Authentic Tea Ceremony Experience at a Master's Tea Room (Toshima Tea & Flower Culture Federation) | 1 Hour | Ikebukuro, Tokyo
Experience unique Japanese hospitality in a tea room that is actually in use, rather than a tourist facility.
● Demonstration by a master with over 20 years of teaching experience
Observe the beautiful tea preparation by an experienced master up close and learn about the spirit and etiquette of the tea ceremony.
● A special time to enjoy matcha and Japanese sweets
After the master's demonstration, spend a quiet, relaxing time enjoying matcha and seasonal Japanese sweets.
● Opportunity to prepare your own matcha
Those who wish can also participate in an experience where you prepare the matcha yourself.
● Peace of mind with an English-speaking guide
An English-speaking guide will accompany you and provide interpretation, ensuring that international guests can participate with confidence.
● Discover Japanese traditional culture in the Ikebukuro area
Experience authentic, locally-rooted Japanese culture in Ikebukuro, a city known for its subculture.
Package options
Product Info
What You Can Expect
1 Day
- The meeting point will be either Mejiro Station, Otsuka Station, or Ikebukuro Station. We will contact you once your reservation is confirmed.
- You will be invited to the home of a master belonging to the Toshima Tea and Flower Culture Federation. Experience authentic tea ceremony that you cannot taste in typical tourist experiences.
- You will need to remove your shoes before entering the Japanese-style room. We recommend bringing white socks if you wish to fully immerse yourself in the atmosphere.
- The instructor will welcome you and explain the flow of the day. Please rest assured that an English-speaking guide will provide interpretation.
- First, we will enjoy the sweets.
- We have prepared seasonal Japanese sweets (wagashi) for you. Please enjoy their beautiful appearance as well. (Photos are for illustrative purposes only. Each guest will be served one piece.)
- Observe the tea preparation up close, performed by an experienced master who has been teaching tea ceremony for many years.
- Experience the unique spiritual culture of Japan within the tranquil space of a tea room.
- Taste the tea prepared by the master.
- Please fully enjoy the quiet time created by the tea ceremony.
- Depending on the situation, you may also have the opportunity to experience preparing the tea yourself.
- Enjoy interacting with a cultural figure who has been active in the local community for many years while savoring your tea.
- The program will conclude at the venue.
Purchase Notice
Regarding communication methods: Confirmation of your reservation and any changes to the date and time will be sent to the email address you registered. Please be sure to check your email.
• Target age: 7 years and older. Participants under 15 years old must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Regarding attire: Casual attire is acceptable. Please refrain from wearing jeans or going barefoot.
• Posture in the Japanese-style room: Please remove your shoes and try the "seiza" sitting position (sitting on your heels with both knees on the ground and your legs folded behind you). If this is difficult, you can participate in a more comfortable position.
Reminders
This program will be conducted in English.
If you do not arrive at the meeting place by the designated time, it will be considered a no-show and a cancellation fee will be charged.
・We are not responsible for any accidents or injuries that may occur to participants during this program (however, if we are found to be at fault, we will compensate for direct and ordinary damages up to the amount of the program participation fee). If you wish to purchase insurance to prepare for any accidents or injuries, please do so at your own discretion.
How to Redeem Your Voucher
How to Use Your Voucher
- Please present the e-voucher on-site
Cancellation Policy
- Cancellations 3 day(s) (inclusive) before the selected date are allowed. Unused orders can be canceled for free
- For cancellations made 2 to 2 days prior to selected date, a cancellation fee of 40% will apply
- For cancellations made 1 to 1 days prior to selected date, a cancellation fee of 60% will apply
- Cancellation is not allowed between 0–0 days from the selected date. Orders cannot be canceled or modified, and refunds will not be granted.
- Due to time zone differences, the confirmed cancellation date is based on the supplier’s local time. Please allow 2–5 business days to process your cancellation request, after which the cancellation fee will be charged according to the product’s cancellation policy. Once your refund request is confirmed, KKday will initiate the refund to your original payment method within 15 days. The actual refund timing depends on your card-issuing bank’s policy.
FAQs
1. What is the typical flow of an authentic Japanese tea ceremony experience in Ikebukuro?
An authentic Japanese tea ceremony experience typically begins with guests being welcomed into the master's private teahouse. The master performs a demonstration of "Otemae" (tea preparation). Following this, guests enjoy freshly prepared matcha green tea and seasonal Japanese confections (wagashi). The atmosphere is designed for a quiet, contemplative time. Some experiences also offer guests the option to try whisking their own matcha.
2. What etiquette should participants observe during a traditional Japanese tea ceremony?
During a traditional Japanese tea ceremony, it's important to observe respectful etiquette. This includes entering the teahouse quietly and removing shoes. Guests should appreciate the master's precise movements during the tea preparation. When receiving tea, hold the bowl with both hands, slightly rotate it before drinking, and express gratitude. Be mindful of quiet conversation and maintaining a serene atmosphere.
3. Are there any prohibited behaviors or specific actions to avoid during an authentic Japanese tea ceremony?
To maintain the serene atmosphere of an authentic Japanese tea ceremony, it's generally advised to avoid loud talking, sudden movements, or using mobile phones. Do not touch tea utensils without permission. Also, avoid wearing strong perfumes or excessive jewelry, as these can distract from the delicate aroma of the tea and the minimalist aesthetic of the teahouse. Respectful silence and mindfulness are key.
4. What are the core principles or philosophy behind an authentic Japanese tea ceremony?
The core principles of an authentic Japanese tea ceremony are "Wa, Kei, Sei, Jaku" – harmony, respect, purity, and tranquility. Harmony (Wa) is about the unity between guests, host, and nature. Respect (Kei) is shown to the host, other guests, and the utensils. Purity (Sei) refers to spiritual cleanliness. Tranquility (Jaku) is achieved through the calm and meditative atmosphere of the ceremony, fostering inner peace.
5. What types of refreshments are typically served alongside matcha during a Japanese tea ceremony experience?
During a Japanese tea ceremony experience, matcha green tea is typically served with traditional seasonal Japanese confections, known as "wagashi." These delicate sweets are not only delicious but also artfully crafted to reflect the current season, adding to the aesthetic pleasure of the ceremony. They are consumed before the matcha to balance its slightly bitter taste.
6. Can participants actively prepare their own matcha during the authentic Japanese tea ceremony, and is language support available?
Yes, participants often have the option to try whisking their own matcha during an authentic Japanese tea ceremony, allowing for a more hands-on experience. For international guests, an English-speaking guide or interpreter is usually present to assist with communication, explain the procedures, and ensure a comfortable and understandable experience.
7. What makes the authentic Japanese tea ceremony experience in Ikebukuro unique compared to other tourist facilities?
The authentic Japanese tea ceremony experience in Ikebukuro stands out because it takes place in a master's actual home teahouse, rather than a commercial tourist facility. This offers a deeply personal and genuine encounter with Japanese hospitality and culture. It provides a more intimate setting, allowing guests to experience the true essence of the tea ceremony as it is lived and practiced daily.
8. What kind of expertise does the instructor bring to the authentic Japanese tea ceremony experience?
The instructor for the authentic Japanese tea ceremony experience in Ikebukuro is a highly experienced master, with over 20 years of dedicated teaching in the art of tea ceremony. Their extensive knowledge ensures an accurate and profound presentation of "Otemae" (tea preparation). Guests can witness their beautiful technique firsthand and gain insight into the deep spiritual and cultural aspects of the tea ceremony from a true expert.
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