160 year old Building Tour with Matcha and Kimono

A Closer Look at the 160 Year Old Building Tour with Matcha and Kimono in Kyoto

This tour promises a glimpse into a 160-year-old machiya, traditional Kyoto architecture, combined with a kimono choice and a matcha tasting in an antique setting. Priced at just over $14 per person, it aims to offer a quick cultural snapshot perfect for those wanting a taste of Kyoto’s historic charm. The tour’s shorter duration (around 20-30 minutes) and small group size (max 6 travelers) suggest a personalized experience—ideal for travelers with limited time or those seeking a relaxed, intimate peek into old Kyoto.

What we love most about this experience is the opportunity to explore a rare and well-preserved machiya that once served as a teahouse, complete with architectural details like hidden staircases and manual sliding doors. Combining this with a kimono dressing option and matcha tasting gives it a touch of authenticity—especially if you’re after a compact, culturally immersive activity.

On the flip side, one key consideration is the discrepancy between expectations and reality—particularly around the quality of the kimono experience and the organization of the tour. At just 20-30 minutes, it’s a very brief visit, which might leave some visitors feeling shortchanged if they’re expecting a full-fledged cultural ceremony or extensive history. Still, if you’re after a quick, budget-friendly way to see Kyoto’s architecture and enjoy some traditional treats, this might fit the bill.

This tour could suit travelers on a tight schedule, first-time visitors eager for a snapshot of Kyoto’s architecture, or those curious about kimono and matcha traditions. But it’s essential to keep expectations in check, especially after reading reviews that highlight some disappointment in the execution.

Key Points

• Brief but intimate: A short tour designed for small groups, ideal for quick cultural doses.
• Authentic architecture: Focus on a rare, 160-year-old machiya with special architectural features.
• Cultural touchpoints: Kimono options and matcha tasting add authentic Japanese elements.
• Mixed reviews: Some guests found the experience disorganized, with underwhelming kimono and tea offerings.
• Limited depth: The tour does not include a formal tea ceremony, which might disappoint those expecting that.
• Convenient location: Starting point near public transport makes it easy to include in a busy sightseeing schedule.

In-Depth Review of the Experience

Exploring a 160-Year-Old Machiya

Walking into this machiya, you’re stepping into a slice of Kyoto’s past. The building’s architecture—probably built for teahouses serving maiko and geisha—features narrow corridors, sliding doors with manual elevators, and hidden staircases. It’s not just a pretty facade; it’s a living piece of history. Visitors can admire the craftsmanship and imagine the lives once lived within these walls.

One reviewer pointed out that the guide’s narration was limited and sometimes unclear, partly due to language barriers. The explanations, while informative, may not satisfy history buffs looking for detailed history or cultural context. The focus appears more on showcasing the architecture and providing a setting for photos, rather than offering an in-depth lesson.

Kimono Experience: Authentic or Not?

Here’s where the experience hits a snag, according to reviews. You are given a choice of kimono styles—six princess-style variations or two samurai-style options. However, some guests described the robes as old, mothball-smelling, and not particularly akin to traditional kimonos. One reviewer expressed disappointment, saying, “He brought out some old mothball smelling robes and called them Kimonos,” which may leave expectations unmet for those wanting an authentic kimono experience.

On top of that, the tour does not include a full kimono dressing service. Instead, participants can choose from pre-selected robes, and there’s little time allocated for dressing or photos. If you’re hoping for a memorable kimono try-on, this tour may feel rushed and underwhelming.

Matcha Tasting and Sweets

The matcha component is a highlight for fans of Japanese tea. Served in an antique bowl, the matcha experience is quite straightforward—no elaborate ceremony, but a chance to sip green tea in a traditional setting. The sweets provided accompany the matcha, adding a nice touch.

One reviewer mentioned that the tea was served in a tatami room, giving an authentic feel, but also noted that the tour’s focus was not on the tea itself but on the overall environment. If you’re after an immersive tea ceremony, you’ll find this experience somewhat superficial, as it’s more about tasting than learning.

The Itinerary Breakdown

The tour begins at Sawai 4-chome 320 Miyagawasuji, an accessible point near public transportation in Higashiyama Ward. It then moves to the Miyagawacho Kaburenjo, a structure dating back 160 years. Walking through, you get a chance to view the architecture, sliding doors, and the hidden staircase—elements that truly are treasures for architecture lovers.

Guests can also go up to the third floor to take photos in a uchikake (traditional kimono for bridal wear) or samurai-style kimono, with views over Miyagawa-cho streets. While the photo opportunities are appealing, some visitors have expressed frustration over the limited or disorganized nature of the photo shoot process.

The tour concludes back at the starting point, making it a compact, easy-to-include activity in a day of sightseeing.

Authenticity, Value, and Overall Impression

This tour’s value largely depends on your expectations. At $14, it’s undeniably affordable and offers a quick peek into Kyoto’s architecture and some traditional elements. However, reviews hint at a lack of depth and professionalism. One reviewer lamented, “The tour barely spoke English, and the experience was totally disorganized,” highlighting potential communication issues.

It’s also important to note that the experience is not a traditional tea ceremony but rather a matcha tasting in a historic setting. If you’re after a full culture or a detailed history lesson, this tour may fall short.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience is most suitable for those with limited time in Kyoto, looking for a quick, snapshot-style activity. It’s ideal for travelers interested in architecture, curious about kimono styles, or wanting a simple matcha tasting without the commitment of a full tea ceremony.

But if you’re seeking an authentic, in-depth cultural experience with professional kimono dressing or a proper tea ceremony, you might want to look elsewhere. It’s also worth considering that the experience’s brevity and some reviews pointing out disorganization mean it’s better as a light, fun addition rather than a core activity.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for children?
Most travelers can participate, and the experience is brief, making it accessible for children. However, very young children might find the tour too short or not engaging enough.

Does the tour include a full kimono dressing service?
No, the tour does not provide full kimono dressing. You select from existing robes, which may not resemble traditional kimonos, and there’s little time for dressing or photos.

Will I get a traditional tea ceremony?
No, the tour offers matcha tasting, not a formal tea ceremony. The focus is on tasting green tea in a historic setting.

How long is the tour?
The experience lasts approximately 20 to 30 minutes, making it a very quick activity.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at Sawai 4-chome 320 Miyagawasuji and finishes back at the starting point.

Is there a lot of walking involved?
The tour involves walking through a historic building and around the vicinity, but it’s not physically demanding.

What’s the price for this experience?
The cost is around $14.26 per person, which is quite affordable for such a brief cultural snapshot.

Are there any discounts or flexible cancellation options?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance, offering peace of mind if your plans change.

Is the experience suitable for solo travelers or couples?
Yes, with a maximum of 6 travelers, it’s well-suited for small groups, couples, or solo travelers wanting a private yet brief activity.

In essence, this tour offers a lightweight, inexpensive peek into Kyoto’s traditional architecture with a dash of kimono fun and matcha. While it’s not a profound or highly organized experience, it can be a charming, if somewhat superficial, way to add a cultural touch to a busy Kyoto trip—if you keep expectations in check and view it as a fleeting moment rather than an in-depth lesson.