A 90 Min. Tea Ceremony Workshop in the Authentic Tea Room

Stepping into an authentic tea room, visitors embark on a captivating 90-minute tea ceremony workshop. Led by a licensed instructor from the renowned Urasenke Chado School in Kyoto, this intimate experience immerses participants in the art of Chado – the Zen tea ceremony. With a focus on mindfulness and omotenashi, the workshop offers a serene atmosphere to savor matcha tea and traditional Japanese confections, fostering a deeper cultural appreciation. But to truly understand the essence of this centuries-old tradition, one must…

Key Points

• A 90-minute guided workshop on the traditional Japanese tea ceremony of Chado, taught by a licensed instructor from the Urasenke Chado School in Kyoto.
• Participants learn to properly prepare matcha green tea and sample various types of Japanese teas, accompanied by three types of local confectionery.
• The workshop takes place in an authentic tea room setting, providing an intimate and immersive cultural experience with a maximum group size of 6 participants.
• The tea ceremony follows precise steps with symbolic meaning, teaching mindfulness and the Japanese hospitality concept of omotenashi.
• The tea room is located on the second floor with steep stairs, making it inaccessible for those with mobility issues or serious medical conditions.

Workshop Overview

The 90-minute guided workshop on Chado, an ancient Zen tea ceremony, allows participants in Tokyo to learn the art of preparing matcha tea, sample various teas, and enjoy three types of local Japanese confectionery.

The workshop, which has a 98% traveler recommendation rate based on 157 reviews, takes place in an authentic tearoom with tatami mats.

The group size is limited to a maximum of 6 participants, ensuring an intimate and immersive cultural experience.

Instruction is provided by a licensed school from the Urasenke Chado School in Kyoto, teaching mindfulness through the spiritual tea-making process rooted in over 400 years of tradition.

Cultural Experience

The workshop teaches mindfulness through the spiritual tea-making process, rooted in over 400 years of tradition. Instruction is provided by a licensed school from the renowned Urasenke Chado School in Kyoto.

Participants learn to serve tea as both host and guest, enhancing culture. The ceremony follows precise steps, with each movement and gesture having symbolic meaning.

Guests experience the art of omotenashi, the Japanese hospitality of anticipating and fulfilling unspoken needs. The serene atmosphere and attention to detail create a truly immersive cultural experience, offering a glimpse into Japan’s revered tea ceremony tradition.

Health and Accessibility Information

Unfortunately, the tea room isn’t wheelchair accessible, as it’s located on the second floor with steep stairs. The activity is also not recommended for individuals with back problems, pregnant travelers, or those with serious medical conditions.

However, alternative seating is available for those unable to sit on tatami mats. The workshop is suitable for participants aged 10 and above, and socks are required in the tea room.

Meeting Location

The workshop meeting point is located at 4-chōme-19-9 Asakusa, Taito City, Tokyo 111-0032, Japan. It’s a 13-minute walk from Asakusa Station, which can be accessed via the Tobu line, Ginza Line, and Toei Transportation. Alternatively, the location is a 10-minute walk from the Tsukuba Express station. The tea ceremony workshop ends at the same meeting point.

Transportation	Time
Asakusa Station	13 minutes
Tsukuba Express	10 minutes
Activity Ends	Meeting Point

Logistics

Maximum group size for the tea ceremony workshop is 6 participants.

The meeting point is 4-chōme-19-9 Asakusa, Taito City, Tokyo 111-0032, Japan.

It’s a 13-minute walk from Asakusa Station, which serves the Tobu line, Ginza Line, and Toei Transportation, and 10 minutes from Tsukuba Express.

The activity ends at the meeting point.

The tea room is located on the second floor and isn’t wheelchair accessible due to steep stairs.

Participants must be aged 10 and above and wear socks.

Alternative seating is available for those unable to sit on tatami mats.

Participant Reviews and Feedback

Participants have consistently praised the educational and enjoyable nature of the tea ceremony workshop, emphasizing the knowledgeable instructors and intimate group setting.

The average rating based on 158 reviews is an impressive 4.9 out of 5. Participants highlight the workshop’s ability to teach the history of tea ceremonies and provide hands-on experience in making matcha tea.

The serene atmosphere of the authentic tea room is also a common highlight. The workshop offers a unique culture that leaves travelers with a deeper appreciation for the centuries-old traditions of the Japanese tea ceremony.

Preparing for the Tea Ceremony

To truly take in the tea ceremony experience, participants must prepare accordingly.

Upon arrival, guests are required to remove their shoes and don socks before entering the serene tea room. The instructors provide a brief orientation on proper etiquette, guiding participants through the formal procedures of sitting, serving, and receiving the tea.

Special attention is paid to maintaining a calm, focused mindset throughout the process. With the guidance of the knowledgeable instructors, participants gain a deeper appreciation for the centuries-old traditions and spiritual aspects of the Japanese tea ceremony.

Engaging in the Tea Ceremony

As the tea ceremony begins, the participants quietly enter the serene tea room and take their seats on the tatami mats.

The licensed instructor from the Urasenke Chado School in Kyoto guides them through the precise and delicate steps of serving and enjoying the matcha tea. Participants learn to gracefully handle the tea bowls, whisk the matcha, and sip the earthy, frothy beverage.

Between tea tastings, they sample an assortment of traditional Japanese confectionery.

Throughout the experience, the group cultivates a sense of mindfulness and appreciation for the centuries-old ritual unfolding before them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Take Photos During the Tea Ceremony?

Photography is generally not allowed during the tea ceremony to maintain the serene atmosphere and cultural experience. Participants are encouraged to be fully present and immersed in the traditional ritual throughout the workshop.

Is It Possible to Purchase Tea-Related Items After the Workshop?

Yes, participants can purchase tea-related items after the workshop. The workshop venue typically offers a small retail area where attendees can buy tea, teaware, and other souvenirs to continue their experience at home.

Is There a Dress Code or Specific Attire Required?

No specific dress code is required, but participants should dress comfortably and wear socks, as they’ll be removing their shoes in the tea room. Casual, modest attire is recommended to respect the cultural setting.

Can the Workshop Accommodate Food Allergies or Dietary Restrictions?

The workshop can accommodate food allergies and dietary restrictions with advance notice. Participants should inform the organizers of any requirements when booking to ensure their needs are met during the tea and confectionery tasting.

Is It Possible to Extend the Duration of the Tea Ceremony Experience?

The workshop duration can be extended, but participants must inquire about this option in advance. The tea ceremony experience is typically 90 minutes, but the provider may be able to accommodate requests for a longer session.

The Sum Up

The tea ceremony workshop offers a unique culture and mindful experience. Guided by a licensed instructor, you will learn the art of Chado, prepare matcha tea, and enjoy traditional Japanese confections in an intimate, serene tea room setting. With a focus on the concept of omotenashi, this 90-minute workshop provides a tranquil atmosphere to deepen one’s appreciation for this centuries-old Japanese tradition.