茶道体験 古都(Tea Ceremony KOTO) — Local services in Kyoto

She did a lovely job getting it together and explaining all aspects of the ritual, but I feel like she's put into a really tough spot. Coming from a fellow tourist, tourists are the worst. Many of the reviews complain about her being abbrasive and such and in order for her to not get those snide remarks she has to flock to the other end of the spectrum in order to continue to get clientle. The ceremony would've been lovely had it not been so rudely disrespected by the fellow travelers there. Although she states at the beginning how this is essentially a meditative ceremony started by samurai, everybody else in the room decided to use it as some chit-chat time. Is it really that difficult to shut your mouth for a whole hour? Granted in wanting to learn questions and such are not bothersome as there's a specified time for that, but I genuinely had folks next to me asking mid ceremony what state I'm from?! Plus, a couple came in late, which is unbelievably rude. Like mate, you booked it yourself. How did it not fit within your schedule? She would be mid explanation of the history of her tools and their significance all to be accompanied by a background whisper going on from folks in the room, which left me in frustrated disbelief. If you can't handle existing without speaking, go to do go to a more commercialized ceremony and take a moment to reflect your basic maturity. I really love how she really wanted to make it authentic(accommodating to english and mobility of course) in teaching us the three phrases that are supposed to be the only spoken words of the ceremony as many places don't bother with the trouble. But of course, since many were mid-chit chat during her explanation, there was consistent confusion to instructions I could expect a well-behaved toddler to adhere to. But she can't really stand any ground to establish common decency in these people in fear of it reflecting poorly on her business. Given her position, she did an amazing job on her end. Her paitence is admirable as I sadly assume she must be used to it by now. I have worked with young children but when you tell them to be quiet they dont hold it against you, plus there was one young girl who was clearly intrested and respectful of the event(contrary to her father) so obviously its not that hard to accomplish. It was fascinating to learn all her qualifications in tea ceremony of which she does for the self fulfillment, comparing it to the same pleasure of playing golf. Yet the fact that for the rest of her life, she will always meet with her master weekly! I believe it truly would've been a beautiful and enriching experience had it not been tarnished by such audacious disrespect by folks simply joining for a good photo-op with no real interest. Perhaps splurge the extra money for a private session if you're truly invested as you clearly can't have bare minimum expectations for the public. Definitely wish I was in kyoto long enough to rebook privately to truly feel immersed in...

I paid for the Premium Tea Ceremony x Kimono wearing x Ikebana experience from Rie at Koto Tea Ceremony back in January this year (2024). In all honesty, I was very disappointed with her professionalism and the experience I paid for. I have no qualms with the fact that the kimono experience was rushed, as I had already expected it to be a quick affair. However, the rest of my experience was just as rushed. During the ikebana portion of the experience, I first listened to some information about ikebana and then watched Rie model how to create a flower arrangement. I expected a little freedom of expression when it came time to do my own, but Rie basically chose and placed each flower for me with her own hands and then simply told me to push the stems onto the tool. She corrected each placement by moving my hand to a position she liked. There was no room for error. At the end she praised me, but it felt very ingenuine since she'd basically done everything for me? I was disappointed I had not been able to create something a little more 'my own' rather than an exact replica of Rie's. I had been very excited to try an authentic Kyoto tea ceremony, as I've been studying Tea for almost five years at this point. Rie explained a little about Tea Ceremony and proceeded to begin a mini-ceremony. I would say that when she was serving tea as the host was the most impressed I felt during the whole experience. She did have beautiful movements and performed the ceremony very nicely. However, again, I was disappointed by her professionalism. The water she used for the Tea was lukewarm, and when I was able to view the natsume it was covered everywhere inside with matcha, which made me feel like she'd just dumped matcha into the container without the kind of care you'd expect from a Tea host. It wasn't a full ceremony either. And when we'd finished the ceremony, but before my experience time was over, other guests started arriving. Overall, I felt the price of the Premium Tea Ceremony I paid (12800 yen) was not justified by the professionalism I received. Sorry, Rie. I know you take these reviews personally, but...

Rei is an incredible tea host, and the experience is one I highly reccommend. Make your reservation over email, and payment is simple with PayPal or credit card. The location is easily accessible by rail, bus, or taxi, and is a minute walk from the Kinkaku-ji (very beautiful, popular, and busy) golden shrine. I was lucky that I went at a low tourist time of the season, and my tea ceremony was completely private (ordinarily you sign up for a small group, with maybe a few other visitors as well, and while I think the experience would still be incredible, you can also arrange a private ceremony if you want the guarantee of a solo experience). Rie also offers a kimono wearing service that allows the guest to be dressed in traditional clothes, and as I had come in traditional dress I recommend it as a way to feel even more immersed. From the moment I walked in the door, Rie was inviting and had an amazingly relaxing quality about her. Once you begin, she explains everything (in perfect English, by the way) from the history of tea ceremony, the equipment used, the layout of the tea room; you 'practice' with her a few of the elements of tea ceremony, and then she initiates the actual procedure of preparing and serving the tea (including delicious sweets!). Her skill is incredible to watch. Once you have enjoyed your tea, she helps you to prepare your own cup, letting you use the traditional implements to get the feel of the ceremony. After enjoying the second cup which you prepared, there is time for more questions or for you to ask her to take your picture. She also has items for sale in the front room (I purchased two beautiful tea ceremony fans after learning of their significance in the ceremony itself). Overall, an incredible way to experience the rich culture of Japan with someone who is clearly passionate and highly...