The KENNINJI Executive Tour & Tea Ceremony Lecture offers a compelling culture for visitors to Kyoto. This guided experience takes participants through the historic Kenninji Temple, culminating in a serene matcha tea ceremony complemented by a traditional Japanese sweet. Priced at $110 per person for groups of four or more, the tour’s inclusion of entrance fees and a special temple souvenir make it an enticing option. With weekday availability between 10 AM and 3 PM, this enriching experience blends Kyoto’s storied past with the refined art of tea.
Key Points
- Guided tour of the historic Kenninji Temple, including admission fees and a special temple souvenir.
- Hands-on experience of the traditional Japanese tea ceremony and matcha green tea with a Japanese confection.
- Availability from Monday to Friday, between 10 AM and 3 PM, with a minimum of 4 participants for the private tour.
- Tour not wheelchair accessible, but limited mobility participants can join, with nearby parking for visitors with disability permits.
- Convenient access via public transportation, with the meeting point located near the Higashiyama Yasui bus stop.
Tour Overview
The KENNINJI Executive Tour & tea ceremony lecture offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the historic Kenninji Temple in Kyoto, Japan.
Priced from $110 per person, this private tour is perfect for groups of 4 or more. Participants will enjoy guided access to the temple, a traditional tea ceremony, and a lecture on the temple’s history and cultural significance.
The tour includes entrance fees, a temple souvenir, a guide, coffee/tea, and matcha with a Japanese sweet.
The tour takes place Monday through Friday between 10 AM and 3 PM, with the exact start time confirmed with the local provider.
Looking for more options in Kyoto? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.
Inclusions
Entrance fee, temples original gift, guide, coffee and/or tea, and matcha green tea with a Japanese sweet are all included in this executive tour and tea ceremony experience.
During the tour, guests will:
- Enjoy a guided visit through the historic Kenninji Temple
- Receive a special gift from the temple as a memento
- Learn about the art of traditional Japanese tea ceremony
- Sip on a warm cup of matcha green tea
- Savor a delicate Japanese confection
This all-inclusive package provides an immersive cultural experience in Kyoto.
Meeting Point
Kenninji Temple, located at 584 Komatsuchō in Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, serves as the meeting point for this executive tour.
The closest bus stop is Higashiyama Yasui, which is serviced by Kyoto city bus numbers 202, 206, and 207.
The tour ends back at the meeting point. Guests should arrive at the temple on time, as the tour’s schedule is fixed from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM on available weekdays.
Confirmation of the exact start time should be obtained from the local provider in advance, as it’s subject to change.
Schedule
The opening hours for this tour are from January 27, 2025 to December 21, 2025.
The tour is available on the following weekdays:
- Monday
- Tuesday
- Wednesday
- Thursday
- Friday
The tour runs from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM.
Participants should confirm the exact start time with the local provider in advance.
This private tour is only available for your group and requires a minimum of 4 people.
Accommodation
This tour doesn’t include any accommodation. Participants are responsible for arranging their own lodging during their stay in Kyoto.
The meeting point and end point of the tour are at the Kenninji Temple, so visitors may wish to find accommodation nearby. There are many hotels, ryokans, and Airbnb options in the Higashiyama district of Kyoto, which is a popular tourist area.
Participants should book their accommodation in advance to ensure availability, especially during peak travel seasons. The local tour provider can provide recommendations upon request, but doesn’t handle accommodation bookings directly.
- Golden Pavilion, Nijo Castle, & Nishiki Market Half Day Tour
- Kyoto: Guided Walking Tour of Fushimi With Private Option
- Nara Early Bird Tour (Kyoto Departure Option Available)
- Kyoto: Sushi Lab. by Sumaya
- Kyoto: Fushimi Inari-taisha and Kiyomizu-dera (Spanish Guide)
- Kyoto: Nishiki Market Tour With a Local Foodie & 3 Tastings
Accessibility
Although the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, visitors with limited mobility can still participate. The venue requires navigating some stairs and uneven terrain. However, the tour staff is happy to provide assistance where possible.
Accessibility features include:
- Ramps and handrails at select locations
- Seating available during the tea ceremony
- Staff assistance for entering/exiting the temple
- Braille signage and large-print materials
- Nearby parking for those with a disability permit
Public transportation options are available, with the closest bus stop a short walk away. Guests should communicate any special needs when booking to ensure a comfortable experience.
Transportation
Getting to the KENNINJI Temple is convenient, as it’s located near public transportation options.
The closest bus stop is Higashiyama Yasui, which is serviced by Kyoto city bus numbers 202, 206, and 207.
