Japanese Tea Ceremony at Private Home in Yokohama, Suburban Tokyo

Experiencing the tranquility of a Japanese tea ceremony in a private Yokohama home offers a unique culture. For just $53.83, guests can savor matcha and wagashi while engaging with the Kono family, tea ceremony experts. With a perfect 5.0 rating, this intimate setting promises an authentic and memorable encounter. Vegan and gluten-free options cater to dietary needs. Explore the artistry and traditions that have captivated tea enthusiasts for centuries.

Key Points

• Authentic Japanese tea ceremony experience held in a private home in Yokohama, a Tokyo suburb.
• Highly rated at 5.0 from 23 reviews, with a 100% recommendation rate.
• Includes matcha green tea, handmade wagashi sweets, and optional vegan and gluten-free accommodations.
• Convenient location just a 1-minute walk from Azamino Station, with pickup options available.
• Intimate setting allows for cultural exchange and questions with the knowledgeable host.

Overview of the Japanese Tea Ceremony Experience

The Japanese Tea Ceremony at a private home in Yokohama, a suburb of Tokyo, provides travelers with an immersive cultural experience.

With a 100% recommendation rate from 23 reviews, this private tour gives guests an opportunity to participate in the traditional ritual.

Offered at $53.83 per person, the experience includes matcha (green tea) and wagashi (handmade Japanese sweets).

Vegan and gluten-free options are available. Guests can head directly to the meeting point or request pickup.

The tour takes place in Obacho, Aoba Ward, Yokohama, about a 1-minute walk from Azamino Station.

Confirmation is subject to availability, and free cancellation is possible up to 24 hours prior.

Inclusions and Customization Options

Aside from the traditional tea ceremony, the experience includes several offerings to enhance the culture. Guests are served matcha (green tea) and wagashi – handmade Japanese sweets.

Dietary accommodations are available for those with vegan or gluten-free requirements. The host also provides light snacks to complement the tea and sweets.

This thoughtful curation ensures guests can fully enjoy the refined and delicate world of the Japanese tea ceremony.

Throughout the experience, guests are encouraged to ask questions and engage with the host, deepening their understanding of this centuries-old cultural tradition.

Meeting and Pickup Arrangements

To attend the Japanese Tea Ceremony experience, guests have the option to head directly to the meeting point or request pickup.

Pickup is provided by a red Toyota car at Mizuho Bank, a 1-minute walk from Azamino Station on the Tokyo Denentoshi line and Yokohama Subway. Alternatively, guests can be picked up at the Obacho Bus stop, 3 stops from Azamino Station.

The meeting point is located at Obacho in Aoba Ward, Yokohama. Confirmation of the booking is received within 48 hours, subject to availability.

This experience isn’t wheelchair accessible but is conveniently located near public transportation.

Location and Accessibility

Although the Japanese Tea Ceremony experience isn’t wheelchair accessible, it’s conveniently located near public transportation.

The meeting point is in Obacho, Aoba Ward, Yokohama, about a 1-minute walk from Azamino Station on the Tokyo Denentoshi line and Yokohama Subway.

Alternatively, guests can be picked up at the Obacho bus stop, just 3 stops from Azamino Station.

The experience is:

1. Near public transportation
2. Easily accessible by train or bus
3. Located in Yokohama, a suburb of Tokyo
4. Just a short distance from the Azamino Station

Booking and Confirmation Process

Once a booking is made, guests can expect to receive confirmation within 48 hours, subject to availability.

This experience offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start time.

Guests have the option to head directly to the meeting point or request a pickup.

The pickup location is a 1-minute walk from Azamino Station on the Tokyo Denentoshi and Yokohama Subway lines.

Alternatively, guests can be picked up at the Obacho bus stop, 3 stops from Azamino Station.

The meeting point is in Obacho, Aoba Ward, Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture.

Cancellation Policy

This experience offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start time. This provides flexibility for travelers to adjust their plans as needed.

The key cancellation details are:

1. Free cancellation up to 24 hours prior to the scheduled start time.
2. Cancellations within 24 hours of the start time aren’t eligible for a refund.
3. Refunds will be processed to the original payment method.
4. Participants are encouraged to review the cancellation policy during the booking process.

Adhering to this policy ensures a smooth experience for all involved.

Travelers can book with confidence, knowing they’ve the option to cancel without penalty if their plans change.

Customer Testimonials and Ratings

Travelers have overwhelmingly praised this Japanese tea ceremony experience, awarding it a perfect 5.0 rating based on 23 reviews.

Positive feedback highlights the unique cultural learning and enjoyable interactions with the Kono family who host the event. One reviewer described it as a "great experience" and highly recommended it for "culture enthusiasts."

The ceremony’s intimate, private setting at a home in Yokohama contributes to the immersive experience. With options for vegan and gluten-free diners, the tea and traditional sweets are enjoyed by all.

Travelers consistently report a memorable and authentic cultural encounter.

About the Kono Family

The Kono family, who host the Japanese tea ceremony experience in their private home in Yokohama, are dedicated practitioners of this centuries-old tradition.

Led by Takayuki, the patriarch, the family has been hosting these intimate tea ceremonies for over 15 years. They take great pride in:

1. Meticulously preparing the traditional tools and utensils.
2. Carefully selecting seasonal ingredients for the handmade sweets.
3. Ensuring a serene and welcoming atmosphere in their traditional Japanese home.
4. Guiding guests through each step of the tea preparation and serving ritual.

Their passion for sharing this cultural heritage shines through in every tea ceremony.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Does the Japanese Tea Ceremony Typically Last?

The Japanese tea ceremony typically lasts 60-90 minutes. It involves a series of ritualized steps, from preparing the tea to serving and consuming it. The length can vary depending on the format and host’s preferences.

Can I Take Photos or Videos During the Tea Ceremony?

Guests can generally take photos and videos during the tea ceremony, but they should be discreet and avoid disrupting the experience. It’s best to check with the host beforehand to ensure their preferences.

Do I Need to Have Prior Experience With Japanese Tea Ceremonies?

No prior experience is needed. The host will guide participants through each step of the traditional tea ceremony, providing detailed explanations. It’s an immersive cultural experience suitable for both first-time and experienced tea ceremony enthusiasts.

Is There a Dress Code or Specific Attire Required?

There’s no strict dress code, but wearing comfortable, modest clothing is recommended. Avoid overly casual or revealing outfits. The experience focuses on the tea ceremony, so the emphasis isn’t on fashion – it’s on culture.

Can I Purchase Any Tea or Sweets to Take Home After the Ceremony?

You can’t purchase tea or sweets to take home after the ceremony. The experience includes matcha tea and handmade Japanese sweets, but there’s no option to buy additional items. You’ll only enjoy the tea and sweets during the ceremony itself.

The Sum Up

The Japanese Tea Ceremony in Yokohama offers an authentic and intimate cultural experience. Guests can enjoy matcha and wagashi while learning about this traditional art form from the welcoming Kono family. With perfect reviews, this $53.83 per person experience promises to be both memorable and informative. Vegan and gluten-free options are available, making it accessible to all. Visitors will leave with a deeper understanding and appreciation of this serene and time-honored tradition.