In this tour, I take you to my favorite Japanese Garden; Koishikawa Korakuen created in 1629. This beautiful garden represents 4 different sceneries; river, mountain, countryside, ocean as you walk around the central pond. After that we move to the place for tea ceremony. Tea master prepares tea by highly stylized manner called 'Temae'. You enjoy Japanese sweet and tea in a very settled atmosphere. You will learn the the history of tea ceremony, experience Japanese aesthetics influenced by Zen.
At your hotel
At your hotel or the station
You experience Japanese culture and philosophy through a tea ceremony.
Tea master prepares tea by highly stylized manner called 'Temae'. You have Japanese sweet and tea in very settled atmosphere and learn spirit of Japanese culture influenced by Zen philosophy. Viewing a teahouse and tea utensils is one of the enjoyment as well.
Since I have been learning Tea Ceremony about 8 years I’m pleased to tell you the history of ‘Chado’ (the way of tea) and its aesthetics.
Koishikawa Korakuen Garden contains ponds, hills and beautifully designed bridges. You experience harmony with nature.
As you walk through around a big pound you encounter miniature view of oceans, rivers, mountains, countryside which has scenic beauty of Japan.
Guide fee, hotel pick-up in Tokyo
Transportation fee for the guide.
Transportation fee: About 1000yen /per person.
Fee for tea ceremony: please pay directly to a tea house (bet 3000 JPY - 5000 JPY/per person (depends on an availability of the tea house).
Entrance fee for Koishikawa Korakuen Garden. 300 JPY/per person.
Please wear comfortable shoes to walk.
Also bring white socks (Tea room is considered a place of purity).
I reserve a tea house where professional tea master is running.
No. We usually sit with the style of 'Seiza' (sit on one's heels).
But you can sit comfortable way.
I usually reserve a tea house
- Tea house nicely built inside of the hotel by professional tea house architect. You will forget you will be inside of the hotel (The place is used for formal tea ceremony. It is traditional style, sitting on Tatami mattress)
or
- Detached traditional tea house surrounded by beautiful Japanese garden (It is ryurei style (sitting on chair).)
It depends on the availability of the tea houses. But if you have preference, please let me know in advance. I try to reserve the one you like.
Yes. please see my half day or one day customized tour. Tea ceremony fee is not included. You need to pay tea ceremony fee (bet 2,200 JPY - 3300 JPY), directory at the tea house.
Hiromi went above and beyond to provide a very interesting and enjoyable experience. She took care to make sure I was always comfortable. I highly recommend this tour!
Thank you very much for writing very nice review. Eventhough it was a very hot day, your smile encouraged me to complete the tour. I really enjoyed the peaceful and confortable time we spent together. Thank you for being as my customer :)
Wonderful guide, who was flexible and accommodating. As a first time visitor to Japan, we wanted to see a lot of different places, and she did not disappoint! She spoke excellent English, and was so friendly with our family!
Thank you very much for submitting very nice review! Lovely family and beautiful cherry blossom, it became memorable day for me as well. Thank you very much choosing me as your guide :)
Hiromi arrived in good time. She was polite and friendly as well as being highly organised. Her English was of a good standard and she helpfully carried a file with relevant information. All of us enjoyed the tour.
Thank you very much for taking my tour & writing review. Eventhough the weather was not so good for the tour, your family was very cheerful, I also enjoyed the tour & being with your family. Have a wonderful time in Japan!
I did a lovely tour with Hiromi-san in a warm afternoon in April. I chose Hiromi because she practices quite regularly chanoyu (tea cerimony). Before getting to the chanoyu place, we did a walk in Karouken Garden. It was particularly interesting to hear the story and the various influences behind the construction of the park. This walk was refreshing and preparatory to the following chanoyu. Without rush we got to the chanoyu place. There was a little embaressment in the beginning: as a foreigner I am not used to the extremely detailed and sophisticated etiquette of chanoyu. After a while, the quiet atmosphere of the tea room helped to relax and enjoy the moment. The more the days pass, the more I recall that beautiful afternoon, in company of Hiromi-san.
Stefano -san, thank you very much for writing very nice review. It was very interesting hearing your perspective of Japan especially Showa period of time. There is a ward 一座建立(Ichiza Konryu) in tea ceremony, means host's hospitality to the guest, guest's respect to the host create one harmonious atmosphere. It was your hospitality and respect to Japanese culture made the tour special. The time was treasure for me as well. Many thanks to you! :)