Enjoy Japanese Art With Sake and Tea

Enjoy the captivating world of Japanese art while savoring exquisite sake and matcha tea. This unique experience invites you to explore three seasonal sake varietals, each expertly paired with traditional snacks that accentuate their flavors. As you engage in a self-guided matcha preparation, the elegant whisking technique promotes mindfulness, allowing you to fully appreciate the earthy notes of the tea and the delicate Japanese sweets. Prepare to be transported into a realm where art, culture, and the pleasures of Japanese beverage traditions seamlessly converge.

Key Points

• Immerse in a serene Zen experience through a standing-style Japanese tea ceremony with seasonal sake pairings and traditional Japanese snacks.
• Explore Japanese art and culture while self-preparing premium matcha tea served with delicate Japanese sweets.
• Savor the nuanced flavors and aromas of three distinctive seasonal Japanese sake varieties in a tranquil ambiance.
• Conveniently located near Senso-ji Temple with accessibility options and public transportation access.
• Available daily from January 2025 to February 2026, with a maximum of 10 travelers for a personalized setting.

Experience Overview

Visitors can enjoy a serene Zen experience by partaking in a simple standing-style tea ceremony and savoring a selection of seasonal Japanese sake paired with traditional snacks in Tokyo.

The main offerings include three types of sake alongside complementary bites, as well as a self-prepared matcha tea served with Japanese sweets.

This immersive experience allows guests to explore the nuances of Japanese art and culture through the lens of premium sake and time-honored tea traditions.

With a focus on promoting a tranquil ambiance, the activity offers a unique opportunity to appreciate the beauty of Japan.

Menu Details

The main offering of this experience includes three types of seasonal Japanese sake paired with complementary snacks.

Guests can look forward to:

1. Sampling a range of premium sakes, from delicate junmai to bold ginjo, each expertly selected to highlight the nuances of the season.

2. Savoring traditional Japanese snacks that perfectly complement the sake, elevating the tasting experience.

3. Preparing a self-brewed matcha tea, accompanied by an assortment of delectable wagashi, or Japanese confections, for a serene and authentic conclusion to the event.

Additional servings of sake or matcha are available for an extra fee.

Meeting and Transportation

The meeting point for this experience is BARLEY, located at 5-chōme-67-2 Asakusa, Taito City, Tokyo 111-0032, Japan.

It’s a 10-minute walk from the Senso-ji Temple through the Senzoku-dori shopping street, near a Seven-Eleven convenience store. The activity ends back at the meeting point.

BARLEY is wheelchair and stroller accessible, and service animals are allowed. It’s also conveniently near public transportation.

The experience operates Monday through Sunday from 12:00 PM to 06:00 PM, with a maximum of 10 travelers per tour/activity.

Schedule and Availability

Operating from January 10, 2025 to February 25, 2026, this Japanese art experience is available Monday through Sunday from 12:00 PM to 06:00 PM.

The experience accommodates a maximum of 10 travelers per tour/activity, ensuring an intimate and personalized setting.

Three key benefits of this limited-availability experience include:

1. Witness seasonal Japanese sake and traditional sweets in an immersive Zen setting.
2. Participate in a serene self-prepared matcha tea ceremony.
3. Receive confirmation at booking for worry-free planning.

Don’t miss this opportunity to savor the art, culture, and flavors of Japan.

Sake Tasting

Guests enjoy sampling three distinctive seasonal Japanese sake varieties, each thoughtfully paired with complementary savory snacks.

The tasting offers a chance to compare the nuanced flavors and aromas of premium sakes, from delicate junmai to robust ginjo. Each pour is accompanied by a small plate of traditional Japanese delights, allowing participants to explore how the drink’s characteristics harmonize with the cuisine.

After the sake flight, guests prepare their own frothy matcha and savor delicate wagashi sweets, seeing the serene Zen experience.

Optional additional servings are available for those seeking a deeper dive into Japan’s rich drinking culture.

Matcha Preparation

After the sake tasting, participants engage in a self-guided matcha preparation.

They receive instructions on the proper whisking technique to achieve a frothy, vibrant green tea. The ritual promotes mindfulness and tranquility.

First, they scoop the fine matcha powder into a traditional ceramic bowl. Next, they add hot water and gently whisk the mixture in a back-and-forth motion.

Finally, they savor the earthy, umami-rich flavor of the matcha alongside delicate Japanese sweets.

This calming experience completes the journey through Japanese art and culture.

Zen Atmosphere

Although the sake tasting provides a delightful introduction to Japanese flavors, the self-prepared matcha ceremony offers a Zen-like experience that truly immerses participants in the country’s cultural traditions.

The simple ritual, guided by an expert, promotes mindfulness and a serene atmosphere. Guests carefully whisk the matcha powder into hot water, creating a frothy green tea to sip alongside traditional Japanese sweets.

This tranquil moment allows travelers to pause, reflect, and appreciate the beauty and refinement of Japanese tea culture. The Zen-inspired activity leaves visitors feeling calm and enlightened.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Gratuity Included in the Tour Price?

The tour price does not include gratuity. Travelers are expected to tip the guide and any other service staff based on their satisfaction with the experience.

Can I Bring My Own Japanese Snacks to the Experience?

Bringing your own Japanese snacks is generally not allowed, as the experience is focused on the provided sake and traditional sweets. The venue likely has specific requirements to maintain the curated atmosphere and menu.

Do I Need to Know Japanese to Participate?

No, you don’t need to know Japanese to participate. The experience offers English-language instructions and guides, so you can fully enjoy the Japanese art, sake, and tea without any language barriers.

Can I Take Photos During the Experience?

Yes, participants can take photos during the experience. The experience promotes a serene Zen atmosphere, but photography is allowed as long as it doesn’t disrupt the other travelers or the traditional Japanese activities.

Is There a Dress Code for the Activity?

There’s no dress code for this activity. Casual, comfortable clothing is fine. Participants can wear what they’d normally wear to explore Tokyo and participate in a traditional tea ceremony.

Sum Up

This immersive experience offers a chance to savor the essence of Japanese culture. Indulge in seasonal sake varieties paired with traditional snacks, then learn the art of matcha preparation. Surrounded by serene Japanese art, you’ll discover a tranquil ambiance that blends the pleasures of beverages with the beauty of this enduring tradition.