Tea Ceremony Experiences in Osaka

If you’re seeking an intimate cultural experience, consider an airKitchen tea ceremony experience in Osaka. Your Japanese host will guide you through this special Japanese ritual in the comfort of their home, giving you a unique encounter with ordinary Japanese life. In addition, you can learn how to make your own wagashi, which are Japanese confections traditionally enjoyed in a tea ceremony, as part of your airKitchen experience in Osaka.


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All About Tea Ceremony Experiences in Osaka

As you travel through the country of Japan, you’ll have many opportunities to learn about and observe how ancient tradition influences Japan today. Tea continues to play an important role in Japanese culture, as showcased by the elaborate Japanese tea ceremony. If you’re traveling to Osaka, we recommend experiencing this uniquely Japanese ritual yourself at one (or more!) of these five places.

1. Green Tea Roll Cake Set and Tea Ceremony

At Cook Like Japanese Cooking School in Osaka, you can learn how to make a matcha roll cake and other wagashi before enjoying the Japanese tea ceremony with your Japanese host. You’ll then be able to enjoy the sweets you made with the green tea prepared in the ritual, as is traditional. osaka tea ceremony experience

2. Wagashi Sweet Making and Tea Ceremony

Through this airKitchen experience, you can visit a local’s home and enjoy an authentic Japanese tea ceremony with host Terumi. In the class, you’ll learn to make the best matcha bowl and nerikiri (a type of traditional Japanese sweet). Enjoy the ceremony in a traditional setting, seated on tatami mats. osaka tea ceremony experience

3. Tea Ceremony Experience Matcha With Wagashi

You’ll learn about how to make both Japanese-style green tea and traditional Japanese sweets (wagashi) through this tea ceremony experience. Through learning about the etiquette and utensils behind the tea ceremony, you’ll be able to gain insight into the subtleties of Japanese culture. osaka tea ceremony experience

4. Waraku Tea Ceremony

Located in Hanaten, Osaka, this tea ceremony experience takes place in a local’s home. You’ll learn about the tradition and Zen Buddhist values that inform the Japanese tea ceremony, observing the ritual before making your own matcha by yourself. Two types of wagashi will be served alongside the green tea. This experience also includes the enjoyment of traditional Japanese song and dance performed by your hosts.

5. Kimono Tea Ceremony Maikoya Osaka

You have several different tea ceremony options to choose from through Maikoya. You’re able to rent a kimono for your experience, as well as select from either private or group offerings. They additionally offer a course where you can learn how to make your own wagashi (Japanese confections) to enjoy during the tea ceremony.
  • Map: https://g.page/maikoyaosaka?share
  • Access: 9 minute walk from Shinsaibashi Station
  • Hours: 10:00-19:00
  • Closed: None
  • Website: https://mai-ko.com/
  • Price:
    • ¥3500/person for group ceremony (without kimono)
    • ¥6500/person for group ceremony (with kimono)
    • ¥12000/person for private ceremony (with kimono)
    • ¥6800/person for Japanese sweet making and tea ceremony (without kimono)

6.  2 types of Japanese sweets & Tea Ceremony

This traditional Japanese tea ceremony experience offers guests a chance to spend two hours discovering the world of Japanese sweets as well as the ceremony. Guests will learn techniques of the ceremony, as well as the importance and placement of aesthetics. After guests have assisted in making the confections, they will be enjoyed during a traditional Japanese tea ceremony. This location has English, Chinese, and Japanese-speaking instructors on premises. Reservations are required 24 hours in advance.   

7. Japanese Traditional Confectionary and Tea Ceremony

This tea ceremony experience is primarily a cooking class, in which the host will teach guests the art of making beautiful Japanese confections. This confection will be made with red and white bean paste, and is the precursor to the tea ceremony itself. Though the teacher’s primary language is Japanese, there is a manual for English-speaking guests.    Experience authentic and traditional Japanese culture through a tea ceremony in Osaka. It’s much more than about drinking green tea – through this experience, you'll also learn about Japanese values and culture of the past and today.


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FAQ About Tea Ceremony Classes in Osaka

What Does a Tea Ceremony Experience Look Like?

Please note that this is an example, and classes vary by host.

Tea Ceremony Experience

  • Prepare the setting of the tea ceremony

    The setting of the tea ceremony is important, meant to encourage peace and reflection among participants. At its most formal, there are very specific rules of the room set-up and surrounding environment.

  • Clean the tea ceremony tools

    In a tea ceremony, the host will gracefully clean the tools in front of guests. These tools include the tea whisk (chasen), tea scoop (chashaku), and tea bowl (chawan).

  • Mix the matcha

    Matcha powder and hot water are whisked together in the tea bowl until frothy. The powder-water ratio depends on whether you’re preparing thick tea (koicha) or thin tea (usucha).

  • Serve wagashi

    Traditional Japanese confections, wagashi, are often eaten before the green tea is enjoyed. Their sweetness offsets the bitterness of the matcha.

  • Enjoy the green tea

    The bowl is passed around among guests until everyone has drank and tasted the tea.

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

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 Osaka


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

Engage Deeply With Japanese Culture Through Its Tea Ceremony

As a city steeped in tradition, Kyoto is a popular place to experience the Japanese tea ceremony. The tea ceremony has its roots in Kyoto, and today it is home to the three main schools of the Japanese tea ceremony. Each part and process of the tea ceremony carries strong intention and cultural significance – the layout of the room, the tea used, the sequence of steps, the movements of the server, and so on. Learning about the components of this ritual helps travelers understand Japanese values of harmony, austerity, and grace while participating in a uniquely Japanese tradition.

Experience Daily and Traditional Japanese Life in Osaka

With Kyoto being the home to the Japanese tea ceremony, there are many options to choose from for those interested in experiencing this traditional ritual in Japan’s cultural capital. However, what makes the airKitchen tea ceremony experience unique is that it takes place in the home of a local Japanese host. This enables participants to not only experience and learn about the tea ceremony, but to also catch a glimpse of what an ordinary home and life looks like for Kyoto’s locals.

Relax in Osaka With a Cup of Delicious Green Tea!

Japanese city life can be busy and stressful, especially as a traveler trying to make the most of your experience. An airKitchen tea ceremony class in Osaka is the perfect way to take a step back from the sightseeing and relax, while still fully engaging in a uniquely Japanese cultural experience. Matcha is a traditional Japanese drink, and there are few better ways to enjoy it than with a local, in their home, through a Japanese tea ceremony. It goes especially well with wagashi, traditional Japanese sweets, which is why you’ll find many airKitchen cooking classes pair the two.




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