Tea Ceremony Experiences in Osaka

All About Tea Ceremony Experiences in Osaka

1. Waraku Tea Ceremony

• Access: 5 minute walk from JR Hanaten Station
• Hours: 10:00-19:00
• Website: http://teaceremony-waraku.com/
• Price: ¥3000/person

2. Kimono Tea Ceremony Maikoya Osaka

• 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)

FAQ About Tea Ceremony Classes in Osaka

• What are the best tea ceremony classes in Osaka for vegans?

  Some of the best tea ceremony classes for vegans in Osaka include Authentic Sushi and Japanese Omelet Making Experience in Osaka (Miso soup and matcha tea ceremony included!) (vegan acceptable).

• How much does it cost to join a tea ceremony class in Osaka?

  On average tea ceremony classes in Osaka cost ¥9,050 per person (based on airKitchen prices).

• Which tea ceremony classes are offered in English in Osaka?

  All tea ceremony classes in Osaka on airKitchen are offered in English.

• What is the best cheap tea ceremony class in Osaka?

  Popular cheap tea ceremony classes in Osaka include Tea Ceremony Experience (Urasenke) ♥♥Only one group perday♥♥ ★★interviewed and appeared on NHK TV★★ ♥♥Calligraphy is Optional : 2500yen (About 40 minutes)♥♥.

• Which tea ceremony class is popular in Osaka?

  Tea Ceremony Experience (Urasenke) ♥♥Only one group perday♥♥ ★★interviewed and appeared on NHK TV★★ ♥♥Calligraphy is Optional : 2500yen (About 40 minutes)♥♥ is popular with other travelers visiting 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

• Tokyo

  30 tea ceremony classes

• Kyoto

  14 tea ceremony classes

• Fukuoka

  0 tea ceremony classes