Luxury Tour
Thin Tea Ceremony
SHOFU AN Tea Ceremony Tour
Luxury 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.
Luxury Tour with Complete Tea Ceremony Experience
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 : ¥30,000 + tax per person
Complete Tea Ceremony Experience
This tour offers a complete Tea Ceremony experience with Thick Tea (Koicha), confectionery (Wagashi), along with a traditional, multi-course Japanese meal (Kaiseki Bento box) in the traditional tea room, Thin Tea (Usucha) in the newly constructed “Floating Tea Room” overlooking the breathtaking ocean view of Manazuru, and make your own tea under the guidance of the tea master. The tour also includes the charcoal preparation (Sumitemae).
Tour Description
Tour type : Day tour (Saturday and Sunday only)
Price : ¥30,000 + 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
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: 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).
The Sacred Hearth: The Art of Sumitemae
Before the tea is whisked, witness the foundational ritual of Sumitemae—the ceremonial laying of the charcoal. This is the quiet heartbeat of the ceremony, where the host meticulously arranges each piece of charcoal to breathe life into the fire. More than a simple preparation, it is a meditative dance of precision and gratitude, honoring the elements of fire, water, and air. As you listen to the delicate crackle of the hearth and the soft scent of incense filling the room, you are invited into a space of deep stillness, grounding your spirit for the journey of tea that follows.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
Tea House Tour
1. Tea House Tour
2. Panoramic view of the 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
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)
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.
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.
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.