Japanese Tea Ceremony at Private Home in Yokohama, Suburban Tokyo

Tucked away in the serene suburbs of Yokohama, just outside of bustling Tokyo, lies a hidden gem – a private home where the centuries-old Japanese tea ceremony unfolds before guests. Here, the Kono family welcomes visitors to savor the exquisite flavors of matcha green tea and traditional wagashi sweets, all crafted to accommodate vegan and gluten-free diets. With a 100% recommendation rate, this immersive experience promises to transport you into the heart of Japan’s rich cultural traditions. But what secrets does the family’s tea ceremony hold?

Key Points

• Intimate Japanese tea ceremony experience hosted in a private home in Yokohama, a suburb of Tokyo.
• Opportunity to learn about the centuries-old traditions and customs of the Japanese tea ceremony.
• Guests enjoy matcha green tea and traditional Japanese sweets (wagashi) suitable for vegan and gluten-free diets.
• Convenient pickup options available from nearby transportation hubs for a seamless experience.
• Highly rated activity with a 100% recommendation rate and excellent reviews praising the warm hospitality of the hosts.

Overview of the Experience

This Japanese Tea Ceremony experience takes place at a private home in Yokohama, a suburb of Tokyo.

It’s highly rated, with 23 reviews and a 100% recommendation rate from travelers. The experience is operated by Tea Ceremony At Private Home in Yokohama and is priced from $53.95 per person.

Guests will enjoy matcha green tea and wagashi, traditional Japanese sweets, suitable for vegan and gluten-free diets.

They’re advised to bring socks for the tatami room.

Pickup and drop-off options are available, making it a convenient and immersive cultural experience.

What’s Included in the Tea Ceremony

As part of this immersive tea ceremony experience, guests can expect to enjoy a selection of matcha green tea and traditional Japanese sweets known as wagashi.

These handmade treats are suitable for vegan and gluten-free diets, allowing all participants to fully indulge in the cultural offerings.

To ensure a comfortable and respectful experience, guests are advised to bring:

• Socks for the tatami room
• An open mind to learn about the nuances of Japanese tea culture
• A willingness to enjoy the serene and peaceful atmosphere
• Curiosity to engage with the host family and understand their traditions
• A sense of appreciation for the centuries-old art of the Japanese tea ceremony.

Meeting and Pickup Information

Where do participants meet for this Japanese tea ceremony experience in Yokohama?

Guests have the option to head directly to the meeting point or request pickup. The pickup location is at the Mizuho Bank, a 1-minute walk from Azamino Station on the Tokyo Denentoshi line and Yokohama Subway.

Alternatively, participants can be picked up at the Obacho Bus stop, 3 stops from Azamino station.

At the end of the experience, the activity concludes back at the original meeting point.

Guests are advised to dress comfortably and bring their own socks for the traditional tatami room.

Booking and Additional Details

Travelers can receive confirmation of their booking within 48 hours, subject to availability.

This private tea ceremony is wheelchair inaccessible but located near public transportation. Guests have the flexibility to either head directly to the meeting point or request a pickup.

Pickup is provided by a red Toyota car at Mizuho Bank, a 1-minute walk from Azamino Station, or the Obacho Bus stop, 3 stops from Azamino. The activity concludes back at the original meeting point.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the experience, and a "reserve now, pay later" option is available.

• Not wheelchair accessible
• Near public transportation
• Pickup or direct to meeting point
• Free cancellation up to 24 hours
• Reserve now, pay later option

Highlights From Customer Reviews

The Japanese Tea Ceremony in Yokohama has earned excellent reviews from travelers. With a 100% recommendation rate across 23 reviews, it’s clear this experience leaves a lasting impression.

One reviewer, Shane_X, praised the "lovely family" and the meaningful cultural exchange. Guests consistently highlight the learning opportunity, the delicious matcha tea and wagashi sweets, and the warm hospitality of the hosts.

Whether you’re looking to learn about Japanese tradition or simply enjoy a tranquil afternoon, this private tea ceremony receives rave reviews from all who attend.

Exploring the Kono Family’s Tea Ceremony Tradition

What makes the Kono family’s tea ceremony in Yokohama so special? Their four-generation legacy, warm hospitality, and commitment to preserving tradition set this experience apart.

Guests are welcomed into the Kono’s private home, where they:

• Learn the intricate steps of the Japanese tea ceremony from the family matriarch.
• Admire the elegant setting, from the meticulously prepared Tatami room to the antique utensils.
• Sip on fragrant matcha and savor delicate wagashi sweets.
• Engage in thoughtful conversations about the cultural significance of this time-honored ritual.
• Depart with a deeper appreciation for Japan’s rich heritage.

The Significance of Matcha and Wagashi

Matcha, the vibrant green powdered tea, and wagashi, the delicate Japanese confections, hold profound significance within the traditional tea ceremony.

Matcha embodies the essence of the tea plant, providing a full-bodied, umami-rich flavor and a calming ritual. Wagashi, meticulously crafted using natural ingredients, symbolize the fleeting beauty of nature.

Together, they create a harmonious pairing, complementing each other’s flavors and textures. As guests sip the earthy matcha and savor the delicate wagashi, they enjoy a centuries-old tradition that celebrates the Japanese aesthetic of wabi-sabi – the appreciation of imperfect, transient beauty.

Taking in Yokohama’s Suburban Ambiance

As guests journey to the private home in Yokohama’s serene suburbs, they’re greeted by a tranquil ambiance that sets the stage for the upcoming tea ceremony.

The residential neighborhood exudes a charming, laid-back vibe, with:

• Quaint, well-maintained homes
• Lush greenery and blooming flowers
• Locals going about their daily routines
• Winding, quiet streets perfect for strolling
• The occasional sound of birdsong or children’s laughter

This peaceful, unhurried atmosphere allows visitors to fully enjoy the traditional Japanese experience, transitioning from the bustling city to a calming, introspective state of mind.

Since You Asked

Do I Need to Bring My Own Tea Set?

No, you don’t need to bring your own tea set. The experience includes providing the necessary tea utensils and serving the traditional matcha tea and Japanese sweets for you to enjoy during the private home tea ceremony.

How Long Does the Tea Ceremony Last?

The tea ceremony generally lasts 1-1.5 hours. Guests can expect to spend this time enjoying the traditional ritual, learning about its history and culture, and savoring matcha tea and handmade Japanese sweets in an intimate setting with the host.

Can I Purchase Additional Souvenirs During the Experience?

The experience doesn’t include the purchase of souvenirs, but visitors can inquire about any optional items or gifts available from the hosts during the tea ceremony. The focus is on the culture and learning about the traditional tea ritual.

Will There Be an Opportunity to Interact With the Kono Family?

Yes, the experience provides an opportunity to interact with the Kono family. The reviews highlight the cultural exchange and learning experience gained from engaging with the host family during the tea ceremony.

Are There Any Dress Code Requirements for the Tea Ceremony?

There are no strict dress code requirements, but guests are advised to wear comfortable, modest clothing. The focus is on the cultural experience, so casual attire that allows you to sit on the tatami mats is recommended.

The Sum Up

Discover the centuries-old traditions of the Japanese tea ceremony in the peaceful suburb of Yokohama. Savor matcha green tea and wagashi sweets, all tailored to accommodate dietary needs. Enjoy the warm, family atmosphere and leave with a deeper appreciation for this captivating art form. With a 100% recommendation rate, this intimate experience promises an unforgettable cultural journey.