In this tour you experience a tea ceremony in Japanese teahouse. And we visit Koishikawa Korakuen Garden, the Japanese garden created in 1629, designated as the Special Place of Scenic Beauty and Special Historic Site of the country by the Cultural Asset.
At your hotel
At your hotel or the station
You experience Japanese culture and philosophy through a tea ceremony.
Tea master prepares tea by highly stylized manner called 'Temae'. You have Japanese sweet and tea in very settled atmosphere and learn spirit of Japanese culture influenced by Zen philosophy. Viewing a teahouse and tea utensils is one of the enjoyment as well.
Since I have been learning Tea Ceremony about 8 years I’m pleased to tell you the history of ‘Chado’ (the way of tea) and its aesthetics.
Koishikawa Korakuen Garden contains ponds, hills and beautifully designed bridges. You experience harmony with nature.
As you walk through around a big pound you encounter miniature view of oceans, rivers, mountains, countryside which has scenic beauty of Japan.
Guide fee, hotel pick-up in Tokyo
Transportation fee: About 1000yen /per person.
Fee for tea ceremony: You need to pay tea house directly (bet 2,200 JPY - 3300 JPY, depends on the place and style).
Entrance fee for Koishikawa Korakuen Garden. 300 jPY
Please wear comfortable shoes to walk.
I usually reserve a tea house
- Tea house nicely built inside of the hotel by professional tea house architect. You will forget you will be inside of the hotel (The place is used for formal tea ceremony. It is traditional style, sitting on Tatami mattress)
or
- Detached traditional tea house surrounded by beautiful Japanese garden (It is ryurei style (sitting on chair).)
It depends on the availability of the tea houses. But if you have preference, please let me know in advance. I try to reserve the one you like.
No. We usually sit with the style of 'Seiza' (sit on one's heels).
But you can sit comfortable way.
I usually reserve a tea house
- Tea house nicely built inside of the hotel by professional tea house architect. You will forget you will be inside of the hotel (The place is used for formal tea ceremony. It is traditional style, sitting on Tatami mattress)
or
- Detached traditional tea house surrounded by beautiful Japanese garden (It is ryurei style (sitting on chair).)
It depends on the availability of the tea houses. But if you have preference, please let me know in advance. I try to reserve the one you like.
Yes. please see my half day or one day customized tour. Tea ceremony fee is not included. You need to pay tea ceremony fee (bet 2,200 JPY - 3300 JPY), directory at the tea house.
Stefano U.
I did a lovely tour with Hiromi-san in a warm afternoon in April. I chose Hiromi because she practices quite regularly chanoyu (tea cerimony). Before getting to the chanoyu place, we did a walk in Karouken Garden. It was particularly interesting to hear the story and the various influences behind the construction of the park. This walk was refreshing and preparatory to the following chanoyu. Without rush we got to the chanoyu place. There was a little embaressment in the beginning: as a foreigner I am not used to the extremely detailed and sophisticated etiquette of chanoyu. After a while, the quiet atmosphere of the tea room helped to relax and enjoy the moment. The more the days pass, the more I recall that beautiful afternoon, in company of Hiromi-san.
Stefano -san, thank you very much for writing very nice review. It was very interesting hearing your perspective of Japan especially Showa period of time. There is a ward 一座建立(Ichiza Konryu) in tea ceremony, means host's hospitality to the guest, guest's respect to the host create one harmonious atmosphere. It was your hospitality and respect to Japanese culture made the tour special. The time was treasure for me as well. Many thanks to you! :)
Rico R.
Hiromi was an amazing tour guide. She was very quick to respond to inquiries and worked with me to create a personalized tour of Tokyo. She even helped me find my Japanese pancakes that I wanted and could not leave Tokyo without trying them. She is very knowledgeable, her tour hit all the highlights we wanted, she navigated the crazy Tokyo subway like a pro and got us to each destination without any issues. Hiromi is awesome, if you come to Tokyo, please do yourself a favor and hire Hiromi!!!! Thanks for a great tour!!!!!
Thank you very much for writing great review!! It was very nice meeting 2 of you! The pancake place you chose was great discovery for me as well. Thank you for giving me interesting experience. I will not forget the wonderful time we shared together :)
Rajiv G.
Hiromi was a polite and knowledgeable guide.
Thank you very much for writing the review. It was bit cold and rainy day. I hope you didn't catch a cold. Have a wonderful days in Tokyo!
Jo S.
We had a wonderful time walking around the beautiful gardens but the highlight of the day was the tea ceremony. Absolutely amazing!
Thank you very much for writing the review. The review really encourages me. I would like to make further efforts to give great tours to my customer. It was very nice meeting you and your family ! Have a wonderful time in Japan:)