The temple’s meeting point is just a short walk from this bus stop.
Travelers can easily access the location using public transportation.
This makes the KENNINJI Executive Tour & Tea Ceremony Lecture an accessible experience for visitors without a personal vehicle.
The tour’s meeting point is also the end point, allowing participants to depart the same way they arrived.
Cancellation Policy
According to the information provided, the cancellation policy for the KENNINJI Executive Tour & Tea Ceremony Lecture is non-refundable.
There are no refunds if the tour is canceled, no matter the reason.
Some key points about the cancellation policy include:
- No refunds if canceled
- Non-refundable
- No exceptions to the policy
- Customers bear the risk of cancellation
- No recourse for unexpected events or emergencies
This strict cancellation policy is important for customers to understand before booking the tour.
It ensures the tour provider can plan accordingly and manage their operations effectively.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Tea Ceremony Lecture Conducted in English?
The tour details do not specify the language of the tea ceremony lecture. However, it’s common for such experiences in Japan to be offered in English to cater to international visitors. The local provider can likely confirm the language upon booking.
Can the Tour Be Customized for Larger Groups?
Yes, the tour can be customized for larger groups. The minimum number of participants is 4, and the tour is private, so it can be tailored to accommodate the needs of larger parties.
Are Photography and Video Recording Allowed During the Tour?
Photography and video recording are allowed during the tour, but visitors should be respectful and avoid disrupting the experience. It’s best to check with the tour provider for any specific guidelines or restrictions.
What Is the Dress Code for the Tea Ceremony?
The dress code for the tea ceremony is typically formal attire. Participants are expected to wear clean, modest clothing that covers the shoulders and knees. Casual or athletic wear is generally not appropriate.
Can the Tour Be Booked on Weekends?
The tour cannot be booked on weekends, as it’s only available Monday through Friday, according to the schedule provided. The opening hours are from January 27, 2025 to December 21, 2025.
The Sum Up
The Kenninji Executive Tour & Tea Ceremony Lecture offers a unique cultural experience in Kyoto. Priced at $110 per person for groups of four or more, the tour includes entrance fees, a temple souvenir, and a traditional matcha tea ceremony. This immersive experience is available on weekdays between 10 AM and 3 PM, providing visitors with a blend of history, art, and the art of tea.
More Dining Experiences in Kyoto
- Cebu Highland Tour: Temple of Leah, Little Kyoto, and Dinner
- Kyoto Kimono Rental Experience and Maiko Dinner Show
- A Private Dinner at the Ramen Restaurant in Gion, Kyoto.
- Private Banquet With Maiko and Geiko After Dinner
- Exclusive Maiko Dinner and Performance in Kyoto
- Wagyu & Seafood Yakiniku Dinner Course at Kyo Kurozakura Restaurant, Kyoto
More Tours in Kyoto
- Full Day Tour of Kyoto with Private Transportation
- Matcha Grinding Experience and Walking Tour in Uji Kyoto
- Kyoto Hidden Treasures: Special Temple & Garden Access Tour
- Kyoto Uji and Nara Tour with Sushi Making Experience
- Kyoto Private Customizable Day Tour with Guide and Vehicle
- Himeji Castle and Akashi Kaikyo Bridge Walking Tour from Kyoto
More Tour Reviews in Kyoto
- Kyoto and Nara Private Trip
- Learn Japanese guitar “Shamisen”
- Kyoto Sushi & Takoyaki Cooking Class near Gion and Kiyomizu-dera!
- Kyoto and Nara Day Trip – Golden Pavilion and Todaiji from Osaka
- Full Day Tour of Kyoto with Private Transportation
- Explore Arashiyama Bamboo Forest with Authentic Zen Experience
Still browsing? Here are more Kyoto experiences we've covered recently
- Kyoto and Nara Private Trip
- Learn Japanese guitar “Shamisen”
- Kyoto Sushi & Takoyaki Cooking Class near Gion and Kiyomizu-dera!
- Kyoto and Nara Day Trip – Golden Pavilion and Todaiji from Osaka
- Full Day Tour of Kyoto with Private Transportation
- Explore Arashiyama Bamboo Forest with Authentic Zen Experience
- Matcha Grinding Experience and Walking Tour in Uji Kyoto
- Kyoto Hidden Treasures: Special Temple & Garden Access Tour
- Kyoto Uji and Nara Tour with Sushi Making Experience
- Kyoto Private Customizable Day Tour with Guide and Vehicle
- Himeji Castle and Akashi Kaikyo Bridge Walking Tour from Kyoto
- Full Day Kyoto Tour : Bamboo Forest, Golden Temple, Fushimi Inari