Tea Ceremony at Former Imperial Villa in Mishima near Mt. Fuji by Taian
Exclusive Imperial Access: Enjoy rare, private interior access to Umegoten, an 1890 royal retreat and Tangible Cultural Property usually closed to the public.
Authentic Omotesenke Ritual: Learn the deep philosophies of "Wabi-Sabi" and "Ichigo Ichie" directly from an experienced tea master with over 30 years of practice.
Hands-on Matcha Experience: Whisk your own ceremonial-grade matcha prepared with pure Mt. Fuji spring water, perfectly paired with seasonal wagashi sweets.
Prime Accessibility: Located in Rakujuen Park just steps from Mishima Station, only 50 minutes from Tokyo via the Tokaido Shinkansen.
Intimate Garden Setting: Savor a serene, small-group atmosphere surrounded by lush historic Japanese gardens with ample time for questions and photos.
Package options
Product Info
[ About the Experience ]
Experience an authentic 90-minute tea ceremony at Umegoten, a former imperial villa in Rakujuen Park, just steps from Mishima Station (approx. 50 minutes from Tokyo by Shinkansen). Built in 1890 as a retreat for Prince Komatsu Akihito, uncle to Emperor Meiji, this historic villa is designated as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property. Normally closed to the general public, it is opened exclusively for our private guests.
Guided by an accredited tea master with over 30 years of practice in the traditional Omotesenke school, you will enjoy seasonal wagashi sweets and matcha prepared with Mt. Fuji’s pure spring water, observe authentic tea rituals up close, whisk your own bowl under gentle guidance, and photograph the serene historic architecture and gardens.
[ Itinerary & Experience Flow ]
01. Meet at Umegoten
Arrive at the entrance of Umegoten in front of Rakujukan inside Rakujuen Park at your reserved time.
02. Welcome & Introduction
Taian staff will outline the session, explain the history of the tearoom, and introduce the core spirit of the Japanese tea ceremony (Wabi-Sabi).
03. Watch the Traditional Tea Preparation
Sit comfortably and observe the formal and meditative tea preparation (temae) performed up close by the Taian host.
04. Savor Matcha & Seasonal Sweets
Enjoy freshly whisked ceremonial-grade matcha alongside handcrafted seasonal Japanese sweets (wagashi). Take a moment to relax and immerse yourself in the peaceful ambiance.
05. Hands-on Matcha Making Experience
Try whisking your own bowl of delicious matcha using a traditional bamboo whisk (chasen). Our staff will provide step-by-step guidance so even first-timers can succeed.
06. Capture the Moment & Farewell
Take photos inside Umegoten, capturing its historic imperial elegance and timeless Japanese garden views.
[ Important Information ]
- Age Policy: Participants must be 13 years old or above to maintain the serene atmosphere.
- Clothing / Etiquette: Since the ceremony takes place on traditional tatami flooring, please wear or bring clean socks (bare feet and stockings without socks are not permitted).
- Rakujuen Park Entrance: Please note that Rakujuen Park requires a separate admission fee (¥300 per adult) at the park gate.
01. Gate of Umegoten
02. Welcome & Introduction
03. Watch the Traditional Tea Preparation
04. Savor Matcha & Seasonal Sweets
05. Hands-on Matcha Making Experience
06. Capture the Moment
What You Can Expect
Purchase Notice
- Age Restriction: Participants must be 13 years old or above.
- Accessibility / Physical Fitness: Umegoten is a historic 2-story wooden villa without elevators. Guests must be able to climb stairs independently to reach the 2nd-floor tea room (not wheelchair accessible).
Surcharge(s)
Rakujuen park administration fee: 300 yen
Rakujuen Park requires a separate entrance fee of ¥300 per adult, payable in Japanese Yen cash only at the park gate.
