Tea ceremonies in Japan continue to attract tourists from all over the world to participate in one. Tourists want to experience the traditional ritual of Japanese tea ceremonies, but nowadays, some places are becoming ‘touristy’ and losing its traditional value.
It can be difficult to find a tea ceremony in Tokyo offering the original and traditional ceremony, but with so much readily available information on the web, it only takes a few minutes to read and find.
In this article, I’m going to share with you some places in Tokyo where you can participate in and experience a traditional Japanese tea ceremony, how to find the secret and very traditional places that are hard to find by the general public, and more recommendations. So, keep reading!
What is Japanese tea ceremony?
Japan is known for its matcha or Japanese green tea, and its traditional tea ceremony, called chanoyu or sado in Japanese. It’s a choreographic Japanese cultural activity of preparing and serving matcha.
Tea ceremonies have been held in Japan for over a millennium, and it stays until now, attracting tourists to participate and experience Japanese traditional tea ceremonies. However, more Japanese tea ceremonies in some places are losing its traditional value, and adapt it to more of the ‘touristy’ or the commercial value.
But, there are many places that still hold the traditional and cultural value of tea ceremonies, some of which you can discover through this article.
How to find traditional Japanese tea ceremonies?
If you are a traveler who is looking for deeper experiences for traditional tea ceremonies, there are many places in Tokyo that offer them. However, it can be difficult for you to find by yourself since you have limited access.
Then, how can you possibly know where are the best places to have a deeper experience for Japanese tea ceremonies? Hire a guide.
Guides know all about the secret and very traditional Japanese places difficult to find by the general public. They could arrange for you to have the best traditional Japanese tea ceremonies. All you have to do is communicate to them and they will able to tell you the best places to experience one!
How to find a guide?
Look:
There are many places on the web where you can hire a guide. But, you never know whether it’s a good and trustworthy website or not. That’s why I’m recommending you GoWithGuide. The guides on the website are knowledgeable and qualified.
The guides in the GoWithGuide website know a lot about Tokyo and will be able to bring you to the best places to have a deeper experience of Japanese tea ceremony. Not just the generic ones, but the secret places as well.
Recommended places for traditional Japanese tea ceremony in Tokyo
Here is a list of places to experience Japanese tea ceremonies in Tokyo, divided into 3 groups which you can choose from according to your preferences.
Budget
If you want to experience a Japanese tea ceremony with a low cost, here’s where.
Kyoto-kan
You can experience a 20-minute Japanese tea ceremony with a fee of ¥500 (US$ 4.5) from Fridays to Sundays (12:30pm-4:30pm).
| Address: | 2 Chome-1-1 Yaesu, Chūō-ku, Tōkyō-to 103-0028 (map) |
| Phone: | 03-5204-2260 |
| Business hours: | 10:30am-7:00 pm (Close on the last Wednesday of March and September, Year-end-New Year Holiday) |
| Website: | http://kyotokan.jp/en/ |
Luxury
If you want to have a more luxurious experience of a Japanese tea ceremony, here’s where.
Nadeshiko
You can experience a Japanese tea ceremony for ¥4000 (US$ 37). If you want to experience it while wearing a kimono, the set plan costs ¥5000 (US$ 46). However, prior booking is required.
| Address: | 〒111-0032 Tokyo, Taitō, 浅草2-7-24ぱんだカフェ茶の花2階 (map) |
| Phone: | 03-3842-8756 |
| Business hours: |
11:00am-5:00 pm (Monday, Tuesday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday) *close on Wednesdays and Thursdays (except public holidays) and every Fridays from the period of February 2 until March 16 of 2018.* |
| Website: | https://www.hanayashiki.net/shops/nadeshiko/e/ |
Family
Authentic Japanese tea ceremonies usually have a peaceful quiet atmosphere that should be maintained during the whole ceremony. For families, especially with little children, that can be hard to achieve. But, if you still want to experience a Japanese tea ceremony as a family, here's where.
Coredo Muromachi's "the Way of Tea"
You can experience an hour-long traditional Japanese tea ceremony at a price of ¥5,500 (US$ 51). For children, it costs ¥3,500 (US$ 32). Although it's a little on the expensive side, it is recommended for families and tourists who want to hear the explanations and trying to make the tea themselves. A reservation one day ahead before 5:00 pm, is required as it only takes place twice a week. The event is on every Saturdays, from 1:00pm-2:00pm and 2:30pm-3:30pm.
| Address : | 1-5-5 Nihombashi Muromachi | Kyorakutei, Coredo Muromachi 3, 3F, Chuo 103-0022, Tokyo Prefecture |
| Phone : | +81 3-3242-0010 |
| Business hours : | 10:00am-9:00pm (Daily) |
| Website : | http://www.nihonbashi-info.jp/omotenashi/tea.html |
Recommended guide and tours
If you are looking for a real traditional experience of Japanese tea ceremony with more depth and in places that are outside the generic ones, here are some my recommendations.
One of my recommended guides is Hiromi. She is a licensed guide that is able to help you have a deeper experience of Japanese tea ceremony.
Her tours that include a tea ceremony are Zen Buddhism Meditation & Tea Ceremony tour, and also Experience a Tea Ceremony & Japanese Garden. You can experience a real traditional experience of Japanese tea ceremony through these tours.
Here is another tour to experience a real traditional Japanese Tea ceremony in Tokyo:
If you want to find other guides in Tokyo to help you find a real traditional experience of Japanese tea ceremonies, click here.
I hope this article helps you find places where you can experience a real traditional experience of Japanese tea ceremony in Tokyo, and also gives you a tour guide and tea ceremony tours recommendations. I hope you have a great experience of Japanese tea ceremonies!
