Tour summary
The Japanese expression “Chazen Ichimi”—“tea and Zen share the same essence”—reflects the deep spiritual connection between Zen Buddhism and the tea ceremony. Rooted in ritual and mindfulness, the tea ceremony offers a glimpse into the Japanese way of thinking, where every movement holds meaning.
In this intimate experience, a tea master will guide you in the proper etiquette of being a guest, providing a demonstration while explaining the significance behind each step. Through this hands-on learning, you’ll gain the knowledge and poise to attend a traditional tea ceremony with confidence.
The session takes place at Houan, an authentic tea house built in 1934. Surrounded by history and refined beauty, this setting provides the perfect backdrop for a memorable encounter with the spirit of tea.
In detail
1. Introduction
- Today’s arrangement
- The connection between tea ceremony, Kamakura, Zen, tea, and samurai
2. Practice Tea Ceremony
- learn etiquette and manners as a guest
- learn how to eat wagashi
- learn how to take a bowl of tea
3. Tea ceremony experience
- Attend Tea Ceremony
- Q&A
- Explanation of the tea bowls used today
Your Host
- Southi Yokoyama
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Professor of the Omotesenke school of tea ceremony. She began her practice inspired by her parents. A pupil of tea master, Sogo Yoshimizu, she owns her own tea house, Ryoushouken in Setagaya, Tokyo and teaches tea ceremony across the Kanto region. Vice president of Japanese Traditions Preservation Association. Organises Omotesenke tea ceremony club at the Houan in Kita-Kamakura.
She strives not only to preserve the traditional tea ceremony but also to spread the enjoyment of tea by offering classes allowing casual clothing and settings with tables and chairs.
*The instructor may change depending on the availability. We will provide an English interpreter / guide who will support communication between the instructor and participants during the Q&A session.
Location
- Houan
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Yamanouchi 1415 Kamakura-shi, Kanagawa 247-0062
Houan is an authentic tea house in the forested valley behind Jochiji Temple built in 1934, by an owner who adored Jochiji Valley and a young, energetic architect. Built on the large spread of land on the foot of the mountain, Houan features a “sukiya” tea house with eight-mat and four-mat tea rooms surrounded by a roji-style dry garden, a separate small “koma” tea house with thatched roof and a two-mat room, and a sweet-water well. Just an hour out of Tokyo in Kita-Kamakura. Come feel a connection to the nature of our forested valley. A reminder of old Kamakura.
More information
| FIT / Group | Both |
| Min. and Max. # of Participants | 2 min / 5 max |
| What is Included in the Price | Matcha Tea Seasonal homemade Japanese sweets (wagashi) Entrance Fee to Houan English Interpretation |
| Duration | 1 hour |
| Start/End Time | Negotiable Not available: Summer time |
| Meeting / Departing Point | Meeting & Departing point: Houan Tea House Yamanouchi 1415 Kamakura-shi, Kanagawa |
| Notes: dietary restrictions, age limit. etc. | – Please wear socks in the tea house (preferably white) . Socks will be on sale at the site as well. – Dress code is casual. (We do not recommend tight jeans, nor short skirt) – Please let us know if guests have any food allergies at least a week before the program. |
※Available by 2026. Jun 30th
Scenes from the Tour
