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.
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
Tour Flow
What to expect in our Standard Tea Ceremony Tour
2. Guests are asked to prepare in the first-floor living room. Please change into white Tabi (traditional socks) or clean white socks.
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 and Koicha (thick tea) in the intimate Koma room. This is the true essence of the Way of Tea.
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).
Edible Art: The Spirit of Seasonal Wagashi
Before the first sip of tea, prepare your palate for a masterpiece. Wagashi are more than just traditional Japanese sweets; they are edible poems crafted to mirror the fleeting beauty of the seasons. Each delicate piece is thoughtfully designed to balance the deep, earthy bitterness of the matcha with a gentle, refined sweetness. As you admire the intricate shapes and colors, you are engaging in a sensory dialogue with nature itself. From the soft texture to the subtle flavors, these hand-crafted treasures cleanse the palate and elevate the aesthetic experience, serving as 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.
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.