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Tea Ceremony in a Traditional Kyoto Machiya
Organized by Randy
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Summary
Highlights
Experience Details
Experience Location
Reviews
Duration
1.5 hours
Number of Guests
2 - 30 guests
Accessibility
Stroller Accessible, Family-friendly, Pet-friendly
Language
Japanese, English
Other
Learn etiquette, Tea experience
Not your ordinary tea experience, discover the spirit of Japanese “omotenashi” (hospitality) during this traditional tea ceremony.
Highlights
Experience a traditional Japanese tea ceremony in the "ryurei" style.
Discover what a formal tea ceremony would entail in its entirety.
Learn about the different matcha & sweets used.
Observe the proper etiquette involved in taking sweets & drinking tea.
Understand what makes a good bowl of matcha then try for yourself.
Experience Details
The ancient capital, Kyoto, is one of the world's most popular cities. Located in west Japan, Kyoto is well known for its temples, shrines, and gardens. It is recognized as the cultural center of Japan and is the origin of many traditional Japanese cultural arts. "Chanoyu,” or the “tea ceremony” as it's commonly known in the West, is perhaps the most representative of them. It has been a strong influence on many other arts and crafts from architecture and gardening to kaiseki and Zen. That influence cannot be overstated!
In the central district of Kyoto, in the longest covered arcade in Japan is a shop, ran Hotei. It is owned by tea master Randy Channell Soei. He is the highest ranking non-Japanese actively teaching and promoting the tea ceremony in Japan. He is also the author of the "Book of Chanoyu…Tea the Master Key to Japanese Culture" which delves into the profound influence tea has had on various arts and crafts of Japan throughout history. Soei Sensei has been teaching the way of tea over 20 years in Kyoto.
Here in his exquisitely renovated townhouse you can experience the Japanese tea ceremony in a traditional setting, using tables and chairs. This style of tea ("ryurei" in Japanese) was developed in 1872 by the 11th generation grand tea master of Urasenke to show “omotenashi no kokoro” (the heart of hospitality) of the way of tea to dignitaries visiting from overseas who were attending a world's fair held in Kyoto.
So come and have a truly unique experience with Randy Channell Soei at ran Hotei. See why the four ideals of tea, Harmony, Respect, Purity & Tranquility are as valid today as they were hundreds of years ago. It is sure to be a memorable highlight of your visit to Japan!
Inclusions
Tea ceremony with a tea master
Randy Sensei's original Kyoto grown matcha.
Traditional sweets from Kyoto's famous sweet makers.
Group photo
Meeting Point and Meeting Time
Please come directly to the shop.
Remarks
Come to learn and enjoy!
Experience Location
The bustling Downtown area of Kyoto is the heart of the city, loaded with hotels, artisanal shopfronts, specialty restaurants, and hidden bars. With pleasant surprises around every corner and alleyway, before the Kamo-gawa River to the east lies the beautiful old town architecture of Pontocho, nestled in alongside the local izakaya and lively club scene. The enormous Teramachi and Shinkyogoku shopping arcades run north to south, intersected by the famous Nishiki Markets (“Kyoto’s Kitchen”), while delicious department store basements bubble below with tasty regional samples.
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Date
December
2023
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Earliest available date: December 4, 2023
from
¥ 5,500
per guest
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Please note that the time is in Japan Standard Time.