Reminders
Please arrive at the designated location 5 minute(s) before the scheduled departure time, as the tour will depart on time
How to Redeem Your Voucher
How to Use Your Voucher
- Please present the e-voucher on-site
Meeting Point
Location Name: Umegoten
Address: 日本、〒411-0036 静岡県三島市一番町１５−１５
Experience Location
Location Name: Umegoten in Rakujuen Park
Address: 日本、静岡県三島市一番町１５−１５Monday Closed
Tuesday Closed
Wednesday Closed
Thursday 10:30–14:30
Friday 10:30–14:30
Saturday Closed
Sunday Closed
Tours are generally held on Thursdays and Fridays, with two sessions per day: 10:30–12:00 and 13:00–14:30.
FAQs
1. Is the tea ceremony at Former Imperial Villa Umegoten a unique cultural experience?
Yes, the tea ceremony at Former Imperial Villa Umegoten offers a rare cultural experience. Held in a historic royal retreat from 1890, usually closed to the public, it provides exclusive interior access. Guests learn authentic Omotesenke rituals from a tea master, whisking matcha made with Mt. Fuji spring water in a serene garden setting, creating an intimate and unique encounter.
2. How can I get to the Tea Ceremony at Former Imperial Villa Umegoten in Mishima?
The Former Imperial Villa Umegoten is conveniently located within Rakujuen Park, just steps away from Mishima Station. If you are traveling from Tokyo, you can reach Mishima Station in approximately 50 minutes by taking the Tokaido Shinkansen. Upon arrival at Mishima Station, the venue is easily accessible within a short walking distance.
3. What kind of rituals and activities are part of the Taian Tea Ceremony at Umegoten?
During the Taian Tea Ceremony at Umegoten, you will observe traditional tea rituals led by an accredited tea master. The experience includes enjoying seasonal Japanese sweets and ceremonial-grade matcha, which is prepared with pure Mt. Fuji spring water. Guests also receive personal instruction to whisk their own bowl of matcha, followed by opportunities to photograph the beautiful garden views.
4. What is included in the Taian Tea Ceremony experience at the Former Imperial Villa Umegoten?
The Taian Tea Ceremony experience provides exclusive private interior access to the historic Umegoten villa, a site typically closed to the public. It encompasses participation in an authentic Omotesenke tea ritual, enjoying seasonal wagashi sweets and matcha made with Mt. Fuji spring water, and hands-on instruction to whisk your own matcha. Ample time for questions and photography in the serene garden is also included.
5. What makes the Former Imperial Villa Umegoten a special venue for a tea ceremony?
The Former Imperial Villa Umegoten is a special venue due to its historical significance and exclusivity. Designated as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property, this 1890 royal retreat, once for Prince Komatsu Akihito, is typically closed to the public. Its rare private interior access, combined with a serene garden setting, offers an intimate and authentic experience of Japanese tea culture in a truly unique historical atmosphere.
6. Can guests participate in preparing matcha during the Taian Tea Ceremony?
Yes, guests are actively encouraged to participate in preparing matcha during the Taian Tea Ceremony at Umegoten. Under the personal instruction of the experienced tea master, you will learn how to whisk your own ceremonial-grade matcha, using pure spring water sourced from Mt. Fuji. This hands-on segment is a core part of the immersive cultural experience, allowing for deeper engagement.
7. What philosophical aspects are taught by the tea master during the Umegoten Tea Ceremony?
During the Umegoten Tea Ceremony, the accredited tea master, with over 30 years of practice, shares insights into the deep philosophies of "Wabi-Sabi" and "Ichigo Ichie." These principles are central to the authentic Omotesenke ritual, enhancing your understanding of traditional Japanese tea culture beyond just the preparation and consumption of matcha itself.
8. How long is the tea ceremony at Former Imperial Villa Umegoten, and what is the typical group size?
The tea ceremony at Former Imperial Villa Umegoten is a 90-minute experience. It is designed as a small-group activity, ensuring an intimate atmosphere. This allows for personalized instruction from the tea master and provides ample time for guests to ask questions, engage with the rituals, and appreciate the serene surroundings of the historic Japanese gardens.
