Kaiseki and Tea Ceremony in a Former Samurai House in Ishikawa

Located in Yamanaka Onsen in Kaga City, Mugen-an is a beautifully preserved samurai residence built by the Yokoyama family, one of the eight Kaga clans that once served as senior counselors to the Kaga Domain. More than 100 years later, this historic home offers a rare window into the region's culture, craftsmanship, and traditions. In this experience, you will begin with a guided tour of the house before sitting down for lunch with your host, Maehata Shunsai, a lacquerware craftsman whose works are displayed in museums around the world. You will enjoy a cha-kaiseki meal, a refined tea-focused dining style built around balance and simplicity, where each dish is designed to complement the flavor of tea. During lunch, your host will perform Yamanaka-bushi. These traditional folk songs trace their roots back to sea shanties once sung by sailors in the 1800s. This live performance adds a unique cultural layer to the dining experience. After lunch, you will take part in a short tea ceremony held in Mugen-an’s great hall, a designated cultural property of Ishikawa Prefecture. To end your visit, you will explore the second-floor gallery with a guide who will share the history and craftsmanship behind regional lacquerware and tea utensils.