The Meaning of PlaceWhat it means to experience culture in the sacred home of kimono and tea
Nishijin is the historic quarter where Kyoto's kimono weaving and tea culture were nurtured for centuries. Its traditional streetscape and quiet, storied atmosphere still carry the character of old Kyoto today.
Tondaya is a machiya townhouse of more than 140 years, recognised as a National Registered Tangible Cultural Property. To wear a kimono and share a bowl of tea within these historic walls is an experience no photograph or film can replicate.
OmotenashiThree reasons this house stays with you
01Beautiful moments, captured on your own phone
Every corner of Tondaya is picture‑perfect. Our staff use your own smartphone to help capture you in kimono against our historic garden, or holding a tea bowl and hishaku in our tea room — so you leave with a truly personal record of a National Cultural Property.
02No language barrier — a guide in your own words
Choose your language at our multilingual reception robot, scan the QR code with your phone, and explore detailed explanations of the house and its culture in Japanese, English, Chinese, Korean, French or Spanish, at your own pace.
03A 140‑year‑old house, still breathing with prayer
Built using traditional charcoal‑based construction methods that keep the home comfortable through Kyoto's seasons, Tondaya reflects the Japanese belief in harmony between dwelling and nature — with seasonal rituals of gratitude still observed within its walls today.
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Cultural Experiences
Immerse yourself in unique experiences that showcase the distinctive worldview and artistry of Japan.
Kimono Experience
An authentic kimono experience by Tondaya, a former kimono wholesaler. Choose from a wide range of kimono with professional dressing support. Enjoy a house tour and photo opportunities after dressing.
Reservations & Details
Tea Ceremony Experience (no kimono・Share Plan)
Watch the tea master’s performance and learn not only the proper way to enjoy tea and sweets, but also the spirit of tea ceremony. This plan allows you to enjoy tea sitting on chairs without wearing a kimono, making it recommended for those who prefer not to sit on tatami mats or cannot sit in the traditional seiza posture.
Reservations & Details
Tea Ceremony Experience (Special Tea Room "Rakuju"・Share Plan)
Experience an authentic tea ceremony in a traditional tea room. An authentic tea ceremony experience in a tea room supervised by an Iemoto (Grand Master). Recommended for those with an authentic taste who want to enjoy a solemn atmosphere that cannot be experienced anywhere else.
Reservations & Details
Ikebana Experience
Experience the Japanese art of Ikebana using seasonal flowers. Discover its unique spirit and beauty while creating your own arrangement. Enjoy a photo with your finished work.
Reservations & Details
Japanese Calligraphy Experience
Learn how to use a brush and prepare ink in this authentic calligraphy experience. After practice, create your final work on a shikishi board and take it home with your brush.
Reservations & Details
Kodo (Japanese Incense Ceremony) Experience
Experience the basics of Kodo through a Japanese incense ceremony. Learn the art of Monko (listening to incense) while discovering its manners and aesthetics.
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Dining & Culinary Experiences
Experience culture through food. Enjoy our special menu while fully savoring the atmosphere of a historic machiya townhouse.
Traditional Bento Experience
Enjoy a traditional bento in a historic tea room passed down for nearly 100 years. Savor seasonal dishes with soup, tea, and sweets, plus a guided tour of the machiya, a true cultural heritage.
Reservations & Details
Machiya Light-Up Dinner Experience
Enjoy a special Kyoto kaiseki illuminated dinner in a 140-year-old historic machiya. Includes a guided tour of the cultural property for a truly unique experience.
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Sake Tasting Experience
Enjoy tasting five different types of Japanese sake in the 140-year-old historic machiya Tondaya. Savor each flavor while admiring the garden and traditional house. Includes a guided machiya tour.
Reservations & Details
Obanzai Cooking Experience
Learn to cook Kyoto’s traditional home-style dishes, Obanzai, using seasonal ingredients. Enjoy your meal for lunch after cooking, with a guided tour of the historic machiya included. Reservation required 24 hours in advance.
