Maikoya Kimono Tea Ceremony in Kyoto
I attended the Maikoya Kimono Tea Ceremony in Kyoto, and while super touristy, the highlight was dressing up in a kimono and getting a small glimpse of the cultural Japanese tea ceremony.
How to book:
Online in advance on their website: https://mai-ko.com/. Using the code smile gets you 10% off if you book on their website. They have time slots ranging from 9 AM - 5 PM. I booked about a month in advance for the last time slot on a holiday Monday. The Tea Ceremony and Kimono Experience was ¥ 6,300 / person (around $49 USD/person when I booked).
Other experiences depending on location in Tokyo or Kyoto include samurai sword, a geisha interaction, or museum or food.
Location: (Nishiki market)
Since I wasn't actually staying in Kyoto Nishiki market was a convenient location and we shopped and had lunch in the market before a 2:30 pm afternoon experience. There is a major train/subway station nearby (Kawaramachi) and tons of food options. The Nishiki location is on a street and pretty easy to find.
Dressing up: We were able to check in half an hour early - although our ceremony was not slated to start til 3-3:15 pm. We took our shoes off, and were give basic [souvenir] toe socks to wear in their property. We put valuables in a small handbag and received a larger bag in the changing room for our clothes. We then picked a kimono, and staff person helped put it on, tie the belt, and then let us pick the outerpart. The whole process took maybe 5-10 minutes. I would not recommend bringing valuables since there is no lockers and they have no liability if your items are taken.
The women changing room was across the street, and there are probably more hair and changing options for them.
Since we were done early we got to take pics in a small garden before going to the tea ceremony.
Some informational posters:
Ceremony: For the Nishiki location they have about 20-24 per time slot, with around 12 in a group. Our group of 12 had 6 Americans, a few Australians/New Zealand, and people from Spain also. The hostess spoke in English, explaining what to expect (no video recording, but pictures ok), and then went onto the cultural significance of the room and the ceremony.
The tea and chasen and mochi.
Then she started to show traditional tea making.
The hostess did not use the bamboo scoop water for us but had a teapot which was a lot easier for her. We learned how to whisk and that was the most labor intensive part!
Our ceremony went quick and was maybe 30-45 minutes. Some people complained about having to sit on knees or cross-legged for that long- so prepare yourself. The hostess kindly went around and took pictures if you desired.
After the ceremony, you can take the kimono out til 6 pm for pictures around Kyoto. They also offer masks and fans and other props but only for pics in their garden.
Overall thoughts:
The kimono rental was super convenient and not awkward, and all the staff were understandable. Great for people visiting and wanting a cultural experience- and I think Gion might be a better location for pics after but you have to be willing to walk. I would try the Geisha experience too.
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