Luxury Tour

Thin Tea Ceremony

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SHOFU AN Tea Ceremony Tour

Luxury Tour

Complete Tea Ceremony Experience

This tour offers a complete Tea Ceremony experience with both Thin Tea (Usucha) and Thick Tea (Koicha), along with Sake, Kaiseki bento box, which is a traditional, multi-course Japanese meal, and wagashi (Japanese confectionary).  The tour also includes Sumitemae, the charcoal preparation. (Notes : Halal, vegetarian, or vegan bento is not available.)

Tour Description
Tour type : Day tour (Saturday and Sunday only)
Price : ¥45,000 + Tax per person
Available time : 11:30
Duration : 240 minutes (Adjustable upon request)
Capacity : 2 – 4 people (Minimum 2 people)
Language : English
Reservation : 2 days in advance (Flexible)
Pick-Up Service : Available based on the distance

Tea House Tour

1. Tea House Tour

Upon your arrival you will be guided by the tea master to enjoy and appreciate the tea house and the surrounding environment.

2. Panoramic view of the ocean

From this point, you can enjoy the spectacular panoramic view of the Manazuru ocean.

3. The path to the Nijiriguchi

Through this gate, you enter the path to the small half-door entrance, called Nijiriguchi.

4. Appreciation of the nature

As you walk along the path, you’ll be greeted by the chirping of birds and the scent of trees and plants.

5. Nijiriguchi the symbol of equality

You arrive at the half-door entrance that is Nijiriguchi, deliberately designed to be small to prove that everyone is equal and to make sure samurais do not enter with weapons.

6. Enter the tea room

After you enter the Nijiriguchi, what awaits you is the ancient Japanese ritualistic art of tea ceremony.

Tea Ceremony

The Complete Tea Ceremony Experience

Tea Ceremony in Tea Room

SHOFU AN offers a very authentic Tea Ceremony experience which goes beyond simply consuming delicately prepared and served green tea.  It embodies a set of values, principles, and aesthetics such as focusing on mindfulness, following Wa Kei Sei Jaku, 4 principles of Harmony, Respect, Purity and Tranquility, appreciating the ancient Japanese culture and traditions and more.

Charcoal Preparation (Sumitemae)

Sumitemae is the meticulous and precise arrangement of charcoal in the brazier (hibachi or furo) used to heat the water for making matcha (green tea). The proper placement of charcoal is essential for controlling the water temperature and ensuring the successful preparation of tea. Sumitemae is an important aspect of the tea ceremony and contributes to the overall aesthetics and functionality of the ceremony.

Kaiseki Bento

Kaiseki is a multi-course, haute cuisine style of dining in Japan, typically featuring a meticulously crafted sequence of dishes that emphasize seasonality and artful presentation. Kaiseki meals are often served in upscale restaurants or as part of tea ceremonies.

Sake

Sake, often referred to as “rice wine,” is a traditional Japanese alcoholic beverage made from fermented rice. It is a significant part of Japanese culture and is enjoyed in various settings, from formal ceremonies to casual social gatherings.

Confectionery (Wagashi)

Wagashi is traditional Japanese sweets served in the tea ceremony. They are carefully crafted to cleanse the palate, balance the bitterness of matcha, and add visual and seasonal elements to enhance the aesthetic and sensory experience of the ceremony.

Thin Tea (Usucha) and Thick Tea (Koicha)

Usucha signifies a delicately prepared form of matcha, and it’s the variation we most frequently encounter in tea ceremonies.  Koicha is a concentrated, thick tea with a rich and intense flavor. Koicha is typically served in smaller quantities and is often enjoyed in more formal and traditional tea ceremonies. Preparing Koicha requires skill and precision, and it is considered a special and valued experience in the realm of Japanese tea culture.

BOOK STANDARD TOUR NOW

Booking Procedure

1. Fill out the booking form

Provide us with all the necessary information by filling out the booking form below.

2. Availability confirmation

After checking availability, you will receive a confirmation email with the date and time, other necessary information and the payment link.

3. Booking confirmation

The booking is confirmed after the payment is processed. Regarding the refund policy, refer to the terms in the booking form.

4. Get picked up and start the tour

The host will greet you at the designated meeting point 30 minutes prior to the start of the tour.  *Pick-up service may not be available based on the distance.

Important notes

  • On the day of the tea room experience, please refrain from using perfumes, hair products, or other scented items.
  • If possible, wear socks and pants (rather than shorts and being barefoot) when you arrive.
  • If you are using the pickup service, please meet at the designated location 30 minutes before the tour starts.
  • Please follow the host’s instructions for taking photos within the tea room.
  • Pick-up service at Manazuru Station, Yugawara station or your hotel is available based on the distance. Please consult with us.

    Tour Booking Form

    Luxury Tour | Select your preferred tour

    Optional Tour | Tea making experience

    The number of participants

    First preferred date : Saturday or Sunday only

    First preferred time

    Second preferred date : Saturday or Sunday only

    Second preferred time

    Pick-up service is available based on the distance

    Tour Terms and Conditions:

    The tour reservation will be confirmed upon receipt of the tour fee.

    In the event of any unlawful or improper conduct by a customer that violates laws or public order and morals, participation in the tour may be denied. Additionally, regardless of intent or negligence, if any damage or loss occurs to the tea room facilities, buildings, equipment, or furnishings, due to the customer's fault, compensation may be required.

    Unforeseen circumstances, such as the representative of the tea room's health problems or natural disasters, may lead to changes in the tour's content or its cancellation. If a cancellation occurs, a full refund of the fee will be provided.

    Our tours are intended for adults aged 15 and older. Customers under the age of 15 are not permitted to participate. If age misrepresentation is discovered, an immediate decision to cancel or discontinue the tour may be made. Refunds will not be issued in the event of cancellation.

    This agreement is governed by Japanese law, and any disputes related to this contract shall fall under the exclusive jurisdiction of the Yokohama District Court or the Yokohama Summary Court.

    Prohibited Items

    On the day of the tea room visit, please refrain from using perfumes, hair products, or other scented items.

    Please refrain from bracelets, watches, rings, or similar accessories in the tea room.

    Please avoid participating while in a state of excessive alcohol consumption.

    Please refrain from bringing food or beverages into the tea room.

    If any actions are found to be in violation of the above-agreed terms, the tour may be immediately terminated, and tour fees will not be refunded.

    Privacy Policy

    We will only collect the minimum necessary personal information for which you have provided consent.

    Personal information may be used for "SHOFU AN" related businesses and services.

    Personal information that is no longer needed will be securely disposed of after a certain period.

    Please be aware that photos and videos taken by our staff and guides during the tour may be subject to our copyright and may be used for our promotional purposes, etc. (If you wish to refuse such usage, please inform us in advance.)

    Cancellation Policy

    Our cancellation policy provides a full refund for cancellations made up to 7 days before the scheduled experience date. Please ensure to contact us before 17:00 (JST) to initiate the cancellation process. There will be no refund for any cancellations after 7 days before the date due to the arrangement of Kaiseki Bento and other food items.

    Please be aware that, depending on your chosen payment method, a transfer fee may be deducted from the refund amount.