Kurabi | Nara tea ceremony

Join Kurabi’s top rated authentic Japanese tea ceremony in Nara

Looking for a peaceful escape from busy sightseeing? Kurabi's tea ceremony offers a rare opportunity to experience true Japanese hospitality (omotenashi) through all five senses. Located in a historic neighborhood, it is the best place to relax and meditate during your trip in Nara.

PLAN YOUR TEA CEREMONY

¥ 7,200

per person

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Loved by our guests: 5 out of 5 stars on

"The tea ceremony was really well made."
He showed us how to properly do this ceremony. We also tasted local sweets and made our own matcha. The experience was good. If you want to experience the Japanese tea culture I would really recommend this course.
— Jakob, Germany
Google.com
"We enjoyed a serene and calm experience."
We learned the steps of preparing and drinking the matcha tea. Kurabi was thoughtful and shared his deep knowledge and reverence for the ceremony. Yet he also had a sense of humor too. Thank you for our shared time.
— Kim, Poland
Google.com
"Very great experience, a must to do while in Nara."
Our tea ceremony host, Mike, was very informative and knowledgeable. We learned a lot and tasted some sweets, a refreshing cold tea, as well as a couple cups of matcha, one we made ourselves.
— Danny, Canada
Google.com
"Fantastic tea ceremony experience."
The staff were incredibly kind, knowledgeable, and well-prepared. We learned everything from how to prepare matcha to the history of Nara, and finished with some very useful recommendations on places to visit. Highly recommended!
— Nicola, Italy
Google.com
"Mike was a perfect tea ceremony master."
We learned a lot about the history and how to make the perfect matcha! He’s very friendly and gave us many tips for the rest of our trip to Japan! Thank you so much
— Ricarda, Spain
Google.com

BOOK NOW

Nara tea ceremony experience

General information

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1 hour

7,200

1-10 people

Location

15 minutes walk from Kintetsu Nara station

pick up service not included

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Nara city, Kurabi salon

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Description

Find beauty in a moment of stillness

Through the quiet experience of sharing a single bowl of tea, discover a new perspective on beauty, presence, and the meaning behind every movement.

Discover the spirit of tea ceremony

Experience hands-on matcha preparation and enjoy a bowl of tea you create yourself, paired with seasonal wagashi sweets.

Prepare and enjoy your own matcha

Learn the history, etiquette, and essential tools of the Japanese tea ceremony, understanding the values of hospitality and mindfulness behind each gesture.

What's included?

Tea ceremony introduction and guidance

Hands-on matcha preparation experience

Seasonal wagashi (Japanese sweets)

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Cancellation policy

We will charge a cancellation fee of 30% if booking is cancelled 7 days or less before the event

We will charge a cancellation fee of 50% if booking is cancelled 3 days or less before the event

We will charge a cancellation fee of 100% if booking is cancelled 1 day or less before the event

Experience tea ceremony in Nara, the Kurabi way

Taste local Japanese matcha
The matcha served at Kurabi’s tea ceremony comes from one of Japan’s oldest tea-growing regions, just outside historic Nara. Once part of the Kōfuku-ji Temple estate and later an Imperial domain, the area remains a renowned producer of Uji tea. Its fertile soil and ideal climate create a premium matcha with a rich aroma, smooth texture, and deep umami—offering an authentic taste of Nara’s tea culture.
Discover our organic tea farm day tour
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Decode the zen secrets and Japanese hanging scroll (kakejiku)
Step into the serene world of the Japanese tea ceremony, where every detail holds a profound spiritual meaning. Among the most critical elements of this ritual is the kakejiku (hanging scroll) displayed in the alcove (tokonoma). Let's learn about hanging scrolls, an essential element of tea ceremonies, together with Kurabi. Far from mere decoration, these scrolls serve as a spiritual compass, setting the theme, season, and mindful focus for your experience.
Discover our meditation (zazen) experience
Discover our brush crafting and calligraphy experience

Savor seasonal Japanese sweets (wagashi) from Nara
No Japanese tea ceremony is complete without beautiful seasonal wagashi, delicately crafted to complement the flavor of matcha. We carefully select these traditional sweets from one of Nara's long-established confectionery shops, where artisans have preserved their craftsmanship for generations. Inspired by the changing seasons, each wagashi is both a work of art and a reflection of Japanese culture. During your experience, you can choose your favorite sweet to enjoy with your tea.
Discover our wagashi confectionery experience

Discover one-of-a-kind Japanese tea bowls
Elevate your matcha experience with our exclusive collection of unique, one-of-a-kind tea bowls (chawan). At Kurabi Salon, you can choose your favorite bowl to use during your tea ceremony or take home as a lasting memory of your journey. Among them are bowls made in Akahadayaki, a traditional style of pottery from Nara with a history spanning centuries. Each piece reflects the region’s distinctive craftsmanship and the deep connection between Japanese ceramics, tea, and spirituality.
Discover our deer figurine pottery workshop

Explore the history of Japanese tea tools (chasen and chashaku)
The bamboo chasen (tea whisk) and chashaku (tea spoon) used in the tea ceremony embody generations of tradition and craftsmanship. In Nara, these tools are deeply rooted in the region’s tea culture, while the chasen is traditionally crafted by skilled artisans in Takayama, a historic production center just outside Nara. The chashaku itself carries a heritage of over 100 years, connecting each piece to the craftsmanship and history of the region.
Discover our tea whisk (chasen) crafting experience
Discover our tea spoon crafting experience

Meet your English-speaking tea master and artisan: Mike
The key to an authentic experience is the host who guides you. At Kurabi Salon, our tea master Mike brings the deep traditions of Japan to life in English, making the experience both personal and easy to understand. Depending on the day, your ceremony may also be guided by one of our other skilled tea masters, each bringing their own knowledge and style to the experience.

BOOK YOUR TEA CEREMONY

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FAQ

Is English support available?

Yes, all experiences are available in English.

Can beginners participate?

Yes! Our guides and artisans provide thorough support to ensure beginners can enjoy the experience with ease. No prior knowledge or skills are required.

Can I cancel my reservation?

Cancellations are handled according to our cancellation policy. Please refer to the information provided at the time of booking.

Can I take photos or videos during the experience?

In general, photography and video recording are allowed, so you can capture your memories. However, we ask that you be mindful of other participants and the flow of the program.

What happens in the event of an injury or accident?

In case of injury or accident, we will provide prompt support and insurance coverage where applicable.

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