Off the Beaten Path: Half-Day Private Tea Ceremony Experience in Soka
Joined 2024
Escape Tokyo and explore Soka, a historic town featured in Oku no Hosomichi. Experience a private tea ceremony with a Japanese tea master and learn the art of origami folding. Take a mini-tour of the paths immortalized in Basho’s poetry, and optionally, try your hand at Japanese rice cracker making. A serene half-day journey into tradition and culture awaits!
[Note: Please do not directly book this tour because I would like to check tea master's availability. Just contact me first. Thank you.]
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
Your Hotel
- - Free pick up/drop at your hotel within Tokyo 23wards.
Private Japanese tea ceremony
Join me in Soka for a private Japanese tea ceremony, where you’ll explore the traditions of this revered cultural art. As your guide and interpreter, I’ll assist in explaining the actions and significance behind each step, ensuring a meaningful and engaging experience.
You’ll be hosted by a skilled Japanese tea master who will prepare ceremonial-grade matcha green tea, paired with traditional wagashi sweets or Soka senbei rice crackers. This particular tea house prides itself on using ceremonial top-grade coals for heating the tea kettle, a detail that enhances the authenticity and tradition of the experience.
While tea ceremonies traditionally involve sitting in the formal seiza position, this tea house offers a more relaxed setting, allowing you to sit comfortably if you prefer. With my guidance and interpretation, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the tea-making process and its cultural importance, making this a memorable and immersive experience.
Origami Folding Experience
After the tea ceremony, our Japanese tea master will guide us through an origami folding experience, right in the serene setting of the traditional tea room. You’ll learn to fold a few classic origami designs, discovering the artistry and precision behind this iconic Japanese craft. This hands-on activity is a wonderful way to connect with Japanese culture and create something meaningful to take home as a memory of your visit.
Oku no Hosomichi (The Narrow Road to the Deep North)
As part of this unique tour in Soka, we’ll delve into the world of Matsuo Bashō, one of Japan’s most celebrated poets, and his renowned travel diary, Oku no Hosomichi (The Narrow Road to the Deep North). Bashō’s poetic journey through Edo-period Japan has inspired countless travelers, and Soka, a quaint town on the outskirts of Tokyo, was one of the places he visited along his path.
We’ll explore key locations in Soka connected to Bashō’s journey. I’ll provide insights into the historical and cultural significance of these sites, highlighting their connection to Oku no Hosomichi. You’ll learn about the poetic traditions of haibun, Bashō’s style that blends prose and haiku, and how his observations captured the essence of nature, travel, and spirituality.
One of our stops will include a walk along areas that echo the spirit of Bashō’s travels, allowing you to reflect on the idea that “every day is a journey, and the journey itself home,” a sentiment that lies at the heart of his work. Along the way, I’ll share excerpts from Oku no Hosomichi, bringing Bashō’s words to life as we retrace the steps of this legendary poet.
This tour offers a rare opportunity to connect with the literary and cultural heritage of Japan, providing a deeper appreciation of its poetic and historical landscape. It’s an enriching experience that combines the beauty of Soka’s rural charm with the timeless inspiration of Bashō’s travels.
Soka Senbei Rice Cracker
As part of our tour, you'll also have the chance to try your hand at making a traditional Soka Senbei rice cracker. Soka is famous for its distinctive, crispy senbei, and you'll learn the process from start to finish. Using locally sourced rice, we’ll guide you through the steps of mixing, pressing, and grilling the dough, all while explaining the history and cultural significance of this beloved snack. Once done, you can enjoy your freshly made senbei—crispy, flavorful, and uniquely Soka!
Ending Point
Your Hotel
Want to personalize this tour?
This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
Inclusions & Exclusions
Guiding Fee
Interpreting Fee
Guide's Rail fare
Guide's Admissions
Pick up and Drop off at your hotel within Tokyo 23 wards
Rail Transit to Soka (600yen one way from Tokyo Station)
Each person should pay the tea master 3000yen
Tour Important Information
Matcha Green Tea: The matcha served during the ceremony is ceremonial grade, which is typically more bitter than the sweeter versions you might be accustomed to. It’s part of the experience to appreciate its rich, earthy flavor.
