Delve behind the scenes of one of Japan’s most elegant rituals. The art of tea making plays an important role in Japanese culture. Your A&K guide will pick you up from your hotel and accompany you to a private tea house.
Here you’ll meet your tea ceremony master who will introduce you to the ritual. First, don a kimono, which is the traditional dress. While sitting on the tatami floor, you can watch your host meticulously present the matcha. This powdered-green tea dates back to the Tang Dynasty in China from where it was shipped to Japan in the 12th century.
As you sip on tea and sample traditional Japanese sweets, you’ll learn about the ritual’s history largely influenced by zen Buddhism. Green tea was originally used for medicinal purposes but also to keep Zen monks awake through long bouts of meditation. After watching the master at work, try your hand at making Japan’s superlative brew.
Additional notes about the tour
This experience includes a private guide who’ll accompany you in a taxi to and from the tea ceremony.