Standard Tour

Thin Tea & Thick Tea Ceremony

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SHOFU AN Tea Ceremony Tour

Standard 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.

2 – 6 people
90 mins
English | Japanese | Chinese

Most Recommended Tour

SHOFU AN Standard Tea Ceremony Tour

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

– Tea making experience

You will have the opportunity to make your own thin tea (Usucha) under the guidance of the tea master

Price : ¥10,000 + tax per person

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Tour Flow

What to expect in our Standard Tea Ceremony Tour

1. Shofuan is a 20-minute walk or a 5-minute taxi ride from Manazuru Station. For those interested, we offer a private car shuttle service for up to 4 guests.

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. Change into traditional wara-zouri (straw sandals) and step out toward the Soto-koshikake—our outdoor waiting bench.

4. From the outdoor waiting area, enter the Koma (small tea room) through the Nijiriguchi—a traditional low entrance that symbolizes equality and humility.

5. Savor traditional sweets called Omokashi before enjoying Koicha (thick tea).  They are considered “edible art”. 

6. The tea master will prepare Koicha (thick tea) following traditional steps in the intimate Koma room. This is the true essence of the Way of Tea.

7. In the Koma tea room, Koicha is shared in silence and closeness. The low ceiling and confined space remove social distinction, inviting guests to experience humility, harmony, and deep presence.

8. Ascend to the second floor to our “Floating Tea Room” with a stunning ocean view. Savor seasonal dry sweets and Usucha (thin tea), prepared by the tea master.

9. Next, you will have the opportunity to whisk your own bowl of tea. While I will certainly guide you through the traditional etiquette, please feel free to whisk it in your own way and enjoy the experience.

10. If you are participating with your family members or friends, you may offer the tea you whisked yourself for them to enjoy!

11. After everyone has finished whisking their tea, you are welcome to explore the tea rooms on both the first and second floors, as well as the garden, until it is time to depart. Please take this moment to relax and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of our tea house, surrounded by nature.

Tea Ceremony

Thick Tea (Koicha) & Thin Tea (Usucha) Tea Ceremony

The Soul of Tradition: Formal Koicha Ceremony

Step into a world where time stands still. Our Koicha (thick tea) ceremony takes place 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 “true” heart of the Way of Tea. Watch as our masters prepare a rich, velvety matcha of the highest grade, served in a shared atmosphere of profound silence and mutual respect. 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).

Edible Art: The Spirit of Seasonal Wagashi “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.

Elegance in Every Sip: Usucha with an Ocean View

Elevate your senses—literally. Following our traditional roots, we invite you to the second floor for an Usucha (thin tea) ceremony unlike any other. Here, the serene art of tea meets the breathtaking beauty of the natural world. Sip on frothy, vibrant Usucha while gazing at a panoramic view of the ocean. The play of light on the waves and the minimalist aesthetics of the tea room create a refreshing, airy atmosphere that bridges the gap between ancient ritual and the vast, open horizon. It is a moment of pure clarity and aesthetic bliss.

Edible Art: The Spirit of Seasonal Wagashi “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. Each piece provides a crisp yet melting sweetness that cleanses the palate, perfectly elevating the light and frothy aesthetic of the thin tea. These bite-sized treasures serve as a playful and elegant conclusion to your journey, celebrating the harmony between flavor and form.

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.

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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
    Standard Tour | Select your preferred tour The number of participants First preferred date First preferred time Second preferred date Second preferred time Pick-up service is available based on the distance Disclaimer
    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. For cancellations made within 3 days of the experience date, a 50% refund will be issued. No refunds will be processed for cancellations after this time. Please be aware that, depending on your chosen payment method, a transfer fee may be deducted from the refund amount.