Premium Tour
Thick Tea & Thin Tea Ceremony
SHOFU AN Tea Ceremony Tour
Premium Tour
Experience the soul of Zen in our traditional tea room and the breathtaking beauty of the horizon in our floating ocean-view tea room — the ultimate journey through the Way of Tea.
Premium Tea Ceremony Tour with Multi-Course Meal
What we offer:
– Thick tea (Koicha) with Wagashi (Confectionery)
Offered in the traditional tea room on the 1st floor
– Thin tea (Usucha)
Offered in the tatami room with a breathtaking ocean view on the 2nd floor
– Multi-Course Meal (Kaiseki Bento Box)
Elegantly packed into one box, it features seasonal, artfully prepared dishes that complement the spirit of the tea ceremony.
– Tea making experience
You will have the opportunity to make your own thin tea (Usucha) under the guidance of the tea master
Price : ¥18,000 + tax per person
Tour Flow
What to expect in our Premium Tea Ceremony Tour
2. Please leave your luggage in the first-floor living room. We kindly ask you to change into white socks or white tabi. To avoid damaging the tea bowls, please remove your watch and bracelets. Also, please refrain from wearing perfume on the day of your visit.
3. From the outdoor waiting area, enter the Koma (small tea room) through the Nijiriguchi—a traditional low entrance that symbolizes equality and humility.
4. Savor traditional sweets and Koicha (thick tea) in the intimate Koma room. This is the true essence of the Way of Tea.
5. Enjoy a seasonal Kaiseki Bento Box, featuring a variety of meticulously prepared dishes that celebrate the local flavors and the artistry of Japanese cuisine.
6. Ascend to the second floor to our “Floating Tea Room” with a stunning ocean view. Savor seasonal dry sweets and Usucha (thin tea), then try whisking your own bowl Usucha.
7. We’ll end the journey with a commemorative photo.
Tea Ceremony
Thick Tea (Koicha) & Thin Tea (Usucha) Tea Ceremony
The Soul of Tradition: Art of Usucha
Step into a world where time stands still. Your journey begins with Usucha (thin tea), served in a masterfully crafted, traditional tea room designed to strip away the distractions of the modern world. In this intimate setting, you will experience the elegant spirit of the Way of Tea. Watch as our masters whisk a vibrant, frothy matcha of the highest grade, creating a delicate balance of flavor and aroma. This is more than a drink; it is a meditative ritual that connects you to centuries of Japanese history and the core principles of Wa, Kei, Sei, Jaku (Harmony, Respect, Purity, and Tranquility), setting a serene tone for the ceremony to follow.
Edible Art: The Spirit of Seasonal Higashi
Before whisking your own bowl of Usucha (thin tea), savor the delicate artistry of Higashi. These dry, seasonal sweets are exquisite gems of sugar and flour, crafted to reflect the subtle changes in the natural world.
A Seasonal Harmony: The Kaiseki Bento Box
Before moving to the upper tea room, savor a Kaiseki Bento Box—a curated journey through Japan’s culinary seasons. More than just a meal, each box is a balanced composition of color, texture, and flavor, featuring locally sourced ingredients prepared with traditional techniques. These bite-sized delicacies are thoughtfully arranged to reflect the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape, providing a grounding and savory interlude that prepares your senses for the final bowls of tea.
Elevated Traditions: Koicha in the Floating Tea Room
Elevate your senses—literally. Following our traditional roots, we invite you to the second floor for a Koicha (thick tea) ceremony unlike any other. Here, the profound art of tea meets the breathtaking beauty of the natural world. In this modern sanctuary, you will experience the “true” heart of the ceremony: a rich, velvety matcha of the highest grade. As you savor the intense, earthy sweetness of the tea, gaze out at a panoramic view of the horizon. The play of light on the waves and the minimalist aesthetics of the room create a transcendent atmosphere that bridges the gap between ancient ritual and the vast, open sky—a moment of pure clarity and aesthetic bliss.
Edible Art: The Spirit of Seasonal Omokashi
Before the deep, profound experience of Koicha (thick tea), prepare your palate for a culinary masterpiece. Omokashi are more than just traditional sweets; they are “edible poems” crafted to mirror the fleeting beauty of the seasons. These moist, hand-crafted treasures are thoughtfully designed to balance the intense, earthy richness of the thick tea with a gentle, refined sweetness. As you admire the intricate shapes and soft textures, you are engaging in a sensory dialogue with nature, providing a vital prelude to the true heart of the ceremony.
Tea Making
Make your own tea (Usucha)
Mastery in Your Hands: Hand-on Matcha Experience
Now, it’s your turn to hold the bamboo whisk. After witnessing the mastery of our tea practitioners, you will be guided through a hands-on Usucha making experience. Learn the precise techniques of measuring the vibrant green powder and the art of whisking until a perfect, creamy froth forms on the surface. Our experts will teach you the etiquette of handling the tea bowl and the secrets to achieving the ideal temperature and texture. This interactive session ensures that you don’t just take home memories, but also the skill to recreate a moment of Zen in your own daily life.
Booking Procedure
1. Fill out the booking form
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.