Tokyo: Tea Ceremony Experience

Exploring Japan’s rich cultural heritage, the Tokyo Tea Ceremony Experience offers a unique opportunity to take in the art of matcha preparation. For just $7.61, participants can embark on a 30-minute program showcasing the traditional tea ceremony, complete with a matcha grinding demonstration and sampling of Japanese sweets. Hosted at the AN TOKYO Japanese Culture Experience, this enriching introduction to Japanese traditions promises an insightful glimpse into a centuries-old practice. Whether visiting solo or as a group, the experience caters to all, with detailed explanations provided in English.

Key Points

• Experience a traditional Japanese tea ceremony, including a matcha grinding demonstration and sampling of Japanese sweets for $7.61 per person.
• The 30-minute program is held at AN TOKYO Japanese Culture Experience with detailed explanations and translations available upon request.
• Reservations can be made without upfront payment, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance.
• The event accommodates individuals and groups, with children under 2 attending for free, but no non-participants are allowed entry.
• Accessibility is limited, as the venue has no elevator and requires climbing stairs, and there are no accommodations for delays or travel expenses in case of cancellation.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Overview and Pricing

This tea ceremony experience in Tokyo offers a chance to take in Japanese culture.

Priced at $7.61 per person, the 30-minute program includes a matcha grinding demonstration, tea-ceremony experience, and sampling of Japanese sweets.

Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance allows flexibility. Reservations are available, with no upfront payment required.

The experience welcomes individuals and groups. While no elevator access is provided, children under 2 can attend for free.

Detailed explanations and translations are available upon request, ensuring an informative and accessible cultural experience in the heart of Tokyo.

Experience Details

The tea ceremony experience welcomes both individuals and groups, allowing participants to enjoy Matcha casually using single-origin special Matcha. The program includes Japanese sweets called Ohigashi, along with the following schedule:

Time	Action
Start	Explanation about Tea
Next	Matcha grinding demonstration
After	Tea-ceremony experience
Then	Picture time
End	Eating/Drinking time

This immersive experience provides a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of Japanese tea ceremonies.

Location and Accessibility

Where’s the tea ceremony experience held? The meeting point for the tea ceremony is at AN TOKYO Japanese Culture Experience.

The venue operates from 10:00 to 17:00, with reservations after 17:00 processed the next day.

Attendees should note that there’s no elevator, and they’ll need to climb stairs to reach the event.

However, children under 2 years old can sit on their parents’ laps free of charge.

It’s important to keep in mind that no accommodation is made for delays, and cancellation fees may apply.

Non-participants aren’t allowed entry.

Important Information

What key details should attendees be aware of?

The tea ceremony experience offers English translation services upon request. However, there are no accommodations for delays, and cancellation fees may apply.

On top of that, travelers should note that there’s no compensation for travel expenses in the event of a cancellation. Plus, non-participants aren’t allowed entry.

This experience provides an immersive cultural journey, but attendees must be mindful of the logistical considerations.

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Customer Reviews

According to the customer reviews, the tea ceremony experience in Tokyo has an overall rating of 3.7 out of 5 based on 3 reviews.

Positive feedback highlights the detailed explanations and translations provided during the experience.

However, one traveler reported poor organization and overcrowding.

The review notes that no compensation is offered for travel expenses in case of cancellation, and that no accommodation is made for delays, with cancellation fees still applying.

Highlights of the Tea Ceremony

The tea ceremony experience offers participants the chance to enjoy the centuries-old Japanese tradition of Chanoyu.

Guests learn the proper techniques for whisking, serving, and drinking matcha tea.

Highlights include:

• Observing the ceremonial preparation of matcha, a finely ground green tea powder
• Trying your hand at grinding the matcha using a traditional stone mill
• Savoring the delicate flavors of the tea, accompanied by a selection of traditional Japanese sweets
• Capturing the serene and elegant atmosphere through photo opportunities during the experience.

What to Expect During the Experience

As participants arrive at the AN TOKYO Japanese Culture Experience venue, they’ll be greeted by the friendly staff who’ll guide them through the tea ceremony experience.

They’ll learn about the history and tradition of Japanese tea culture, then watch a demonstration of matcha powder being expertly ground.

Next, they’ll take part in the tea ceremony themselves, carefully preparing and sipping the vibrant green tea.

To end, they’ll savor traditional Japanese sweets called Ohigashi.

With detailed explanations and translations provided, participants can fully enjoy this serene and authentic cultural ritual.

Tips for Attending the Tea Ceremony

To make the most of the tea ceremony experience, participants should keep a few tips in mind.

First, arrive on time as the schedule is tightly managed.

Second, be prepared to remove shoes and sit on the floor, which may be uncomfortable for some.

Third, avoid distractions and be present in the moment to fully appreciate the ritual.

Finally, bring a camera but use it judiciously, as the focus should be on the experience, not documentation.

• Arrive on time
• Prepare for sitting on the floor
• Minimize distractions
• Use camera sparingly

Things To Know

Can I Bring My Own Food or Drink to the Tea Ceremony?

No, you can’t bring your own food or drink to the tea ceremony. The experience includes traditional Japanese sweets and the Matcha tea, which are provided as part of the package. Outside items are not permitted.

Is There a Dress Code or Special Attire Required?

There’s no strict dress code, but wearing comfortable, conservative attire is recommended. Casual business or smart casual outfits are suitable. Avoid overly casual or revealing clothing that may be disrespectful in the traditional tea ceremony setting.

How Many People Are Typically in a Tea Ceremony Group?

The experience typically accommodates both individuals and groups. According to the details, participants are welcome, so group sizes can vary. However, the information doesn’t specify an exact number for the typical group size.

Can I Take Photos or Video During the Tea Ceremony?

Participants can take photos and videos during the tea ceremony experience. However, they’re advised not to disrupt the traditional atmosphere and to follow the instructor’s guidance on when and how to capture moments during the ceremony.

Is the Tea Ceremony Suitable for Children or Families?

The tea ceremony experience is generally suitable for children and families, as it includes a demonstration, tasting, and eating of Japanese sweets. However, the venue has stairs and doesn’t accommodate strollers, so families with young kids should consider this.

Sum Up

The Tokyo Tea Ceremony Experience offers a unique opportunity to take in Japanese tradition. At just $7.61 per person, the 30-minute program provides a captivating introduction to matcha preparation and the tea ceremony. With English explanations and accommodation for individuals and groups, this cultural experience is an enriching way to explore Japan’s time-honored practices.

You can check availability for your dates here: