Learn the Basics of a Japanese Tea Ceremony!
- Duration: 90 Minutes (approx.)
- Location: Taito-ku, Tokyo
- Product code: EN-TKO-1051-10512
【OUTLINE】
Come and learn the etiquette, rituals, and philosophies behind one of Japan's oldest cultural practices: tea ceremony. In this experience you can try some matcha (Japanese green tea) while a certified instructor lectures on the Japanese tea ceremony, focusing on the background and the meaning of the ceremony in relation to ideas of Zen philosophy. You will also learn about the basics of the tea ceremony, focusing on the significance and techniques behind making matcha, how to serve tea to customers, how to appreciate the utensils and tea bowls, and the proper etiquette or Japanese-style hospitality (omotenashi) used in the ceremony.
【HIGHLIGHTS】
- This workshop is nearby one of the most popular tourist spots in Japan, Sensoji Temple.
- Enjoy matcha (the thick, koicha kind) and Japanese sweets made by a certified instructor.
- Listen to an explanation about tea ceremony, including its historical and cultural background.
- Learn the proper etiquette of the tea ceremony and the appreciation of utensils and other pieces of art.
【SCHEDULE】
Arrival→Watch a video about the tea ceremony while enjoying cherry-blossom tea →Introduction of the tea room and the etiquette of “Koicha”→Practical lesson→End
【DETAILS】
This your chance to experience the world of the tea ceremony, an ancient practice of Japanese culture, in the popular tourist spot of Asakusa. In this experience, you can learn from a certified instructor about the history and culture of tea and authentic tea ceremonies. After the lecture, you can experience making tea by yourself. Characteristic of the workshop is that you will touch upon the philosophy of zen, something that has been cherished in Japan for a long time. Wabi-sabi, a world-view specific to Japan that is centered on accepting and appreciating imperfection, is said based on Zen philosophy. It is said that once you learn about wabi-sabi and what it truly means, you get to the core of Japanese culture. Please explore Japan's long history and culture in this tea ceremony workshop!
The location of this experience is just near Sensoji Temple. We recommend you pay the temple a visit while sightseeing in Asakusa. The lecturer/staff will also take pictures of you during the experience. You will be able to download the photos from a dedicated site as memories of your trip.
【THINGS TO NOTE】
- Time:90 min.
- Meeting point: Urasenke Tea Ceremony Classroom Shizu-Kokoro
1-9-8, Nishi-asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo - Access:
① A 4-minute walk from Tawaramachi station on Tokyo Metro Ginza Line
Leave Tawaramachi station (G18) from Exit 3 and walk along Asakusa Dori Avenue for Ueno.
Cross the traffic light at APA Hotel Tawaramachi and turn right. Walk for 150 m.
You will see big Higashi-honganji Temple on your left. Turn right at the traffic light at the temple.
Walk for 20 m and you will find Shizu-kokoro on your right.
② A 9-minute walk from Asakusa station on Tokyo Metro Ginza Line
Leave Asakusa station (G19) from Exit 1 and walk along Kaminarimon Dori Avenue for 450 m in the direction of Kaminarimon Gate .
Cross the Kokusai Dori Avenue at the traffic light towards Tawaramachi Police Box.
Turn left at the police box and walk for 120 m.
You will see a flower shop on your left and Shizu-kokoro is the third house past the flower shop.
③ A 9-minute walk from Asakusa station on Toei Asakusa Line
Leave Asakusa station (A18) from A4 Exit and turn right along the alley.
Turn left at Kaminarimon Dori Avenue. Seeing Kaminarimon Gate on your right and walk along the avenue for 450 m.
Reach Kokusai Dori Avenue and cross the avenue towards Tawaramachi Police Box.
Turn left at the police box and walk for 120 m.
You will see a flower shop on your left and Shizu-kokoro is the third house past the flower shop.
④ A 9-minute walk from Asakusa station on Tobu Skytree Line
Leave Asakusa station (TS01) from the central exit and turn right at the crossing. Go in the direction of Kaminarimon Gate.
Seeing Kaminarimon Gate on your right, walk along Kaminarimon Dori Avenue for 450 m.
Reach Kokusai Dori Avenue and cross the avenue towards Tawaramachi Police Box.
Turn left at the police box and walk for 120 m.
You will see a flower shop on your left and Shizu-kokoro is the third house past the flower shop.
⑤ A 5-minute walk from Asakusa station on Tsukuba Express Line
Leave Asakusa station (TX03) from A2 Exit.
Go south along the Kokusai Dori Avenue for 250 m in the direction of Kaminarimon Dori Avenue.
You will see Tawaramachi Police Box ahead. Turn right at the police box and walk for 120 m.
Find a flower shop on your left and Shizu-kokoro is the third house past the flower shop.
- Language support:Japanese, English menu and English-speaking staff available
- Included : A cup of Cherry blossom tea, Two kinds of matcha (Koicha・Usucha)、3 kinds of Japanese sweets
- Participation requirements :10 years and above
- Free Wi-Fi :X
- The reception starts 10 minutes before the program starts.
- If you arrive during the main ceremony, which starts about 15 min. into the workshop for about 15 min., we may ask that you to wait until the ceremony is completed to avoid disturbing other participants. Therefore, we ask that you select the time carefully. We appreciate your understanding.
- If seiza (kneeling or sitting on one's heels) is difficult for you, we offer you a chair instead. Reservations are recommended.
Please note that miniskirts, tight pants, and bare feet are NOT recommended.
【Fun Facts】
Chado, "tea ceremony" in Japanese, was established more than 400 years ago in Japan. It was a spiritual discipline for upper-class samurai and successful merchants at that time. The practice has continued into modern times without changing its fundamental form and style, and there are still many people studying and enjoying the activity worldwide. The concept of chado is based on Zen philosophy, and the ritualistic procedures require years of practice and discipline to master. Through the practice of chado, one can cultivate self-esteem, focus, discipline, and a sense of inner peace.
【Nearby area introduction】
The main object of worship at the Sensoji Temple, which is the oldest temple in the Tokyo area, is the holy Kanzeon Bosatsu. People do not wish for specific things such as marriage or a thriving business, but instead, pray for the various wishes in the hearts of the people to be fulfilled by the blessed Buddha. There are rules when it comes to praying at a temple, such as scooping water with a ladle in the small purification fountain and washing your left hand and right hand (in that order), rinsing your mouth with the water using your left hand, and leaving the ladle stood up when you're finished so the rest of the water will flow back. Now, you are purified!
【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
※Right after the online settlement is made, a cancellation fee of 10% will be incurred in case of cancellation.
※The cancellation fee includes handling charges.