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Kimono Tea Ceremony & Zen Garden Tour at Kobe Sorakuen

 

Sorakuen has been known as one of the most beautiful Japanese gardens nationwide and registered as a place of scenic beauty by the Japanese government. Now the doors of Sorakuen is opening for those who wish to have an unforgettable Japanese experience right in the heart of Kobe. For a limited time only, Kimono Tea ceremony Kyoto Maikoya and Kobe City Tourism Bureau teamed up to offer the tranquil zen garden and a traditional tea ceremony experience at the picturesque and calming tea room of Sorakuen. This experience includes everything you may want to enjoy in Japan from kimono wearing to strolling scenic gardens and from participating in a local tradition to tasting Japanese sweets.

Your English speaking host will give you a short tour in this amazing Japanese garden and explain you the connection between zen and the Japanese gardens. She will then help you wear a beautiful kimono in a traditional way and also give you a matching hairstyle. Finally you will observe how your host perfectly and harmoniously use all the traditional utensils to make the perfect cup of tea in way that has been done the same for about 400 years. And, the best part, you will make your own tea and enjoy Japanese traditional sweets.

Your tea ceremony experience will include:

  • An introduction to the Japanese tea ceremony and associated rituals
  • This is taught by a friendly instructor who speaks English
  • You will be encouraged to try traditional green matcha tea and Japanese styled sweets
  • Only traditional tea ceremony utensils will be used
  • The workshop will be taught to a small class of 6 or so people
  • Relax in a classroom decorated in traditional Japanese décor and architecture
  • Explanations of the ceremony’s history and technique in simple English
  • Not only watching the demonstration but actually performing the ritual
  • Friendly staff will help you chose the best kimono and wear it in a traditional way
  • For ladies, we will give you the simple hairstyle matching with kimono
  • If you are interested, many photo ops in front of a number of backdrops in our facility before or after the ceremony
  • We also have tea ceremony artifacts and displays with detailed explanations in English that will help you better understand the subtle meanings and the rich history behind this unique tradition

Learn Japanese culture with all of your senses – especially your sense of wonder!

Just in case if you were wondering:

  • You are allowed to take pictures in the tea ceremony room after the ceremony as well as the other parts of the garden
  • You are allowed to sit comfortably on the floor (without sitting on your knees on the tatami mat). We also provide bamboo chairs for those who prefer not to sit on the floor
  • This whole experience lasts about 90 minutes. The garden tour is relatively short as most of the time spent for tea ceremony and kimono dressing.

Kimono Tea Ceremony & Zen Garden Tour at Kobe Sorakuen

Age 2+

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    Kimono Tea Ceremony Maikoya Kyoto

    We are a cultural experience venue located in the heart of Kyoto, the cultural capital of Japan. We pride ourselves on providing authenthinc experiences in Kyoto. Founded on the four main pricinples of tea ceremony (Harmony, respect, purity and tranquility) Maikoya has gained recognition among both locals and foreigners. Maikoya also recently has been selected as one of the best tea ceremony venues in Japan by Tripadvisor. Learning about a country through cultural workshops and activities will give you a better understanding of our intricate history, valued social principals and holistic way of life. By learning about Japan and its people, you will be immersed in different perspectives and approaches that are unique to this country. Maikoya Kyoto offers you opportunities to understand this culture through local instructors and guides. There is no better way to learn about a new place from the viewpoints of those who grew up and live in this amazing country. What better way to spend an afternoon than learning a traditional, beautiful new art form with a knowledgeable tutor in a picturesque setting? You wouldn't find friendlier people to help you experience Japan in all its splendour.
    Our address is Japan, 〒604-8006 Kyoto, Nakagyō-ku, Nakanocho, 565-4 JP Take Exit 9 at the Kawaramachi Station  google map
    Our phone number is 075-606-5303
    Our email address is kyoto@mai-ko.com
    *** Please let us know the gender ratio and if you have any food allergies, Halal, gluten-free, vegan or vegetarian preferences.

    Frequently Asked Questions FAQ

    • Do you accept walk-ins?

      Yes, we accept walk-ins. However, it is chepaer to book online and you may need to wait if you show up without a reservation especially during the peak season.

    • Do I need to wear a kimono?

      Traditional tea ceremony is usually conducted by wearing a kimono but since you may simply not be interested in it or you may be pregnant (earlier than 3rd trimester OK) we don’t require you to wear a kimono.

    • Do I need to sit on my knees all the time or I can sit comfortably? Can I sit on the chair?

      Yes you can sit comfortably without sitting on your knees. Yes we do provide chairs and desks if you need.

    • What is the etiquette for tea ceremony?

      Please remember to --take your shoes off, --be quiet and not talk to your partner throughout the ceremony, —not use your cell phone (we allow photos before and after) but ideally you should forget worldly and materialistic thoughts.

    • Do you have kimonos for kids?

      Please remember to --take your shoes off, --be quiet and not talk to your partner throughout the ceremony, —not use your cell phone (we allow photos before and after) but ideally you should forget worldly and materialistic thoughts.

    • Do you have plus size kimonos?

      Yes we do have extra size kimonos. If you are a plus size please let us know when you reserve about your size.

    • Can I walk outside wearing the kimono for the rest of the day?

      Yes! you can walk outside with additional fee JPY1000 by 6 pm!

    • Do you provide any hairdo services?

      Yes (for females), we will make sure you look your best and your hair matches the traditional kimono style.

    • Do you only show activities or you explain the meanings, symbols etc?

      Of course we explain all the meanings and symbols. We also answer many questions you may have (what tis the relationship between zen and tea ceremony, what is the relationship between zen and shodo, what is the difference between Shinto and Buddhism, etc.)

    • Do you have a souvenir shop where I can get matcha tea, tea ceremony set, calligraphy set, etc. to remember my experience?

      Yes we do.

    • Where can I buy a kimono?

      We can recommend you a few nearby shops that sell 2nd hand, upscale and economy kimonos, yukatas, samues and hakamas.