I am a big fan of tea, I love matcha flavour, and I would enjoy exploring some Japanese tea when traveling.
I'm not sure that a full blown tea ceremony would be the right thing for me. I understand that a real, traditional ceremony would take hours and require correct participation, which I obviously can't do as I have not learned it. I know the tea ceremonies offered for tourists are a simplified version, but I don't feel I have to do those in particular.
I've read in another reply to a reddit post (7 years old):
One of the more fun tea ceremonies I attended was actually one of the shortest. It took place in a traditional tea house in Kanazawa. The women performing it served everyone (it was a group of us) while explaining what they were doing and some history of tea. Everyone actually finished their tea and sweets quite quickly (within 15-20 minutes) and then we all got to explore the beautiful gardens and buildings that the ceremony took place in (which were all historical). It was a nice diversion, tasty, educational, and didn't take too long.
That sounds perfect, and I would love to do that! I am actually staying a night in Kanazawa this fall.
But I am not sure – is this still happening? And do I need to reserve a spot, or do I just walk up to the tea house? Do I pay something, or is the 20 minute version included in the park admission?
Looking around the internet, the website of Shigure-tei names the prices for tea ceremonies, but doesn't say how to book, or how long they are, or how formal. I'm not sure if I can call the phone number speaking no Japanese.
I can find tea ceremonies at Kenrokuen e.g. on tripadvisor, visitkanazawa.jp and getyourguide.com, but they all specify 1 hour, and I'm not sure if it's the experience described by the poster above.
Has somebody been to the Shigure-tei tea house in recent months or years and can help me out?
Thank you, it is highly appreciated!
by PaigeTurner2377
