Tea Ceremony in Hiroshima

Hiroshima has a long and complex history. Visiting this city will fill your trio with experiences, emotions, and memories that will last forever. However, when you visit this city, you may be seeking more than simply visiting a few sites and tourist attractions. You want a deeper experience of Japan and its culture. That is why so many attend the ancient art of serving tea, the Japanese tea ceremony. Also known as the 'way of tea,' this ceremony is a traditional ritual that has been passed down through generations and plays an important role in Japanese culture.


2 Tea Ceremony Classes

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All Cooking Classes in Hiroshima


All About Tea Ceremony Experiences in Hiroshima

For those who are planning on visiting Hiroshima, a traditional Japanese tea ceremony is something that you must absolutely must make time for. You can enjoy this beautiful bit of Japanese culture while you sip delicious tea and learn about some of the local customs. It is an excellent way to learn more about the tea process and relax after a long day of exploring the city.

1. Let's cook "Hiroshima-style Okonomiyaki" & Tea Ceremony

Through this airKitchen class, you can learn how to make Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki – distinct from Osaka-style okonomiyaki – and enjoy a Japanese tea ceremony with your host. Vegan, vegetarian, and halal diets can be accommodated. One review reads, "Yasuko was an amazing host and treated us to delicious Hiroshima style okonomiyaki and Matcha tea ceremony. We felt very welcome and loved her hospitality and cooking lesson all whilst communicating easily due to her good English. She also recommended us to a Kagura performance which we loved every minute of. Highly recommend Yasuko’s cooking class." hiroshima tea ceremony

2. Tessen Tea Ceremony

Tessen offers a complete Japanese tea ceremony and so much more. Their tea masters are well-versed in the ceremonial procedures and will provide you with a captivating and authentic experience.. They offer classes, as well as other activities like ink painting, calligraphy, and sushi making.

3. Okeiko Japan Miyajima

Okeiko Japan is proud to offer a variety of traditional Japanese experiences for its guests. You can enjoy all kinds of events including tea ceremonies, calligraphy classes, and cooking classes. This location is especially convenient for tourists who only speak English. It is located on Miyajima, easily accessible by ferry, and can provide you with a wonderful way to pass the time in Hiroshima.

4. Urasenke Tea School Sokay

This school offers you an amazing experience as a guest and allows you to enjoy the wonder that is the Japanese tea ceremony. With this unique experience, you will get to have fun with this traditional Japanese custom. Even better, you will be prepared to host your very own tea ceremony and prepare your own match by the time the class is over.

5. Shukkei-en Garden

This beautiful garden is known to host plenty of visitors, but many do not realize that you can also enjoy a wonderful tea ceremony experience here throughout the year. This popular attraction is known for its breathtaking scenery, beautiful koi fish, and general appearance. When you visit Shukkei-en Garden, you can enjoy the beauty of completely serene garden and a traditional tea ceremony at the same time! Hiroshima is filled with vibrant and enriching places that offer beautiful tea ceremonies. In fact, you can enjoy different kinds of ceremonies for different styles of tea as well. Participating in a tea ceremony is a great way to learn a little more about the exciting culture that Japan has to offer. You will get to drink delicious tea and learn about the local culture at the same time. Do not miss out on your chance to have this experience while you're in Japan!  


Reviews of Hiroshima Cooking Classes

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FAQ About Tea Ceremony Classes in Hiroshima

Let's Learn About Tea Ceremony Before Joining a Tea Ceremony Experience in Hiroshima!

Tea Ceremony Basics

  • What is the purpose of the tea ceremony?

    The tea ceremony is about much more than just enjoying tea. It is a spiritual practice, intended to offer a sense of peace and harmony beyond our busy daily lives. It is guided by the uniquely Japanese concept of “wabi-sabi”, which celebrates the simplicity and perfection of imperfection.

  • What is the history of the tea ceremony?

    Tea was first introduced in Japan from China in the 9th century. Though tea was initially prepared using tea leaves, powdered green tea (matcha) was introduced at the end of the 12th century. While at first the tea ceremony was a religious practice performed by Buddhist monks, it became a symbol of upper Japanese society. Over time, the tea ceremony spread from the court and samurai classes to the common people.

  • How is the tea ceremony related to Zen Buddhism?

    The Japanese tea ceremony is heavily influenced by Zen Buddhism. Japanese Buddhist monks were the first to introduce tea from China, and later the method of brewing tea from powdered matcha. Zen Buddhist monks saw an opportunity to practice mindfulness during the preparation and consumption of tea, shaping the tea ceremony into a spiritual practice. Wabi-cha is a Japanese tea ceremony style specifically related to Zen Buddhist principles, focused on simplicity and mindfulness.

  • What happens during the tea ceremony?

    During the tea ceremony, powdered green tea (matcha) is prepared by the host for guests following specific techniques and etiquette. Traditional Japanese confections, wagashi, are usually served alongside the bitter tea. Longer tea ceremonies include a kaiseki meal and the brewing of two types of green tea.

  • How long is the tea ceremony?

    The length of the tea ceremony can vary, depending on the type and degree of formality. A chaji, the most formal tea ceremony, can last up to four hours – it often includes a full-course kaiseki meal. On the other hand, a chaikai is generally less rigorous and can take as little as 45 minutes to an hour.

  • What is the etiquette of the tea ceremony?