Reservations & Details
Sushi Roll Making Experience
Join our sushi cooking class and learn authentic sushi roll making from a sushi chef. Enjoy your handmade sushi for lunch. Includes a guided tour of the 140-year-old historic machiya. Reservation required 24 hours in advance.
Reservations & Details
Nigiri Sushi Making Experience
Learn authentic nigiri sushi making from a sushi chef. Enjoy your handmade sushi for lunch. Includes a guided tour of the 140-year-old historic machiya. Reservation required 10 days in advance.
Reservations & Details
Japanese Sweets Making Experience
Learn authentic Japanese sweets making, then enjoy your creations with tea. (Includes a guided tour of the 140-year-old historic machiya.) Reservation required 10 days in advance.
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Traditional Performing Arts Experience
Touch traditional musical instruments, learn classic dances, and immerse yourself in the world of Japanese performing arts.
Japanese Dance Experience
Experience the basics of traditional Japanese dance while wearing kimono. Learn graceful movements and elegant posture, and enjoy beautiful photo moments. Includes a guided tour of the 140-year-old historic machiya.
Reservations & Details
Koto Experience
Enjoy a traditional Japanese koto experience. Listen to a live performance by the instructor, then try playing the koto yourself with guidance. Reservation required at least 1 week in advance.
Reservations & Details
Shamisen Experience
Enjoy a traditional Japanese shamisen experience. Listen to a live performance by the instructor, then try playing the shamisen yourself with guidance. Reservation required at least 1 week in advance.
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Experiences Rooted in Daily Life
You can experience traditional games and activities born from everyday Japanese life.
Origami Experience
Experience the traditional Japanese art of origami, creating various shapes from a single sheet of paper. Take your finished work home as a special memory of your trip.
Reservations & Details
Sachet Making Experience
An experience of making a traditional Japanese scent sachet (koubukuro), bringing traditional crafts closer to daily life. All tools and materials are provided, so you can enjoy it completely empty-handed.
Reservations & Details
Traditional Court Games Experience
Choose either Kai-awase or Tosenkyo and experience elegant traditional Japanese court games once enjoyed by nobles in the Heian era. Discover their beauty and cultural charm.
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Special Occasions
Bespoke moments, from tradition to celebration.
SPECIAL EXPERIENCE
We offer special, fully customized experiences tailored to your exact wishes. From adults to children, and individuals to large groups, we accommodate all scales. Enjoy a one-of-a-kind combination of activities—such as learning from traditional artisans, cosplay photography, or spiritual experiences.
Contact
Hand-Dyeing Experience
Experience Kyoto’s traditional Yuzen hand-dyeing in an authentic workshop. Learn directly from skilled artisans and create your own unique piece while discovering Japan’s rich dyeing culture.
Reservations & Details
Rickshaw Experience
Enjoy a 30-minute rickshaw ride through Nishijin’s historic streets. Up to 2 guests per rickshaw. Includes a guided tour of the 140-year-old historic machiya. Reservation required 1 week in advance.
Reservations & Details
Maiko & Geiko Ozashiki Experience
Experience an authentic Maiko & Geiko ozashiki at the 140-year-old historic machiya. Enjoy dance, tea, ozashiki games, conversation, and photos. Lunch, happy hour, and dinner courses are available.
Reservations & Details
Seasonal Cultural Events
Japan has many traditional events that change with the seasons. Enjoy seasonal culture and customs together with your meal, and experience the beauty of Japan’s four seasons.
Reservations & Details
Machiya Wedding Ceremony
Experience a traditional Japanese wedding in a historic Kyoto machiya. Wear an ornate uchikake kimono and take vows in a sacred Shinto-inspired ceremony at a 140-year-old cultural property.
Reservations & Detailsよくある質問
AboutTondaya -Nishijin Japanese Cultural Experience Museum
Address: 697 Ishiyakushi-cho, Kamigyo Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
Hours: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Closed: January 1st and December 31st
Phone: 075-432-6701