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 inside a traditional Miyajima house that is approximately 150 years old.
• 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
[10:05] Guided tour of the Yamamoto Residence
            – Introduction to the charm of the Yamamoto Residence, built about 150 years ago
            – Explanation of today’s program and important notes
            – Brief lesson on guest etiquette
[10:20] Tea ceremony experience
            Sayu ・ Sumitemae ・Usuchatemae (with a short break)
            Feel the charcoal, incense, fire, and ashes with all your senses at Sumitemae using authentic charcoal, and experience the distinctive, linear movements characteristic of the Ueda Soko Tradition of samurai tea ceremony.
[11:10] Break
            Relax and enjoy the stunning view overlooking Senjokaku Pavilion
            Informal conversation with the teacher
[11:25] Experience of the men's tea preparation rite and introduction of tea utensils
            Photo opportunities in the tea room and in the room with a view of Senjokaku Pavilion
[11:45] Reflections
           – Share your thoughts and feelings, including any changes in mindset before and after the experience
[12:00] End  

【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.

In this tea ceremony experience, you will learn the dignified and graceful men's tea preparation rite and guest etiquette of the Ueda Soko Tradition, which continues to be practiced in Hiroshima today, under the guidance of a teacher who has trained directly under 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：2 hours
  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：1 person
• Language support： Japanese, English (optional)
• Included：
  ・Two servings of matcha
  ・Fresh confectionery (namagashi)
  ・Dry confectionery (higashi)
• Excluded：
  ・English Interpreter (optional)
• Clothes： White socks are recommended.
• Participation requirements：Not recommended for travelers with back problems.
• Free WI-FI： No
• Toilet： Yes (Western-style) 
• Other things to note：
  ・For requests to use the electric kiln or for groups of four or more, please contact us.

【CANCELLATION POLICY】

Until 72 hours before the experience start time: 0%
From 72 hours before the experience start time to start time: 100%
Cancellation after the experience has started or cancellation without contact: 100%