Tokyo Traditional Tea Ceremony

This tea ceremony in Tokyo invites you to discover the genuine procedure of preparing matcha while delving into the rich symbolism surrounding the Japanese practice of chanoyu.

Activity Overview

Our meeting point is at the Asakusa Tourist and Cultural Information Center, from where we will stroll to the location of the ceremony, a traditional Japanese room designed specifically for the celebration of chanoyu, or the way of tea. Here, we will immerse ourselves in this art form, understanding how the craft of preparing matcha transcends mere culinary practices to embody an aesthetic discipline.

Upon entering the room, we will familiarize ourselves with the essential etiquette for the ceremony. As we settle in, a thorough overview of the ritual's significance, ingredients, and key utensils will commence.

The experience will introduce us to matcha, a finely ground green tea, and we will examine traditional utensils involved in the ceremony, such as the chawan (bowl), the chasen (bamboo whisk), and the chashaku, the small scoop used to portion the tea powder.

Throughout the 40 minutes dedicated to the ceremony, we will observe each step in the matcha preparation process, beginning with the transformation of tea leaves into powder.

Later, we will prepare our own matcha with the guidance of an expert, mastering the technique of whisking to achieve a silky emulsion and a delicate froth atop the tea.

To conclude our experience, we will savor our tea along with Japanese sweets, depending on their availability.

Tour Choices

While booking, participants may select between two formats: a guided tour or a self-guided experience. Opting for the self-guided option means you will join the ceremony with an instructor who communicates in Japanese, whereas the guided version provides explanations in English throughout the event.

Important Information

Individuals with dietary restrictions are welcome to join the tea ceremony. However, it is important to note that the site does not provide alternative sweet options for the accompanying treats, so in such scenarios, only tea will be available.