Nagoya sits on the Isle Bay and has been a significant city for trade and business as it is the gateway to the larger cities of southern Japan like Osaka, Kyoto, and Kobe. The city (population of around 2 Million people) itself is part of the Chūkyō Metropolitan Area, which is one of the world’s top 50 largest urban areas. During an intense battle in 1560, the Battle of Okehazama, Oda Nobunaga defeated Imagawa Yoshimoto, establishing himself as one of the leading warlords of the time and forming the city of Nagoya. With its larger than life history you are sure to find an amazing tea ceremony in Nagoya.
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1. Chonoya Farmhouse
This traditional farmhouse was built over 100 years ago and survived the air raids during WWII. There are very few farmhouses that are open to the public, and most private residences of this caliber can’t be viewed by tourists. The cultural experience includes calligraphy and a tea experience with kimonos. The farmhouse itself is situated in the heart of the heart of Nagoya and is easily accessible for sightseeing and shopping. The cultural experience takes two and a half hours and includes a deeper sense of connection to the Japanese cultural surrounding the tea ceremony.
Map: https://goo.gl/maps/oxBmxRS5KSJWQtabA
Access: 15 minute walk through the Tsuruma Park from the Tsurumai Station
Hours: 8:00 – 16:00
Closed: Open During Business Hours But Reservation Required
Website: https://chonoya.jp/
Price: ¥16,500 / Person for the Cultural Experience Package
2. Nagoya Castle
Nagoya Castle was one of the most important castles in Japan during the Edo period. It was situated on one of the 5 most important trade routes during the period by linking north Japan with south Japan. The castle flourished during the 1500s and was rebuilt, expanded, and fortified multiple times. However, by 1580 the castle was abandoned. It was re-established as a cultural and political capital starting in 1610. The Castle was of principle use continually until WWII when it was used as an army headquarters. The facilities and lands continually expanded to included the surrounding gardens and is now one of the most significant historical locations in Japan. The tea ceremonies are located in separate tea ceremony houses specific for the occasion.
Map: https://goo.gl/maps/4Ly1KFZWQYTbN1b87
Access: 10 minute drive from Sako Station
Hours: 9:00 – 16:30
Closed: December 30 – January 1
Website: https://www.nagoyajo.city.nagoya.jp/en/
Price:
- ¥500 / Person For Entry
- ¥800 / Person For Ceremony
3. Beautiful Japanese sweets “Nerikiri (wagashi)” and Matcha
If you are looking for more than just the experience of drinking Japanese tea you should consider an airKitchen class that allows you to learn how to cook Nerikiri, which is the high quality confections served with tea. This cooking class will allow you to experience the exquisite nature of a tea ceremony with a local established professional and allow you to take a few new cooking skills home. Explore and grow your cooking skills with a range of new colors, flavors, and textures. Over the course of this 2.5 hour class you will be immersed in traditional Japanese cooking and ceremonial experiences, which is promised to be a most memorable moment.
Map: https://goo.gl/maps/qxHvK8AbRtkYxyiH7
Access: 10 minute drive from Kamiotai Station
Hours: Flexible
Website: https://airkitchen.me/kitchen/32.php
Price: ¥5500 / Person
4. Tsuruma Park
Tsuruma Park was built in 1909 and establishes the link between the eastern and western cultures through the recognition of part identity. It is spilt based on park designs between western and eastern style parks. Besides the public tea ceremonies that are held every September it is one of the best cherry blossom locations in the world. It holds over 1,200 cherry blossom trees in a park “forest” and is host to multiple festivals, a cultural center, library, ponds, and children’s playground.
Map: https://goo.gl/maps/MrLtMFDNN388Ve5DA
Access: 1 minute walk from the Tsurumai Station
Hours: 24/7 Tea Ceremonies are during the month of September
Closed: Open Every Day
Website: http://www.nga.or.jp/park/tsuru.html/
Price: ¥500 / Person for the tea ceremony
Nagoya is a beautiful city on the water that should not be missed. If you are traveling through Japan and have an extra moment you should absolutely stop, smell the water, experience a tea ceremony, and talk with the locals. A tea ceremony is an amazing experience that allows you to connect with an ancient culture and tradition that is slowly being lost. Tea ceremonies allow you to be present in the moment and live for a moment at a slower pace.
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