
We begin by helping guests understand matcha, how it is cultivated and processed before it reaches their hands, using slides and videos.
Then, guests have the opportunity to touch a traditional stone mill and experience grinding matcha themselves.
Ground up tea leaves – Photo Credit: Way of Matcha
After that, we move into the tea room, where guests observe a tea ceremony (Bonryaku-style), and then try preparing matcha on their own.
While enjoying the tea, we also explain the history of tea, from its origins to its role in modern life.
Through this full journey, we aim to go beyond simple cultural explanation and instead create an experience that guests can carry home with them, so they can continue enjoying matcha even after returning to their own country.
The local tea fields – Photo Credit: Way of Matcha
Could you tell us about the matcha and sweets you use for the ceremony?
We use some of the highest-quality Uji matcha available in Kyoto.
In addition, we collaborate with a long-established Kyoto confectionery shop to offer seasonal Japanese sweets that pair with the tea.
Various kimono for guests – Photo Credit: Way of Matcha
You’ve made the space very welcoming for families; how do you ensure all your guests feel comfortable and included in what is normally such a traditional setting?
Many tea ceremony experiences in Kyoto do not allow children under the age of six. However, since our experience is completely private, we welcome younger children when accompanied by their parents.
We also provide traditional clothing for children, such as kimono-style jackets, jinbei, and yukata, so families can enjoy the experience together without anyone feeling left out.
A close up of the Matcha tools and containers – Photo Credit: Way of Matcha
Kyoto has many tea experience providers. What makes Way of Matcha unique, and what do you hope your guests take away from the experience?
What makes Way of Matcha unique is that it is not just a tea ceremony, it is an experience designed to connect guests with the real culture of matcha.
While many tea experiences in Kyoto focus on formality and tradition, we focus on making the culture approachable, personal, and relevant to everyday life. This is not a tourist attraction, but a space where guests can experience how tea truly exists in Kyoto today.
Through a fully private setting and a carefully designed journey, from understanding the origins of matcha to preparing it themselves, guests are able to form a genuine connection with the culture.
What we hope our guests take away is not only a beautiful memory, but a lasting relationship with matcha, something they can continue to enjoy even after they return home.
Showing off the relaxed atmosphere of the studio – Photo Credit: Way of Matcha
Looking ahead, do you have plans to expand into other languages or offer different types of cultural sessions as you grow?
Currently, we offer the experience in English, but we are planning to expand our materials, such as slides, into multiple languages.
We are also developing other cultural experiences, including chopsticks making, daruma painting, and incense crafting.
Way of Matcha exterior – Photo Credit: Way of Matcha
Finally, is there anything else you would like to share with our readers?
While we respect the traditional tea ceremony, we aim to offer an experience that is more aligned with how tea is enjoyed in modern life.
Because the experience is private, guests can relax and fully immerse themselves without worrying about others.
We would love for you to visit with your loved ones or family and spend a special time together.
Tea fields of Uji – Photo Credit: Way of Matcha
Thank you for joining us to share the story behind Way of Matcha and your journey. You have made Kyoto’s tea traditions approachable and personal for international visitors by placing the tea ceremony in an everyday Japanese setting. Thank you for giving our readers such an authentic glimpse into this aspect of local life in Kyoto.
Read more about Way of Matcha on:
Website: https://wom-matcha.com/#service
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wom_way_of_matcha_/
Featured Photo Credit: Way of Matcha