Respectful Behavior: The tea ceremony follows specific customs and protocols, and it is important to be respectful throughout the experience. This includes gestures like bowing and handling the tea utensils carefully. Please follow the guidance of the tea master to ensure the ceremony is conducted properly and with respect for tradition.
Typically should be open for Friday and Sunday. We need to confirm availability of the tea master beforehand. Saturday is also available occasionally.
Important message from the supplier
My tours focus on the Tokyo subway and rail-accessible locations. I am not able to provide a driver on this site.
Cancellation Policy
- Free cancellation - 8 days prior to meeting time
- 50% Refund - 3 to 7 days prior to meeting time
- No Refund - Within 2 day(s) prior to meeting time
Joined 2024
About Tour Guide Grant A.
*Bookings for cherry blossom season are full; if the date on the calendar is greyed out I am not available*
Hello! My name is Grant, and I’ve spent over a decade living and exploring Japan. Originally from Omaha, Nebraska, I first came to Japan as a high school exchange student in Inuyama, a historic castle town in Aichi. My love for Japan began early—sparked by childhood games like Pokémon that were released in Japanese before English. This passion led me to pass the N2 Japanese Language Proficiency Test in 2018, study at language schools across Japan, and graduate from the Japan Visual Media Translation Academy.
I’ve traveled to every prefecture in Japan, often using unlimited rail passes to explore castles, historic sites, and regional specialties.
I hold a degree in Asian Studies from a Tokyo university, and my extensive experience living in Tokyo has made me an expert on the city’s transportation system, hidden gems, and affordable eats. With over 30 visits to Kyoto, I have deep knowledge of its historical sites and the broader cultural landscape of Japan. I studied at Japanese language school in Kyoto. I visited all the world heritage sites in Kyoto and have a lot of knowledge on the history of Japan. I can provide tours of Kyoto or places outside of Tokyo for an additional transportation fee.
Tour options:
Half-Day Tour: 20,000 yen (4 hours)
Full-Day Tour: 40,000 yen (8 hours)
Full-Day Tour Outside of Tokyo: 40,000 yen plus transportation expense
Reviews
Daniel G.
“First Full Day in Tokyo”
A truly magical day for my wife Elizabeth & I for our first full day in Tokyo and what a day it was. We began the day heading out to Suka City, for a wonderful course in origami with a lovely woman. After that, we had a (words cannot describe) tea ceremony w/ a Sensai Tea Master. It was so wonderful. After a nice stop making rice crackers covered in sweet soy sauce, we made our way to an incredible lunch w/ conveyor belt sushi! I may have left my jacket there so we *had* to return, hoping we could have more! lol Then we made our way Ueno Park. All this time while peppering Grant w/ a barrage of all things historic Japan and he was a wealth of information in his replies. When it comes to Japanese history & culture, navigating the language & subway, Grant is the man! We hit the lottery having had Grant as our guide! Our first day in Tokyo would not have been made possible without his kindness, disposition, knowledge and guidance… for my Elizabeth & I, it’s GowithGrant!
Helen T.
“Half Day Tour ”
Grant adjusted his tour a bit to include Akhibara for us and also took us through Ueno Park. He is extremely knowledgeable and was able to provide very interesting details during our tour. Highly recommend!
Jessica C.
“Was able to experience so much more with Grant!”
If you're looking for a tour guide who goes above and beyond, look no further than Grant! From the very start, he took the time to understand exactly what we wanted to do and see during our trip, tailoring a personalized itinerary that truly exceeded our expectations. Thanks to his expert knowledge of the trains and routes, we were able to see three times as much as we ever could have on our own. He knew exactly where to go, saving us precious time and making every part of our journey smooth and enjoyable. What really sets Grant apart, though, is his deep knowledge of Japan. There wasn’t a single question we had—whether about history, food, travel tips, or even other cities—he knew the answer. It was like having a walking encyclopedia of Japan right by our side! On top of his incredible expertise, Grant is just a joy to spend time with. He's fun, approachable, and incredibly helpful. Every moment spent with him was a delight, and we truly can't wait to return for another adventure. If you're lucky enough to have Grant as your guide, you’re in for an unforgettable experience!
$133/ per group
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