Tea Ceremony Class or Local Tea Tasting in Kagoshima City
Discover the etiquette and secrets of the traditional Japanese tea ceremony or learn to serve and taste five different kinds of Kagoshima tea in this unique tea experience in Kagoshima City.
Highlights
Learn about the history and etiquette of Japanese tea ceremony or serve and taste five kinds of tea like a tea sommelier
Enjoy domestic Kagoshima tea
Taste wagashi (traditional Japanese sweets)
10 meals
Experience Details
Second only to Shizuoka Prefecture, Kagoshima is one of the largest producers of Japanese green tea in Japan. Although Kagoshima is most well-known for sencha tea, the prefecture is also a major producer of matcha green tea. Join this Kagoshima Tea Experience in Kagoshima City to learn about the ceremonial preparation and enjoyment of matcha tea. The Tea Ceremony Class takes place at Birouen Tea, established in 1883 in Kagoshima City, where you’ll have the chance to learn from an expert. Nearby is Tenmonkan, a popular shopping street in center city.
In this experience you can choose either one of two course options:
1. During the Introductory Tea Ceremony Class, the tea master will teach you about the traditional Japanese tea ceremony. Tea in Japan dates back to the 9th century, with the ritual of tea preparation becoming popular in the 13th century. Over time, the customs of tea preparation evolved into the tea ceremony as we know it today. Learn about the methods of matcha tea preparation and learn how to use the tools of Japanese tea ceremony yourself! The tea master can also answer any questions you have as you sit in the seiza position and let the taste and aroma of matcha wash over you.
2. Step in the shoes of a tea sommelier! In this course, a tea master will teach you how to serve tea the proper way and provide you with a tasting of selected Kagoshima teas. You'll get to taste 5 kinds of Kagoshima tea and find your new favorite as you learn about the difference in flavor profiles and production of each variety. Become immersed in the unique tea culture of Kagoshima and learn unique insights from your host
Inclusions
All equipment and tea for the class
Wagashi (traditional Japanese sweets which are vegan and gluten-free)
Insights from a tea ceremony expert
1300 yen coupon for the shop
Certificate of the course
Exclusions
Transportation to and from the experience location
Meeting Point and Meeting Time
Meet your English-speaking guide at Ocha no Birouen. A Google Maps link will be provided upon booking.
Remarks
Please be on time
Cancellation Policy
Cancel your booking at least 2 days before the experience start time to receive a full refund minus a 3.2% transaction fee.
Experience Location
Located on the bay, the port city of Kagoshima is the capital of Kyushu’s Kagoshima Prefecture. Formerly a castle town, Kagoshima City was the entrypoint of Western civilization to Japan in the 1600s, facilitating modernization and leading Japan’s Industrial Revolution in the 1800s. Kagoshima City also boasts abundant beauty, both natural and manmade. At Senganen Garden, the villa of the Shimadzu Clan that formerly ruled the area, visitors can get a glimpse of the majestic Mt. Sakurajima, a volcanic land mass that juts out of the sapphire waters of Kinko Bay.
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10 meals
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