Experience Traditional Samurai Tea Ceremony in the Yamamoto House Tea Room

【OUTLINE】

This is a private plan to experience Utsukushiki, the dignified and beautiful tea ceremony of the warlords associated with Hiroshima, at a traditional residence on Miyajima Island.

【HIGHLIGHTS】

• Enjoy an outstanding view of the five-story pagoda of Itsukushima Shrine, built in 1407, right in front of the house. 
  
• The tea ceremony room is part of a 150-year-old traditional mansion residence. 
• The samurai tea ceremony is a part of Hiroshima's 400-year history and is performed by a teacher who has been trained by the head of a samurai tea house. 
• The tea ceremony utensils used are all are made on Miyajima Island. 
  

【SCHEDULE】

[10:00] Meet-up

[10:02] Introduction includes an explanation of the day's schedule and precautions

[10:05] Yamamoto residence tour: An explanation of the history behind the 100-year-old Yamamoto residence.

[10:20] Lecture: Set-up for the tea ceremony using a charcoal furnace.

[10:35] Tea Etiquette: Experience the simple and masculine movements of the Ueda Soko Tradition, also known as the tea of the daimyo.

[11:05] Break: Enjoy refreshments and chat with the teacher while gazing at the five-story pagoda.

[11:20] Men's Tea Preparation Rite: Experience the men's tea preparation rite, including an introduction of tea utensils.

[11:35] Photo Opportunity: Take photos in the relaxed atmosphere of the tea room.

[11:40] Reflecting on the Ceremony: Discuss any changes in the mind from before and after the experience and more.

[12:00] End of Ceremony   

【DETAILS】

Have you ever heard of the Ueda Soko Tradition of Japanese Tea Ceremony?

The name Sen no Rikyu is well-known when it comes to the tea ceremony, but many have not heard of Ueda Soko. He was a warrior-teacher who studied under Sen no Rikyu and Furuta Oribe. He entered Hiroshima at the beginning of the Edo period as the first daimyo of the Asano family of the Hiroshima domain.

During this tea ceremony, you will learn about the dignified and beautiful men's tea ceremony of the Ueda Soko Tradition, which continues in Hiroshima today, from a teacher who has been trained by the head of the school. The location of the tea ceremony is in a traditional mansion on Miyajima Island that has been preserved and has an excellent view of the five-story pagoda of Itsukushima Shrine.

If you are interested in a unique Japanese tea ceremony experience, please join us.

【THINGS TO NOTE】

• Duration：120 minutes
  Meeting point： Nipponcha Miyajima Yamashin [MAP]
  411-1 Miyajima-cho, Hatsukaichi-shi, Hiroshima 739-0521
  
• Access：
  10 minute walk from Miyajima Pier
  *To the right immediately after the tunnel in front of ETTO Miyajima Exchange Center
• Minimum number of participants：2 persons
• Language support： Japanese
• Included： Matcha (dark green tea and light green tea), tea cakes
• Clothes： White socks are recommended.
• Participation requirements：
  ・Not recommended for travelers with back problems.
• Free WI-FI： No
• Toilet： Yes (Western-style) 

【CANCELLATION POLICY】

7 to 4 days before the tour date: 40% of the tour price
3 to 2 days before the tour date: 60% of the tour price
The day before the tour date, on the day of the tour: 100% of the tour price