Three tea bowls arranged on a tatami surface

Gatherings at Iron Pulse Portal

Three ways to sit with tea

Each gathering is shaped to a different kind of visit. All take place in the same quiet room, with the same unhurried attention. Choose the one that suits the time you have and the depth you are looking for.

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Before you choose

All three gatherings share the same foundation

Whichever gathering you attend, you will be received in the same room, by the same host, with the same quality of preparation. The differences between them are a matter of duration, depth, and what you leave knowing.

If you are unsure which is right for your visit, write to us before booking. We are glad to help you think it through.

First visit

Introductory Tea Gathering

¥3,800 per person

A guided sitting for newcomers who would like to experience a quiet tea ceremony from the beginning. A host prepares thin matcha and shares the simple etiquette of receiving and enjoying it, alongside a seasonal wagashi sweet. Held in a calm tatami room over roughly an hour, with room to ask questions at your own pace.

Suited to first-time guests and curious visitors to Kyoto. No knowledge of Japan, tea, or ceremony is needed — only a willingness to sit and receive.

What is included

One bowl of thin matcha, prepared by your host

One seasonal wagashi sweet

Introduction to the etiquette of receiving tea

Approximately one hour in a private tatami room

Time for questions with the host after the sitting

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For tea drinkers

Seasonal Matcha Tasting

¥6,400 per person

A seated tasting that moves through several grades of matcha, exploring how harvest, region, and preparation shape flavour and texture. Each bowl is whisked at the table and paired with a small sweet chosen for the season.

Suited to those who already enjoy tea and would like to deepen their understanding gently. Held over about ninety minutes with notes to take home. There is no examination involved — only tasting, conversation, and a growing sense of what distinguishes one bowl from another.

What is included

Three to four bowls of matcha from different grades and origins

Seasonal sweet paired to each tea

Written tasting notes to take home

Guided conversation on harvest, region, and preparation

Approximately ninety minutes in a private tatami room

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Seasonal Matcha Tasting — several bowls and grade comparison

Full experience

Half-Day Tea Immersion

¥18,500 per person

An unhurried half-day for those who wish to learn the practice more closely, covering the care of utensils, the whisking of matcha, and the spirit of hospitality at the heart of the ceremony. Includes hands-on guidance, two seasonal sweets, and a closing reflective sitting.

Limited to small groups so the pace stays personal. Suited to guests ready to spend a quiet morning or afternoon with the craft — those who want to understand not only how the ceremony looks but how it feels to be the one preparing it.

What is included

Hands-on guidance in whisking matcha and handling utensils

Two seasonal wagashi sweets

Study of utensil care and the principles behind each tool

Closing reflective sitting with tea prepared by the host

Half-day in a private tatami room (approximately three to four hours)

Maximum four guests, so the host can attend to each person

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At a glance

All three gatherings side by side

	Introductory	Matcha Tasting	Half-Day Immersion
Price	¥3,800	¥6,400	¥18,500
Duration	~1 hour	~90 minutes	~3–4 hours
Tea served	1 bowl of thin matcha	3–4 bowls, varied grades	Multiple, including one you prepare
Sweets	1 seasonal wagashi	Paired to each tea	2 seasonal wagashi
Hands-on	Etiquette of receiving	Tasting and discussion	Whisking, utensil care, full practice
Best suited to	First-time visitors	Tea enthusiasts	Those wanting to practise

Before you arrive

A few things that are helpful to know

Booking

All gatherings are by reservation. Write to us with your preferred date and gathering type and we will confirm availability, usually within one working day.

What to wear

Comfortable, modest clothing suits the setting. You will be seated on tatami, so shoes are removed at the entrance. Kimono is welcome but entirely optional.

Languages

Gatherings are held in English. If you have a preference for another language or would like to know whether it can be accommodated, please ask when you write.

Group size

Most gatherings welcome between one and six guests. The half-day immersion is limited to four. Solo visitors are as welcome as groups.

Dietary needs

The wagashi served are typically vegan. If you have specific dietary requirements or allergies, please let us know when booking and we will do our best to accommodate you.

Location

We are at 18 Gionmachi Minamigawa, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto — a short walk from Yasaka Shrine and the stone-paved lanes of Ninen-zaka. Detailed directions are provided on confirmation.

Reserve a place

If one of these gatherings feels right for your visit

Write to us with your preferred gathering and date. If you are unsure which suits you, we are glad to help you decide. There is no obligation in asking.

Write to us