Tondaya is a kimono wholesaler operated by the Tanaka family for generations. Initially, the Tanaka family had run a money exchanger for 10 generations in a different place. Then they have moved to Nishijin where a kimono industry was growing and built the existing house in 1885. The house consists of a store front and living space in the rear, which is called Omoteya Tsukuri style of architect.

The present owner of Tondaya, 13th Tanaka Mineko has opened Tondaya to the public as Lifestyle Museum where you can EXPERIENCE Japan since the building was registered as national cultural asset in 1999. It was also registered as structure of landscape of importance in Kyoto in 2007 and now is a classic example of a Meiji period large-scale merchant house.

Tondaya’s tea room is a typical traditional 4-and-a-half tatami room. It is named “Rakujusou” by the 9th head master of Mushakoji-Senke, one of the famous tea schools in Kyoto. In this tea room you can enjoy not only tea ceremony but seasonal decorations such as a hanging scroll and flower arrangement. Besides the decorations, tea utensils are also carefully selected to match that season or that particular day by the owner of Tondaya. She’s saying, “You don’t need to be expert on sado (the way of tea) when you are invited to a tea ceremony. The tea ceremony etiquette varies from schools to schools. Most important thing is to enjoy the tea and the moment when you are gathering together at once-in-a-lifetime chance. Basic etiquette that I teach you at Tondaya will help you complete your precious experience.” By having a tea ceremony with kimono you will get glimpse of heart of Japan.

This is the place where the Tanaka family still lives. It means every seasonal event is held according to tradition, and that is why you can see the real life style of Japanese. In addition to tea and kimono experiences, more of fun options are available at Tondaya. Please feel at home in Tondaya as you are invited to your friend's house.