Practice Zen and Traditional Tea Ceremony With a Tea Master
Discover Zen through Japanese tea ceremony with a nationally qualified tea master.
Highlights
Try wagashi, traditional Japanese sweets which pair well with matcha tea
Learn and experience a Japanese tea ceremony with a nationally accredited tea master
Learn all about the "spirit of Zen" seen throughout Japanese art and architecture
Make your own tea during a traditional tea ceremony
10 meals
Experience Details
The Japanese tea ceremony was established in the 16th century to create a relaxing atmosphere and venue for warlords to communicate without harsh words and weapons. The tea ceremony is held in a space of beauty, respect, and harmony. Those who participate in tea ceremonies are expected to discover tranquility and peace of mind through Zen.
Japanese history and culture are highly connected to Zen Buddhism, which focuses on learning different gestures, forms, and movements and cultivating the mind. Tea ceremonies provide a ritualistic experience in which we must consider every tiny detail of the process and examine their importance and connection to ourselves.
Witness a tea ceremony performed by a nationally qualified tea master. They will prepare wagashi, a traditional Japanese confection, and matcha green tea during the ceremony. The master will explain the role and importance of the tea utensils, as well as the art in the Japanese tea room.
There will be a second ceremony where you can practice your skills in making matcha green tea, focusing on movements and gestures, or using the time to connect more through Zen.
Tea ceremonies are a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Each moment in life is significant, and practicing Zen through the tea ceremony helps us to understand our desires, perspectives, and conflicts in life deeply.
Inclusions
Tea ceremony performance with an experienced tea master with at least five years of experience
One traditional Japanese sweet
Matcha green tea
Tea ceremony performed on your own (with instruction by the tea master)
Explanation of Zen practices, tea ceremonies, Japanese hanging scrolls, and tea ceremony utensils
Exclusions
Transportation to and from the venue
Additional food and drink
Meeting Point and Meeting Time
Meet your host in front of Kikai Shinko Kaikan Honkan (just north of Tokyo Tower). Further details and a Google Maps link will be shared upon booking. Address: 3-5-8 Shibakoen, Minato-ku, Tokyo 105-0011 Please note that for 15:00 start times, the actual starting time is 15:15.
Remarks
This is a shared program, multiple groups may participate at the same time.
Cancellation Policy
Cancel your booking at least 48 hours before the experience start time to receive a full refund minus a 3.2% transaction fee.
Experience Location
Over 14 million residents call Tokyo home. Functioning as Japan's economic and cultural center, it's no surprise the metropolis often appears at the top of travelers' bucket lists. Here, you can find everything from traditional tea houses to futuristic skyscrapers.
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10 meals
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