Kimono Tea Ceremony Experience in Kamakura

The Kimono Tea Ceremony Experience in Kamakura offers a unique opportunity to take in Japan’s rich cultural traditions. Participants don a beautiful kimono and engage in a serene matcha tea ritual, savoring the delicate flavors of the frothy green tea paired with delightful Japanese sweets. Led by a bilingual guide, this intimate experience provides a glimpse into the intricate world of Japanese customs. Operating on select weekdays, the limited group size ensures personalized attention, making it a captivating adventure for those seeking to truly understand the essence of Japanese culture.

Key Points

• Experience a traditional Japanese tea ceremony while dressed in a rental kimono at the Murakami Residence in Kamakura, Japan.
• The 2-hour experience includes kimono fitting, matcha tea preparation, and Japanese sweets, with guidance from a bilingual host.
• The tea ceremony takes place in a serene tatami room, offering insights into Japan’s rich cultural traditions.
• The experience is available on select weekdays from September 2024 to August 2025, with a maximum group size of 6 travelers.
• Accessibility considerations should be reviewed before booking, as the venue may not be suitable for all visitors.

Experience Overview

This Kimono Tea Ceremony experience in Kamakura, Japan, allows visitors to enjoy the traditional art of tea preparation and appreciation.

The package includes a rental of a traditional Japanese kimono, a matcha tea session, Japanese sweets, and the assistance of a professional kimono dresser and bilingual guide.

Visitors can also purchase extra matcha for an additional 1000¥.

Priced from $79.85 per person, this experience offers a unique glimpse into Japanese culture and hospitality.

Meeting Point and Schedule

The meeting point for this Kimono Tea Ceremony experience is the Murakami Residence, located at 2-chōme8２２ 8番22号, Kamakura, Kanagawa, Japan.

The activity ends at the same meeting point. Guests should confirm the start time with the local provider.

The experience operates on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM, and is available from September 11, 2024, to August 25, 2025.

Kimono Rental and Preparation

What does the kimono rental and preparation involve? Participants are outfitted in traditional Japanese kimono attire by a professional dresser.

This includes selecting the kimono, obi (sash), accessories, and guidance on how to properly wear the ensemble. The kimono rental is included in the overall experience price.

The process takes around 30 minutes, allowing ample time for photos before the tea ceremony begins. Guests will feel transformed into an elegant Geisha or Samurai for the duration of the cultural experience.

Proper kimono etiquette is reviewed to ensure a respectful and authentic tea ceremony.

Traditional Matcha Tea Ceremony

After participants have been outfitted in the elegant Japanese kimono attire, they’re ushered into a serene tatami room to experience the traditional matcha tea ceremony.

A bilingual guide expertly prepares the powdered green tea using a chasen (bamboo whisk) and chawan (tea bowl), demonstrating the precise movements and etiquette.

Guests are then invited to sip the frothy, vibrant matcha, paired with delicate Japanese sweets.

The ceremony is a sensory delight, offering insights into the rich culture and centuries-old traditions of Japan.

Participants leave with a newfound appreciation for the art of tea making and the beauty of Japanese hospitality.

Japanese Sweets Tasting

As participants sip their matcha tea, they are then presented with an assortment of traditional Japanese sweets known as wagashi. These delicate confections are a feast for the senses, with their vibrant colors, intricate designs, and delicate flavors.

Wagashi	Description
Mochi	Soft, chewy rice cakes often filled with sweet red bean paste
Daifuku	Mochi filled with sweetened azuki bean paste
Yokan	A dense, jelly-like sweet made from adzuki beans, sugar, and kanten
Higashi	Dry, crumbly sweets made from rice flour, sugar, and other ingredients
Kintsuba	Flaky pastries made with wheat flour, sugar, and red bean paste

These delectable treats provide the perfect complement to the earthy, umami flavors of the matcha, creating a harmonious dining experience that epitomizes the art of Japanese hospitality.

Bilingual Guide Service

The bilingual guide ensures a seamless and enriching cultural experience by providing expert commentary and answering questions in both English and Japanese throughout the Kimono Tea Ceremony.

Their deep knowledge of Japanese history, traditions, and etiquette enhances guests’ understanding and appreciation of the ritual.

The guide skillfully navigates the intricate steps of the ceremony, ensuring participants feel comfortable and engaged.

With their language fluency and cultural expertise, the bilingual guide creates an immersive and educational experience that allows guests to fully enjoy the elegance of the Japanese tea tradition.

Accessibility and Additional Considerations

Though not wheelchair accessible, the Kimono Tea Ceremony is conveniently located near public transportation.

Attendees should keep in mind that the venue doesn’t have air conditioning, making it unsuitable for those sensitive to heat or cold.

Infants must sit on laps during the experience. Group size is limited to a maximum of 6 travelers per tour.

While an enjoyable culture, the Kimono Tea Ceremony may not be suitable for all visitors. Guests are advised to carefully consider their accessibility needs and personal comfort level before booking this unique Japanese experience.

Booking and Cancellation Policy

Confirmation for the Kimono Tea Ceremony experience is received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability. However, it’s important to note that this experience is non-refundable, and no refund will be issued for cancellations.

Booking	Confirmation	Cancellation
Received within 48 hours	Subject to availability	No refund
Prompt response	Secure your spot	Strict policy

While the experience may be non-refundable, the unique opportunity to take in traditional Japanese culture makes it a memorable and worthwhile investment. Careful consideration of the booking and cancellation policy is advised before finalizing the reservation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Minimum Age Requirement for Participants?

This activity doesn’t specify a minimum age requirement. Infants must sit on laps, so it’s likely suitable for children, but travelers should confirm any age restrictions with the local provider before booking.

Can I Bring My Own Camera to Take Photos?

Participants are welcome to bring their own cameras to capture the experience. However, they should be mindful of not disrupting the traditional tea ceremony and follow any instructions provided by the guide.

What Is the Dress Code for the Tea Ceremony?

The dress code for the tea ceremony is casual, but participants are provided with traditional Japanese kimonos to wear during the experience. The kimono rental is included in the tour cost.

Is Gratuity Expected for the Guide or Staff?

There’s no mention of expected gratuity for the guide or staff. The experience price likely covers their fees, so additional tips aren’t required. Check with the local provider if you’d like to tip.

Can I Customize the Tea Ceremony Experience?

While the tea ceremony experience has a set itinerary, travelers can customize by adding extra matcha tea for an additional charge. The local provider should be contacted to inquire about any other customization options available.

The Sum Up

Enjoy Japanese culture with the Kimono Tea Ceremony Experience in Kamakura. Slip into a beautiful kimono, then savor a serene matcha tea ritual accompanied by delightful sweets. Led by a bilingual guide, this intimate experience offers a glimpse into Japan’s rich traditions. Operating on select weekdays, it’s a must-try for those seeking an authentic cultural encounter.