• In Japan, Sadou (Chadou) is not about just manners of how to drink a matcha, but it is about art of living, one’s inquisitive mind for its inner beauty. A master of Sadou prepares a matcha with its utmost consideration for a guest. He or she will decorate a tea room with seasonal flowers and hang a proper hanging scroll, wear Kimono and prepare tea utensils. The whole process of a tea ceremony is based on one’s hospitality, Japanese Omotenashi spirit.
• Through this tour, our knowledgeable tea master will teach you a simple manner of attending a tea ceremony, how to enter the tea room, how to enjoy the special setup of the tea room and how to drink a matcha properly. You will also be able to learn a spirit of Japanese hospitality, Omotenashi.
• We hope that you will enjoy an authentic tea culture through this tour.
• Kenninji is the oldest Zen temple in Kyoto, located in the middle of Gion district.
• Through the temple walking tour, guide will show a world of Zen Buddhist culture!

Kenninji is the oldest Zen temple in Kyoto, located in the middle of Gion district. The temple was founded by Yousai Zen master in 1202. Yosai is known as who brought back a methods of tea cultivation and tea drinking culture to Japan from China. And then, tea culture was popularized widely and Japanese style of tea culture was developed through the era. Through the temple walking tour, guide will show a world of Zen Buddhist culture such as majestic Dry Landscape Garden. In addition, temple’s great art works such as Wind and Thunder Gods screen, Twin Dragons（108 tatami mats in size！） on the celling of the Dharma Hall are also fascinating points of this tour. Time Schedule Kenninji walking tour with a guide (45 minutes) --- Zen gardens, art collections and Dharma Hall. Tea ceremony experience at Kenninji's private tea room (45minutes ～ 1hour)