Nara Cooking Class
Tea ceremony experience

Chiara Porcu, Italy

This experience with Shigeo was unforgettable. He was nice, funny and very kind, he made us comfortable since the very beginning of the experience. We suggest him for a real tea ceremony experience!

Dec 2024

Stephie, Greece

Fantastic experience with a real tea master. Something we will never forget!

Dec 2024

Margot, New Zealand

What a wonderful experience! We truly appreciated your knowledge, wisdom, friendship and patience - thank you!

Sep 2024

Annie, United States of America

Absolutely fantastic experience! He exhibited incredible patience and vast knowledge. I wholeheartedly recommend him.

Apr 2024

Gabriel, Canada

Amazing experience! I definitely recommend it to anyone who wants to see a more formal glimpse into Japanese culture.

May 2024

Sarah Gross, United States of America

What a wonderful experience!

May 2024

Samuel, United States of America

We had a great time with Hirano! He welcomed us into his beautiful home and walked us through a traditional Japanese tea ceremony from start to finish. Hirano is a master of holding tea ceremonies, which is a relatively rare designation these days. We would highly recommend anyone curious about experiencing this unique art form to book with him!

May 2024

Villars Nina, Switzerland

That was a wonderful experience, the place is a bit outside Nara, a lovely typical neighbourhood. The ceremony was so poetic and well explained. Shigeo was very careful and dedicated. It was a really special moment, kind of meditative. We are thankful for this ceremony and insights in the Japanese culture. Definitely recommended.

May 2024

Matthieu, France

It was wonderful! Thank you so much, Shiego-san, for your hospitality, your kindness and your patience. We enjoyed this tea experience a lot and are very grateful.

Apr 2024

Mille, Denmark

The tea ceremony was wonderful, we highly recommend it! We arrived late as we didn't realise that we couldn't catch an Uber/taxi from Naramachi, but Shigeo was very understanding and still completed the full experience for us. We recommend taking the train and checking in advance on the train times as it's a bit of a distance from Nara park and related attractions, but well worth both the time and money!

Apr 2024

kylan wood, Australia

Shigeo was an excellent host with great hospitality.

Apr 2024

Devi, Belgium

It was amazing, an interesting experience and beautiful ceremony !! Thank you ☺️

Apr 2024

Andy Winebloom, United Kingdom

Shigeo san is a perfect host. He has a very nice, and gentle manner. We were made to feel welcome from the start, as he invited us into his home. The explanation of the 480 year old traditional ceremony proceedings were informative and detailed. This was a truly exceptional experience for us, and we were so glad we found this opportunity on the web, and that we could include in our trip to Nara. His house is just a few minutes walk from the train station, and only 20 minutes or so from Nara. We would not hesitate to recommend this experience to anyone who would like to find more about the culture and traditions of the real Japan. Thank you again for a wonderful experience :)

Mar 2024

Blair, United States of America

Thank your being such a gracious and light hearted host! We learned so much and had a wonderful time.

Mar 2024

Erine, Switzerland

We had a very pleasant time at the tea ceremony. We could feel zen with the smell of the room, the beautiful objects and the place itself. We learnt japenese words, manners and every step of the ceremony + the set. Arigato Gozaimashta Shigeo San.

Oct 2023

Jade, Belgium

We had such a great experience! We appreciate all the small personal touches he did for us. I would 100% recommended this experience to others.

Oct 2023

Jade, Belgium

We had such a great experience! We appreciate all the small personal touches he did for us. I would 100% recommended this experience to others.

Oct 2023

Ryan, United States of America

Shigeo was an amazing host and a lively and knowledgeable teacher for a Japanese tea ceremony. Would highly recommend him as your tea master for anyone who would love to learn more about this Japanese tradition.

Oct 2023

Claudia, Netherlands

Thank you for having us, it was a beautiful and interesting experience!

Oct 2023

Erine, Switzerland

We had a very pleasant time at the tea ceremony. We could feel zen with the smell of the room, the beautiful objects and the place itself. We learnt japenese words, manners and every step of the ceremony + the set. Arigato Gozaimashta Shigeo San.

Oct 2023

Claudia, Netherlands

Thank you for having us, it was a beautiful and interesting experience!

Oct 2023

Ariel, Netherlands

Thank you, Michiko. We really enjoyed the ceremony.

Sep 2023

Kevin Warner, Canada

Shigeo was fantastic! Everything we had hoped from a traditional Japanese tea ceremony! He was very organized and explained every step so elegantly. His english is very impressive and he makes everything very easy to understand. Domo arigato Shigeo-san!

Sep 2023

Evelyn See, Singapore

Thank you Shigeo-san for the wonderful experience! We have learnt a lot from you about the culture and etiquette of Japanese Tea Ceremony. We had an enjoyable time with you and we hope you enjoy the little gift from Singapore! :D

Jun 2023

Ian, United Kingdom

This was a great experience for both myself and Patrick to experience some Japanese culture! Shigeo was very knowledgeable and friendly, his English was good even though he insisted it was not! He was patient with our poor Japanese and with us being a bit slow! We were tired after walking Nara for 7 hours so holding the poses was not so easy but Shigeo was attentive and gave us a break. The tea was very pleasant and not bitter like some. I would reccomended this experience to others in the area, Thankyou!

May 2023

Tess, Australia

We recently had the pleasure of experiencing a traditional Japanese tea ceremony with Tea Master Shigeo in Nara, and it was an incredible experience that we will never forget. From the moment we arrived, we were struck by the beautiful and peaceful setting of the tea house. Tea Master Shigeo collected us from the train station and greeted us with a warm smile. He proceeded to guide us through the various steps of the tea ceremony. Tea Master Shigeo's knowledge and expertise were truly impressive, and he took the time to explain the history and significance of each element of the ceremony. He also answered all of our questions with patience and enthusiasm, making us feel completely at ease. The tea itself was absolutely delicious, and we could taste the care and attention that had gone into every aspect of its preparation. The atmosphere of the tea room was serene and calming, making it the perfect place to relax and appreciate the beauty of the moment. Overall, we highly recommend a Japanese tea ceremony with Tea Master Shigeo to anyone visiting Nara. It's an unforgettable experience that offers a unique insight into Japanese culture and tradition, and Tea Master Shigeo's expertise and warmth make it all the more special.

Apr 2023

John , United Kingdom

Our tea ceremony was very engaging. Shigeo was very accommodating, he collected us from the train station. He was very patient and his tea was masterfully made and delicious.

Apr 2023

Jelisaveta , Bosnia & Herzegovina

The tea ceremony is the absolute must for those visiting Japan. Shigeo San was very open to explain all elements surrounding this sacred ritual. He speaks English very well and is very kind person. He waited for us at the station and has driven us back after the ceremony. I warmly recommend this experience!!!

Apr 2023

Pramod Badjate, United States of America

Fantastic experience with Shiego san! Thank you for your hospitality.

Apr 2023

MIchele J Andrus, United States of America

We loved this experience. The host was super polite and friendly and we all learned so much. Even my 14 year old thought it was fun and interesting, so it is a great family experience as well. I highly recommend!

Apr 2023

Bryant D Smith, United States of America

Shigeo was very professional and helpful teaching me the intricacies of a Japanese tea ceremony. He kept apologizing for his english, which is funny, because he speaks it really well!

Mar 2020

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