The Japanese tea ceremony is a tradition of this country that dates back to the 9th century. It includes the preparation and serving of green tea. It is a common method used by hosts to show hospitality to visiting guests. The atmosphere in which a tea ceremony takes place is typically slow and relaxed. A stay in Japan is simply not complete without attending a tea ceremony. As you travel through Okinawa, consider a stop at one of these amazing places.
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Traditional Okinawa Ryukyu-Style Tea Ceremony Experience In Naha
Bukubuku-Cha tea, or bubble tea, is traditional to Okinawa. It was served to any visitor of high importance during the Ryukyu Dynasty (15th-19th centuries). The kings of Ryukyu brought unity to Okinawa Island. Bukubuku-Cha is a foaming tea brewed with green tea, Chinese tea, peanuts, and brown sugar.
Map: https://www.veltra.com/en/asia/japan/okinawa/okinawa_main_island/a/119371
Access: 10-minute walk from Yui Rail Shuri Station
Hours: 10:00-17:00
Closed: Tuesdays and Wednesdays
Website (includes map): https://www.veltra.com/en/asia/japan/okinawa/okinawa_main_island/a/119371
Price: USD 39.36 per person
Ryukyuan Tea Ceremony Buku Buku Tea Akeshino no Kai
Here you are promised a very slow, relaxed, and friendly ceremony under the mentorship of Chieko Tanaka, a former elementary school teacher. Participants will dress in traditional bingata kimono before being served their bukubuku tea. This tea was not only served to important visitors during the Ryukyu Dynasty, but is even today used as a beverage to bid good luck to part travelers.
Map: http://okinawaclip.com/en/detail/1161
Access: 3-8-6 Ahacha, Urasoe City
Hours: 9:00-18:00 regularly
Closed: Intermittently; a call-ahead reservation is required
Website (includes map): http://okinawaclip.com/en/detail/1161
Price: Tea ceremony is JPY 1,000 per person; the tea-making workshop is JPY 2,000 per person
Tea Ceremony Experience and Free Walk-in Yukata
Enjoy your tea ceremony dressed in traditional Japanese yukata (summer kimono). This ceremony takes place with a chair and a table, classroom style, which is beneficial for those not wishing to sit on their knees. After the ceremony visitors are encouraged to take a ninety-minute walk about the grounds dressed in their yukata.
Map: https://en.activityjapan.com/publish/plan/22439
Access: Assembly point at Flower Bird Fugetsu (Chado Urasen House)
Hours: 10:00-15:30
Closed: Open year-round
Website (including map): https://en.activityjapan.com/publish/plan/22439
Price: JPY 7,500 per person, children welcome
Okinawa Sasagirian
One of the main goals of a Japanese tea ceremony is for the participant to receive wabi-sabi or a peaceful state of mind. At the Okinawa Sasagirian visitors are exposed to a lavish environment that inspires that very thing. Walk along a quaint stone path to wash your hands in a natural spring, then enter the tea room where you will experience not only the taste of tea, but the way of it: harmony, respect, purity, and tranquility.
Map: https://www.sasagirian.com/english/
Access: 20-minute drive from Yaka Interchange; 10-15 minute drive from Kyoda Interchange
Hours: 1:00PM-, 3:00PM-, Saturday-Sunday
Closed: Monday-Thursday
Website (including map): https://www.sasagirian.com/english/
Price: Adults JPY 13,000 ; Children JPY 6,500 (Including tax)
Though the Japanese tea ceremony originates in Kyoto, there is no question that in Okinawa the tradition is respected just as highly. For the tourist who is eager to learn about the past, and how the present has instigated change without disrespecting the seeds of ancient times, a tea ceremony in Okinawa is a terrific place to begin.
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Okinawa is associated with beautiful beaches and a relaxed, friendly culture that distinguishes itself from the constant on-the-go attitude of Tokyo. The unique history of Okinawa has cultivated a food culture distinct to the island, and it is said that a healthy diet and lifestyle explains the famously long life expectancy of Okinawans. Through one of our cooking classes, you’ll have the opportunity to learn the secrets of Okinawan cooking from a local! Check Cooking Classes in Okinawa
Okinawa Cooking Experience
In this Takako’s class, you will learn to make Okinawa soba, sushi, Okinawan simmered dishes, and sata andagi in a warm home atmosphere. Step-by-step guidance allows you to easily master authentic Okinawan home cooking and fun sushi making. After cooking, you will share the delicious meal together like a local family, enjoying a warm cultural exchange.
Access :Yomitan-son
Hours: 3 hours
Website: https://airkitchen.me/kitchen/13392.php
Price: 10,000 yen
Learn traditional Okinawan dishes from local chef
Hosted by Rina, owner-chef of Shimamidori with 10 years of experience, this class near Shuri Castle teaches you to cook 4 traditional Okinawan dishes. You will learn healthy Okinawan recipes—such as Goya Champuru and Okinawan Tempura—and the secrets of longevity behind the island’s food culture. After cooking, you will also master how to prepare your own Okinawan-style bento box in a welcoming, easy-to-access location.
Access : Shuri station
Hours: 2.5 hours
Website: https://airkitchen.me/kitchen/13392.php
Price: 12,000 yen
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