CHARAKU
Kyoto Tea Ceremony Experience
About us
About Charaku
A bowl of matcha. A closer connection to Japan.
Charaku is a tea ceremony experience in a traditional machiya townhouse on Ninenzaka, in Kyoto’s historic Higashiyama district. Our upstairs tatami room overlooks Ichinenzaka, offering a welcoming place to pause during your exploration of Kyoto.
We share the stories, customs, and small details that bring Japanese tea culture to life—from the meaning behind a host’s movements to the way guests enjoy a bowl of matcha. With explanations in English and time for questions, we welcome you to discover tea ceremony at your own pace.
Meet your host
Hi, I’m Naoya, your host at Charaku.
My family’s involvement in matcha sales and my experience learning tea ceremony at a temple inspired me to share Japanese tea culture with visitors to Kyoto.
I created Charaku to make tea ceremony approachable, especially for those experiencing it for the first time. During our time together, I explain the utensils, etiquette, and ideas behind the ceremony in English, and help you prepare your own matcha.
Please feel free to ask questions. I hope you leave with a memory of Kyoto and a deeper understanding of the culture behind each bowl of tea.
Our Historic Home
Charaku’s tea room is on the second floor of Grapevine Cafe, a traditional machiya townhouse near Kodai-ji Temple in Kyoto. Believed to be around 120 years old, the building once served as both a doll shop and a family home.
After inheriting the property, the current owner renovated it into Grapevine Cafe in 2016. Guided by a desire to carry its history and traditions forward as faithfully as possible, the owner preserved its original atmosphere, doors, and furniture wherever possible.
Today, this historic setting offers a place to experience Japanese tea culture while enjoying the character of an old Kyoto home.
