A 90 Min. Tea Ceremony Workshop In The Authentic Tea Room

Nestled in the heart of Tokyo’s historic Asakusa district, a 90-minute tea ceremony workshop transports visitors into the captivating world of authentic Japanese tea culture. Led by a licensed instructor from the renowned Urasenke Chado School, this immersive experience offers a rare chance to witness the time-honored traditions and spiritual essence of the tea ritual. Participants will learn the intricate techniques of preparing and serving matcha, while exploring the nuances of tea’s history, philosophy, and ability to cultivate inner peace. With the opportunity to sample various Japanese teas and confections, this workshop promises to leave a lasting impression on those seeking to deepen their understanding of Japan’s revered tea ceremony.

Key Points

The tea ceremony workshop offers a 90-minute deep dive into the authentic Japanese tea culture, including the preparation and serving of matcha tea.
The workshop takes place in a traditional Japanese-style tearoom located in the Asakusa district of Tokyo, accessible by a 13-minute walk from Asakusa Station.
The curriculum covers the history, philosophy, and spiritual aspects of the tea ceremony, guided by a licensed instructor from the Urasenke Chado School.
Participants will have a hands-on experience in whisking matcha tea, exploring the roles of host and guest, and learning the intricate etiquette of the traditional Japanese tea ceremony.
The workshop offers an immersive and transformative experience, cultivating a deeper understanding of the spiritual dimension rooted in Zen Buddhist philosophy.

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Overview of the Tea Ceremony Workshop

The tea ceremony workshop offers a 90-minute deep-dive into the authentic Japanese tea culture and tradition, immersing participants in the fundamentals of Chado (the Way of Tea).

Aspiring tea enthusiasts will learn the proper preparation and serving of matcha tea, as well as sample a variety of other Japanese teas and confections.

This hands-on experience takes place in an old Japanese-style tearoom located in Tokyo’s Asakusa district, just a 13-minute walk from the nearby station.

Under the guidance of a licensed teacher from the prestigious Urasenke Chado School in Kyoto, you will explore the history, philosophy, and spiritual aspects of the revered tea ceremony.

Location and Accessibility

The tea ceremony workshop takes place in an old Japanese-style tearoom located in the Asakusa district of Tokyo, just a 13-minute walk from the nearby Asakusa Station.

This traditional tearoom is situated on the second floor, accessible via a steep staircase. The tearoom’s historical setting and old-world charm provide an immersive experience, allowing participants to fully enjoy the authentic Japanese tea culture.

However, due to the building’s age, there are some accessibility considerations, such as weight capacity restrictions and the need for participants to remove their shoes and wear socks while inside the tearoom.

Instructors and Curriculum

An instructor licensed by the prestigious Urasenke Chado School in Kyoto leads the tea ceremony workshop, imparting participants with the fundamentals of Chado (the Way of Tea) and its rich history, philosophy, and spiritual aspects.

Through hands-on experience, attendees learn the proper techniques of preparing and serving matcha tea, as well as assuming the roles of both host and guest.

The curriculum covers the intricate details and etiquette involved in the traditional Japanese tea ceremony, allowing guests to fully enjoy this time-honored tradition.

Participant Requirements

Participants must wear socks while inside the traditional Japanese tearoom to maintain proper etiquette and protect the tatami mats.

The workshop is suitable for ages 10 and above, and the tea room can accommodate up to 6 travelers per session.

It’s important to note that the tearoom is located on the second floor with a steep staircase, and there are weight capacity restrictions in the old building.

For those unable to sit comfortably on the tatami mats, chairs are available.

The experience is non-refundable, and no changes are allowed, so participants should be prepared to fully enjoy the authentic Japanese tea ceremony tradition.

Logistics and Restrictions

Nestled on the second floor, the traditional Japanese tearoom presents a steep staircase for access, and weight capacity restrictions apply within the old building’s structure.

While the space is limited, it can accommodate up to 6 travelers per workshop. Participants must wear socks during the session as the tea ceremony takes place on tatami mats. For those unable to sit on the floor, chairs are available.

The 90-minute workshop is suitable for ages 10 and above, providing an immersive experience in authentic Japanese tea culture. With a licensed instructor from the renowned Urasenke Chado School in Kyoto, attendees will learn the fundamentals of the tea ceremony, from preparation to serving as both host and guest.

Tea Preparation and Serving

Under the guidance of the licensed Urasenke Chado School instructor, you will learn the intricate art of preparing and serving matcha tea. They’ll experience the history, philosophy, and spiritual aspects woven into this centuries-old Japanese tradition.

First, they’ll learn the proper way to whisk the powdered green tea into a frothy, emerald-green beverage. Then, they’ll gracefully present the tea to their guests, maintaining focus and mindfulness throughout the process.

Participants will also have the opportunity to sample various teas and traditional Japanese confections, gaining a deeper appreciation for the nuances of tea culture. This hands-on workshop offers a truly immersive experience in the refined world of Chado.

Spiritual Aspects of Tea Ceremony

Beyond the technical mastery of tea preparation, the tea ceremony also embodies a profound spiritual dimension rooted in Zen Buddhist philosophy. Participants enjoy the present moment, cultivating mindfulness and heightened awareness as they engage in the rituals of this time-honored tradition.

The spiritual aspects of the tea ceremony include:

Appreciation of the impermanence of all things, as each moment in the ceremony is unique and fleeting.
Cultivation of humility and respect, as the host and guests recognize their equal roles in the ceremony.
Attainment of inner peace and tranquility through the focused, meditative nature of the tea ritual.

Through this deeper understanding, the tea ceremony becomes a transformative experience, guiding participants towards a more balanced and harmonious state of being.

Additional Considerations

Participants should also consider a few key factors when attending this tea ceremony workshop. The old Japanese-style tearoom‘s second-floor location accessible only by a steep staircase may present challenges for some. Plus, weight capacity restrictions in the historic building warrant consideration.

Those unable to comfortably sit on tatami mats can request chairs, though this may impact the overall immersive experience.

Despite these logistical factors, the authentic setting and expert instruction provided by the licensed Urasenke Chado School teacher will transport attendees into the rich cultural traditions of the Japanese tea ceremony. With careful planning, participants can fully embrace this unique opportunity to connect with the spirituality and philosophy behind this time-honored practice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Tea or Snacks to the Workshop?

No, participants cannot bring their own tea or snacks to the workshop. The experience is designed to fully immerse attendees in the authentic Japanese tea ceremony, including the prepared matcha tea and confections served by the licensed instructor.

Is Photography Allowed During the Tea Ceremony?

Photography is generally not allowed during the tea ceremony, as it is considered disruptive to the serene and contemplative experience. However, participants may be permitted to take photos before or after the ceremony at the discretion of the instructor.

Are There Any Discounts or Group Rates Available?

Unfortunately, the workshop does not offer discounts or group rates. It has a fixed price per participant, and no changes are allowed. The instructor recommends booking early to secure a spot for your desired date.

Can I Purchase Any Tea or Tea-Related Items After the Workshop?

Yes, participants can purchase tea and tea-related items after the workshop. The tearoom offers a selection of premium matcha, sencha, and other Japanese teas, as well as traditional tea utensils and ceramics.

Is the Workshop Available in Languages Other Than Japanese?

The workshop is available in languages other than Japanese. According to the information provided, the tea ceremony is instructed by a teacher licensed by the Urasenke Chado School, so the workshop can accommodate participants who don’t speak Japanese.

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