    The tea ceremony is meant to bring about feelings of peace and serenity, thus it’s important to be respectful of your host, other guests, and the tearoom throughout the ritual. Wear conservative clothes, remove your shoes before entering the tearoom, let your host seat you, and eat and drink everything served to you. Your host will guide you through the ritual, so don’t worry too much! Just be genuine and sincere.

  • What clothes are worn during the tea ceremony?

    Traditionally, simple kimonos are worn during the tea ceremony. Flashy designs are avoided in consistency with the concept of “wabi-sabi” described above. Men wear hakama, another form of traditional Japanese attire. If you are wearing Western clothing to a tea ceremony, it’s best to keep it conservative and not too casual.

  • How is the Japanese tea ceremony related to weddings?

    Sometimes, tea ceremonies are performed as part of a traditional Japanese wedding celebration. They are often small, seated ceremonies shared among family members. Oaths are exchanged and tea is enjoyed in a peaceful atmosphere.

  • How is the tea ceremony related to geisha?

    Traditionally, geisha performed the tea ceremony as part of the five-year apprenticeship – a maiko is an apprentice geisha. They often lead public tea ceremonies on special occasions, especially during cherry blossom season under sakura trees.

  • How is the tea ceremony related to samurai?

    Historically, the tea ceremony was reserved for the Japanese elite – the court and samurai classes. The samurai were a powerful class at the top of the social hierarchy, and thus historically had the leisure and luxury for the tea ceremony. It wasn’t until later that the ritual trickled down and became a part of common Japanese society.

Japanese Tea Ceremony Schools (Sansenke)

  • Urasenke tea ceremony school

    The Urasenke school is the largest of the three tea ceremony schools founded by the descendants of Sen no Rikyu, a 16th-century tea master. This school was built by Sen Sotan, Rikyu’s grandson, and prioritizes guest enjoyment of the tea ceremony. Therefore, the Urasenke school is more open to allowing guests to sit on stools for their comfort verus on the floor, as is traditional.

  • Omotesenke tea ceremony school

    The Omotesenke school focuses on simplicity, adopting simple tea utensils and procedures. The tea is whisked less than the Urasenke school, making it less frothy. In addition, a whisk made from smoked bamboo (susudake) is used as opposed to an untreated bamboo whisk used by the Urasenke school.

  • Mushanokojisenke tea ceremony school

    The smallest of the three schools is the Mushanokojisenke school, or Mushakojisenke school, founded by Sen no Rikyu’s great-grandson Ichio Soushu. Like the Omotesenke school, the tea is not as foamy. There are other subtle differences between the three schools when it comes to the movements, seating style, and attire of the tea ceremony.

Types of Tea Ceremonies

  • Chaji Tea Ceremony

    The chaji is the most formal version of the Japanese tea ceremony, lasting up to four hours. It typically includes an extravagant kaiseki meal and the enjoyment of traditional Japanese confections before both thick and thin green tea is served.

  • Chaikai Tea Ceremony

    Though still guided by strict etiquette and guidelines, the chaikai is more informal tea ceremony gathering. Wagashi (traditional Japanese sweets) are still typically enjoyed along with thin matcha tea.

Types of Tea Prepared in a Tea Ceremony

  • Koicha (Thick Green Tea)

    Koicha is a thick green tea that uses three times the amount of matcha as usucha. After being whisked, it is served to guests in a single bowl.

  • Usucha (Thin Green Tea)

    Usucha tea is a thinner and frotheir green tea, prepared using a higher water to matcha ratio. Traditionally, it is served in separate bowls to participants in the tea ceremony following the koicha.

Tea Ceremony Tools

  • Chawan (Tea Bowl)

    The chawan is the tea bowl that is used to prepare and drink the tea.

  • Chasen (Tea Whisk)

    One of the most memorable and important tools used in the tea ceremony is the chasen, or tea whisk, made of bamboo.

  • Chashaku (Tea Ladle)

    This is a ladle, traditionally made of bamboo, that is used to scoop the matcha into the tea bowl.

  • Chakin (Tea Cloth)

    The chakin is a cloth used to wipe and keep the tea bowl clean during the ceremony.

  • Natsume (Tea Container)

    The natsume is the container that contains the green tea powder.

You Can Join Tea Ceremony Classes Not Just in Hiroshima


Why Taking a Tea Ceremony Class in Hiroshima is a Must-Do

Get Closer to Hiroshima Culture With a Tea Ceremony

One of the main goals that everyone has when they go on vacation is to experience and learn about the culture of wherever they are going. In this case, the culture of Hiroshima, Japan. This rich culture full of history and tradition is enlightening, and there is no better way to experience Japanese culture than by attending a tea ceremony. This is an art form of human tradition, and participating in the ceremony will inform your understanding of Japanese culture.

Make a Cup of Matcha in Hiroshima

The traditional tea of the tea ceremony is a green tea powder known as matcha. This tea is smooth and has a good balance of flavors. The bitterness of the tea is counterbalanced by traditional Japanese sweets, wagashi, in the ceremony. The Japanese tea ceremony is an excellent way to learn how to prepare green tea and enjoy it in a traditional manner.

Learn a Way of Life in Hiroshima With a Tea Ceremony

There are several experiences you can enjoy while you are on vacation. However, the tea ceremony experience is unique. This ceremony will have you engulfed in a rich culture that is beautiful and fluid. It will also engulf you in their way of life. You learn about more than just making tea when you attend a tea ceremony. You are experiencing a way of life that has been passed down through generations. You get to be a part of it, adapt to it, and embrace it through this ancient 'way of tea' that you can participate in during a trip to Hiorshima.




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