Learn the rituals of samurai tea ceremony from a fifth-generation tea master

Details

• Private experience

• Location: Shimogyo, Kyoto

• 70 min

• 15 people max. Minimum 2 people required. Solo guest may book at the price of 2 participants

• Offered in Japanese with English or Chinese interpretation

Luxurious ritual

Sadou is the meditative art of preparing and drinking powdered green tea in a process that has its beginnings in 12th century Japan. While there are various branches, buke sadou started as the tea ceremony enjoyed by members of the Tokugawa shogunate family, lords and samurai. Reflective of its military origins, buke sadou is characterized by some unique differences that allowed for easy access to the samurai’s sword. Enjoy the depth of the frothy, bitter green tea perfectly countered by the blossoming sweetness of traditional wagashi sweet in this practice of ceremonious hospitality.

What you’ll do

Learn about the history, culture, and etiquette of Yabunouchi-style tea ceremony. Enjoy koicha (thick green tea, which is the top ceremonial grade matcha), and then usucha (light matcha) with wagashi, Japan's seasonal sweets. Try your hand at whisking your own tea, and end with some delicious hojicha, which is roasted green tea low in caffeine.

What to wear

Please wear socks

Includes

Special tea which will be gifted to each participant at the end of the experience

Who can attend

Children of all ages are welcome, with parental supervision.

Vegetarian/vegan dietary needs can be accommodated.

Please inform us of any dietary requirements at checkout.

What else you should know

Wheat and soy allergies can be accommodated. Just let us know at checkout so that substitute sweets can be prepared.

Availability

Monday-Saturday        
Session 1  (9:00-10:10)
Session 2 (11:00-12:10)
Session 3 (13:00-14:10)
Session 4 (15:00-16:10)
Session 5 (16:30-17:40)

Access

10 minutes from Kyoto Station.

Cancellation Policy

Please make your booking at the latest 24 hours in advance. See cancellation policy here.

* A detailed itinerary will be emailed to you once your booking has been confirmed.