Kitano Tenmangu Baikasai Tea Ceremony

To plan your trip, review Kyoto City Official Travel Guide.

To plan your trip, review Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO).

Geiko and maiko from the nearby Kamishichiken district serve the tea. They perform an elegant outdoor ceremony called Nodate. You can watch them prepare matcha with great precision. This is a highlight of the Kitano Tenmangu plum festival each year.

Tickets for the tea service cost about 2,000 yen. This price includes a bowl of matcha and a sweet treat. You also get a small ceramic plate as a souvenir. Be sure to arrive early as tickets sell out fast.

The shrine grounds feature over 1,500 plum trees. The scent of blossoms fills the air during the ceremony. It is a sensory experience you will never forget. The 2026 event promises to be especially vibrant and busy.

Elegant Tea at Jonangu Shrine

Jonangu Shrine is famous for its spectacular weeping plum trees. These trees have long branches that droop toward the ground. They look like pink waterfalls of flowers in late February. The shrine offers a refined tea experience in its garden.

You can enjoy matcha at the Rakusuien garden tea house. The tea room overlooks a pond and many blooming trees. It provides a peaceful escape from the city crowds. Check the Jonangu plum blossom 2026 dates before your visit.

The tea service usually costs around 1,000 yen per person. This includes a seasonal Japanese sweet shaped like a blossom. The staff explains the history of the garden in Japanese. Even without the language, the beauty is very clear.

Walking through the mossy paths after tea is highly recommended. The contrast between green moss and pink petals is stunning. This shrine is perfect for those who love garden photography. It offers some of the best plum blossom tea ceremonies in Kyoto.

Zuishin-in Temple Plum Garden Tea

Zuishin-in Temple is a hidden gem in southeast Kyoto. It was the home of the famous poet Ono no Komachi. The temple is known for a unique variety of plum trees. These 'Hanezu' plums have a deep, vibrant pink color.

The temple hosts a special tea ceremony during the peak bloom. You can sit on red felt mats under the trees. This traditional seating allows you to feel close to nature. It is one of the best times for plum blossoms in the city.

Entry to the garden costs 500 yen for adults. The tea service is an additional fee of 600 yen. The atmosphere here is much quieter than Kitano Tenmangu. You can truly relax and enjoy the floral fragrance.

The plum garden usually peaks in mid to late March. This is later than many other spots in Kyoto. It is a great choice if you miss the early blooms. The temple also features beautiful sliding door paintings inside.

How to Join a Plum Tea Ceremony

Attending a tea ceremony requires some simple preparation. Most events do not require a formal reservation in advance. However, you should buy your tickets as soon as you arrive. Popular spots like Kitano Tenmangu have very long lines.

Wear warm clothing because most ceremonies are held outdoors. February and March in Kyoto can be quite chilly. Bring a pair of thick socks if you enter temples. You will need to remove your shoes at the door.

Respect the quiet atmosphere of the tea service. Wait for your turn to receive the bowl of matcha. Bow slightly to the server to show your gratitude. Drink the tea in three or four small sips.

For more travel details, visit the Kyoto City Official Travel Guide online. They provide updated schedules for all seasonal festivals in 2026. This helps you plan your itinerary with accurate information. Enjoy the best plum blossom tea ceremonies in Kyoto safely.