The Experience
Experience authentic tea ceremony in its hometown
This is a special tour that explores the essence of chanoyu culture in Sakai, the birthplace of the tea ceremony. It offers you an opportunity to experience the very essence of the tea ceremony as envisioned by Sen no Rikyu, the greatest tea master in Japan, through a tea ceremony in a traditional tea house and a Zen experience, followed by an authentic Japanese bento box lunch prepared by a local Japanese chef. Together with your knowledgeable guide, explore the depth and aesthetics of the Japanese tea ceremony.
Start by learning about Zen, the foundation of the tea ceremony culture
The journey begins with a special moment to experience the spirit of Zen, also practiced by Sen no Rikyu himself. For this part of the experience the main hall of the Myohoji Temple will be privately booked to offer you a tranquil setting for sutra chanting practice. The experience starts off with a bit of time for important self-reflection and self-discovery
▼Available in the Zen & Tea Ceremony Tour, Sakai Plaza Tour
▼Available in the Zen & Tea Ceremony Tour, Sakai Plaza Tour
▼Enjoy a small break after you arrive
▼The moment you enter the main hall, you will feel the solemn atmosphere and the realization that your training is about to begin.
▼Focus on your breathing as you empty your mind and let go of everyday stress.
▼The Buddhist priest is also proficient in tea ceremony and will happily share her insight not just about the Buddhist teachings.
▼At this temple you can sever bad ties and fates.
Tea ceremony experience at Shin-an, an Important Tangible Cultural Asset
Treat yourself to a special authentic tea ceremony at Shin-an, an Important Tangible Cultural Asset. Enjoy the tranquility and beauty of the garden while learning the art of tea ceremony in a captivating tea room.
▼Available in the Zen & Tea Ceremony Tour, Shin–An Tour
▼Available in the Zen & Tea Ceremony Tour, Shin–An Tour
▼Learn how to properly prepare the tea
▼Special chairs are also available for those who may find it difficult to sit on the floor
▼The whole venue is reserved privately so you can enjoy exploring its premises
▼Depending on the selected course, you can also experience Zen meditation
▼The spirit of the tea masters lives on at Shin-an, where you can experience the timeless tea ceremony culture
Let your guide take you to unique spots of Sakai
One of the fun parts of this tour is touring the city with a guide who knows Sakai inside and out. Uncover the many charms of Sakai and the tea culture, passed down over the ages.
▼Visit the remains of the mansion of Sen no Rikyu, the father of tea ceremony culture
▼Visit the remains of the mansion of Sen no Rikyu, the father of tea ceremony culture
▼The cycling tour offers you a chance to explore the nature of Sakai together with the ancient tumuli and modern townscape in comfort, on electrically assisted bicycles.
▼The Nintoku Imperial Tomb is one of the three largest tombs in the world.
Sen no Rikyu tea experience at the Sakai Plaza
The Sakai Plaza offers an in-depth tea ceremony experience as perfected by Sen no Rikyu. The tea ceremony hall at the Plaza is the only one of its kind in Japan. It is lined with tea rooms of three different schools of tea ceremony left by Sen no Rikyu's descendants, and offers a rare opportunity to experience the origins of the tea ceremony.
▼Only included in the Sakai Plaza Tour
▼Only included in the Sakai Plaza Tour
▼You can also experience entering the tea room through the traditional Nijiri-guchi and learn about the origins of tea room hospitality
▼The tea ceremony in a tranquil tea room is quite a refreshing experience
▼This tour includes a special bento box lunch prepared by a popular local Japanese restaurant, Mochizuki Ichimian
▼Furthermore, you can also see the Sakai Tai-an, the last existing tea room by Sen no Rikyu restored to its original design and experience the tea ceremony through the lens of architecture
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