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A Refined Tea Ceremony Experience | The Art of Japanese Kaiseki Dining and Matcha Ritual
Step into the refined world of chanoyu, the traditional Japanese tea ceremony, with an immersive experience at Shiratama. Established in 1936, this esteemed ryotei— a traditional Japanese restaurant— is renowned for its elegant hospitality and multi-course cuisine. Nestled in an elegant setting with historic buildings relocated from various parts of Aichi Prefecture, Shiratama offers an authentic full-course tea ceremony (chaji), a rare opportunity to appreciate the profound hospitality and artistry behind this centuries-old ritual.
More than just a simple tea-tasting session, this experience introduces chakaiseki, the light yet meticulously prepared meal that precedes the tea ceremony. As water slowly comes to a boil, guests enjoy sake and delicacies, following the traditional rhythm of tea preparation. The ceremony then progresses from koicha (thick matcha) to usucha (thin matcha), offering a deeper understanding of Japan’s tea culture, history, and aesthetic principles.
With guidance from an English-speaking expert, this exclusive experience allows you to witness and participate in one of Japan’s most revered cultural traditions, set in an ambiance of timeless elegance.
Details
| Tour Name | A Refined Tea Ceremony Experience | The Art of Japanese Kaiseki Dining and Matcha Ritual |
|---|---|
| Schedule | Available year-round |
| Time | 4:30 PM～9:30 PM |
| Cost | Inquiry Required |
| Capacity | Inquiry Required |
| The Meeting Place | Meet Your Guide at your Hotel Lobby |
Cautionary notes
Note
・Dietary Restrictions: The kaiseki meal is served on communal plates, and substitutions for dietary restrictions cannot be accommodated. Guests with food allergies or preferences should avoid consuming specific ingredients
・Handling of Tea Utensils: This experience involves valuable and delicate ceremonial tools. Guests are kindly asked to handle all items with care
・Minimum age of participants is 18
・Reservation & Payment: Upon booking, the system may display “RESERVE & PAY UPON ARRIVAL.” However, we will send an invoice via email once the arrangements are confirmed
・Full payment is required 41 days prior to departure. If booking within 40 days, an immediate payment request will be sent
Accessibility & Activity Level
・This experience is low-activity, with extended periods of seated participation
・Guests will primarily be seated at a table and chairs, with brief moments seated on tatami
・Not wheelchair accessible due to the traditional setting
Tour Operation & Language
・This tour is conducted in English.
A Mandarin, French, Spanish, German, or Korean-speaking guide may be available. Please contact the supplier in advance to check availability.
What to Bring
・Smart casual attire (Jacket not required, but no shorts or sleeveless tops)
・Skirt below the knee (for female participants)
・Socks (as shoes will be removed upon entering the tea room)
Booking Request
・This experience is booked on request. The owner of the experience will respond to the request within 5 days
Booking & Cancellation Policy
・Please inquire
How to apply
| Inquirer's organization (school, company, etc.) | Tourism Designers Co., Ltd. E-mail：info@tourismdesigners.com TEL：+81 52-629-5828 |
|---|---|
| Details | 4:30 PM – Meet Your Guide at your Hotel Lobby Your English-speaking guide will greet you and escort you to Shiratama by private transfer. ↓ 5:00 PM – Arrive at Ryotei Shiratama After a brief intermission to settle in, begin your authentic tea ceremony experience. The session includes various ceremonial procedures, each essential to the refined tradition of chanoyu: ・Sekiiri – Entering the tea room ・Sumitemae – Preparing the charcoal ・Kaiseki – Enjoying the multi-course chakaiseki meal ・Nakadachi – Intermission before the main tea preparation ・Ato Zasekiiri – Re-entering the tea room ・Koicha – Thick matcha, the highlight of the ceremony ・Usucha – Light matcha, concluding the experience Explanations will be provided throughout the ceremony to ensure a deeper understanding of each step. ↓ 9:00 PM – Tea Ceremony Ends & Depart from Shiratama Conclude the experience with a moment of reflection before returning to your hotel. ↓ 9:30 PM – Arrive at your Hotel Your guide will ensure your comfortable return, marking the end of this immersive cultural journey. |
| How to apply | Apply for participation |
| Price Includes | ・Professional, English-speaking guide ・Fee for the full-course tea ceremony experience (chaji) ・Private transfer between the hotel and Shiratama ・Travel Insurance |
| Price Excludes | ・Guide gratuities (optional) |
| Cancellation Policy | ・7+ days before the tour date: refund of tour fees minus ticket price, minus 5% processing fees ・3 to 6 days before the tour date: 50% refund of tour fees minus ticket price ・48 hours or less before the tour: no refund of tour fees |
