Kyoto: Make Zen Garden and Taste Matcha in Pottery Shop

Kyoto, the cultural heart of Japan, beckons visitors to experience its tranquil wonders. In a charming pottery shop, travelers can create their own Zen garden while savoring premium matcha tea and seasonal confections. This engaging activity promises a captivating blend of creativity, mindfulness, and the essence of Japanese craftsmanship. With the Kyoto Imperial Palace nearby, this memorable experience immerses participants in the serene beauty that has long enchanted both locals and global explorers.

Key Points

1. Create a personalized Zen garden experience by arranging sand patterns and decorating individual gardens in a renovated 100-year-old Kyoto townhouse.

2. Indulge in a matcha tasting session featuring premium Kyoto tea and traditional Japanese sweets, complementing the serene Zen atmosphere.

3. Purchase handmade, dishwasher and microwave-safe pottery as souvenirs, serving as functional and durable reminders of the memorable Kyoto experience.

4. The activity is conveniently located near the Kyoto Imperial Palace Park and within walking distance from nearby subway and railway stations.

5. The Zen garden creation and matcha tasting activity is priced at €12.66 per person for a 30-minute session, with a maximum of 8 participants for a personalized experience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Activity Overview

For visitors, this experience offers the chance to create their own Zen garden and enjoy a matcha tasting in a pottery shop. Priced from €12.66 per person, the 30-minute activity is limited to 8 participants.

Guests can freely cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

The experience takes place in Ninshus, a renovated 100-year-old Kyoto townhouse, where you will craft sand patterns and decorate their Zen gardens.

Afterward, they’ll savor matcha tea from renowned Ippodo and seasonal Japanese sweets, while capturing memorable photos in front of their creations.

Zen Garden Experience

How does the Zen garden experience unfold at Ninshus store, a renovated 100-year-old Kyoto townhouse?

Guests create their own Zen garden, a unique opportunity to engage with the traditional art of Karesansui. They can arrange sand patterns and decorate their gardens.

Karesansui is a traditional Zen garden, typically for viewing. At Ninshus, guests can actively participate in the creation process, adding their personal touch.

The Zen garden experience allows visitors to enjoy the tranquility and mindfulness associated with this ancient Japanese art form.

Matcha and Sweets

Guests enjoy matcha from Ippodo, a renowned Kyoto tea company, as part of the experience.

They also savor seasonal wagashi, traditional Japanese sweets from Senbon Tamajushuken. This unique opportunity allows visitors to enjoy Kyoto’s rich tea culture.

The matcha is served in a serene setting, complementing the tranquil atmosphere created by the handcrafted Zen garden.

After the tasting, guests can capture memorable photos in front of their personalized sand art pieces, preserving the experience as a lasting memory.

Souvenirs and Pottery

Handmade traditional pottery is available for purchase as souvenirs at the Kyoto Zen Garden and Matcha experience.

The pottery pieces are dishwasher and microwave safe, making them appealing to international visitors. Guests can choose from a variety of unique, handcrafted items to take home as a memento of their Zen garden creation and matcha tasting.

These pottery souvenirs are a great way to continue the Kyoto experience long after the event. Visitors can enjoy using the functional and durable pottery in their everyday lives, serving as a constant reminder of their memorable time in Kyoto.

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Meeting Point and Accessibility

The meeting point for the Kyoto Zen Garden and Matcha experience is a 2-minute walk north from Ippodo, the renowned Kyoto tea company, and 100 meters south from the Kyoto Imperial Palace Park.

Visitors can easily access the venue by taking an 11-minute walk from Kyoto Shiyakusho-mae Station on the Subway Tozai Line or a 9-minute walk from Jingu-marutamachi Station on the Keihan Railway Main Line.

This convenient location allows participants to seamlessly incorporate the activity into their Kyoto sightseeing itinerary and enjoy the tranquil Zen garden experience and delectable matcha tasting in the heart of the historic city.

Pricing and Inclusions

Although the Kyoto Zen Garden and Matcha experience starts from €12.66 per person, it offers a range of inclusions that provide excellent value.

Participants will create their own Zen garden, learn about the traditional Karesansui technique, and enjoy high-quality matcha from the renowned Ippodo tea company, along with seasonal Japanese sweets.

The 30-minute activity is limited to 8 participants, ensuring a personalized experience. Guests can also purchase handmade pottery as souvenirs, which are both dishwasher and microwave safe.

With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, this unique cultural experience in Kyoto is an opportunity not to be missed.

Group Size and Cancellation Policy

The Kyoto Zen Garden and Matcha experience limits group size to 8 participants, ensuring a personalized and intimate encounter.

This small group setting allows for ample guidance and attention from the host. Plus, the experience offers:

1. Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
2. Flexibility for guests to plan their visit without risk.
3. Dedicated staff to provide a seamless and enjoyable experience.
4. An opportunity to create a unique Zen garden that captures the tranquility of Kyoto.

Unique Opportunity

One unique opportunity this experience offers is the chance for guests to create their own original Zen garden at the Ninshus store, a renovated 100-year-old Kyoto townhouse.

Participants can experience Karesansui, a traditional Zen garden typically for viewing, and have the unique opportunity to create sand patterns and decorate their gardens.

This hands-on activity allows visitors to enjoy the meditative practice of Zen garden creation, an experience not commonly available to the public.

It’s a chance to leave with a personalized memento of their Kyoto visit.

Things To Know

Is There a Dress Code for the Zen Garden Experience?

There’s no specific dress code for the Zen garden experience. Comfortable, casual attire is recommended to fully enjoy the hands-on activity and take in the tranquil setting.

Can Participants Take Home the Zen Garden They Create?

Yes, participants can take home the Zen garden they create during the experience. The small Zen garden is designed as a portable and personal souvenir that guests can keep and enjoy even after the event.

Is the Matcha and Sweets Experience Customizable for Dietary Needs?

The experience is customizable for dietary needs – participants can inform the staff of any allergies or dietary restrictions, and the tea and sweets will be adjusted accordingly to accommodate their requirements.

Are the Pottery Items Available for Purchase Only in the Shop?

The pottery items are available for purchase exclusively at the shop. Visitors can browse and purchase handmade traditional pottery, which is dishwasher and microwave safe, making it an appealing souvenir for international guests.

Is the Activity Suitable for Children or Families?

This activity is suitable for families and children. With a limited group size of 8, kids can create their own Zen gardens and enjoy matcha tea and sweets in a hands-on, interactive experience.

Sum Up

Enjoy the art of Karesansui and savor premium matcha in a charming Kyoto pottery shop. This engaging experience allows you to craft your own Zen garden while savoring the serene atmosphere. Complement your creative journey with a tasting of seasonal wagashi, capturing the essence of Japanese culture and craftsmanship. A truly memorable opportunity to explore the tranquility of Kyoto.

You can check availability for your dates here: