Halal Dining Experiences

Tomoko greeted us at the door and was very friendly, gracious and kind, despite that we were obviously foreign. We had a group of three and only I spoke a little Japanese . After greeting us, she took us upstairs, had a spot where we could place our belongings and saw that she had already set up three different stations for us. She asked for a group picture first-which we were happy to oblige, asked where we were from and then we jumped right in. All instructions and the entirety of the tour was in Japanese. However, we had no trouble understanding and communicating with each other. If anything, it added more to the experience and surprisingly, made it more enjoyable. There were no awkward silences or moments of confusion. Tomoko took cues from our body language and facial expressions as we did hers and it was a phenomenal experience! Portions were generous and she served cold, refreshing tea that she diligently refilled each time our glasses got close to being empty. Tomoko did everything herself. From setting up the stations to teaching and guiding the tour and breaking down each station while we were enjoying our meals. She was efficient but also attentive to our needs. At the end of our experience, she gifted us with handmade boxes made of obi and tins of ceremonial green tea. She also gave us a bonus item she called "a gift" which was a place mat she made from kimono. We loved our tour with Tomoko and I recommend everyone experience this. You will not regret it!

It was a great experience. The matcha was of very good quality and the two women wo made the matcha and thought us how to do it were super kind and we had much fun talking to them. One of them was also very good at talking in english, so we would recommend this for foreigners also. We also felt very safe while learning the traditions of drinking tea - the hostes thought us with patience and calm. We would absolutely do it again because the hostes and atmosphere (and of course the matcha) were so great.

I’m visiting from the United States, and this was one of the most meaningful experiences of my trip. The hosts were incredibly warm, patient, and knowledgeable, and they made me feel truly welcome from the moment I arrived. They gently guided me through each step of the tea ceremony and shared the beautiful history and cultural meaning behind the tradition. I was especially touched by the care and intention behind every movement. It helped me appreciate how the tea ceremony is not just about drinking tea, but about mindfulness, respect, and connection. The hosts were also so kind to help me take photos so I could remember such a special moment. One of the hosts also provided me with a gift at the end for Goodluck, which I am very appreciative for. If you are visiting Fukuoka, I highly recommend taking part in this experience. It was peaceful, beautiful, and gave me a deeper appreciation for Japanese culture that I will carry with me long after my trip. <3

A very approachable and well-structured experience, even for beginners. Each step—from tempura frying to matcha preparation—was carefully explained, creating a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. The use of Shizuoka ingredients throughout clearly highlighted the region’s food culture. Having simple visual instructions in English would make it even easier to follow and recreate at home. Overall, a unique and rewarding local experience.

This experience offered a perfect balance of food, culture, and hands-on learning, all rooted in Shizuoka’s local traditions. Frying sakura shrimp kakiage, making rice balls with local rice and tea leaves, and preparing matcha ourselves made the experience deeply immersive. Every ingredient felt meaningful and truly local. The warm guidance and thoughtful souvenir at the end made it even more memorable. This is a wonderful choice for travelers looking for an authentic, interactive food experience beyond typical sightseeing.

I was very happy that I chose the tea ceremony with Chihiro. She was very authentic and kind as a person, and everything went smoothly. It was a wonderful encounter with Japanese tradition as it is truly lived – not presented in an artificial or distant way, but in a very human, warm, and approachable manner, while still carrying a deep spiritual touch.

This was an awesome hangout with Hiro! My man knows a lot about the history. Walking through Gion District in the evening was such a cool experience. The architecture was soooo beautiful. This place requires a full day of discovery! Hiro was nice enough to bring his professional camera! Took very good pictures of us. Hiro went out of his way beyond just being a 'tour guide'. Hope to hook up with Hiro again on our next visit!

We were picked up at the statue from our host and had a nice chat with her until reaching the premises (5 min by foot) where the experience took place. Our host kindly explained the structure of the experience and also gave us a brief history and explanation of the craft and why she has an interest in tea ceremonies. The matcha and the sweets were really good and we had a fun and interesting experience. Arigatou gozaimasu!

Mari-san talked us through the traditional method of a tea ceremony, including how they decorate the room and the symbolism of objects. She was dressed in the traditional kimono and we sat on cushions round a low table. She whisked the matcha and presented us with the tea. Then we did the same. She gave us two kinds of traditional sweets. The building is in central Beppu, easily reached on foot. The environment is not grand, it is above a cafe/shop and has the feeling of a home. The interpreter Nao -san spoke excellent English and was very pleasant. The experience took about an hour.

We had the best time at this tea ceremony. Learned all about the tradition of Matcha tea ceremony. Our host was lovely so was our translator.we were taught how to make matcha tea . Also enjoyed the lovey sweets.We had lots of laughs and story telling as well. Highly recommend

A wonderful tea ceremony with Chihiro and her husband in Fukuoka 🍵 We came as a couple and had an unforgettable experience with Chihiro and her husband, who warmly welcomed us and guided us through the traditional Japanese tea ceremony. Chihiro explained everything very clearly in English, making it easy to understand and follow each gesture. Both of them were kind, patient, and attentive, creating a calm and authentic atmosphere. It was a beautiful, peaceful, and meaningful introduction to Japanese culture. Thank you so much, Chihiro and your husband, for this memorable and heartfelt experience. 🙏🍵 福岡での素晴らしい茶道体験 🍵 私たちはカップルで参加し、ちひろさんご夫妻のおかげで忘れられない時間を過ごしました。お二人はとても温かく迎えてくださり、伝統的な茶道の作法を丁寧に教えてくれました。ちひろさんは英語でとても分かりやすく説明してくれたので、安心して楽しむことができました。 穏やかで本格的な雰囲気の中で、日本文化の美しさと心を感じました。優しさと細やかな心配りに心から感謝します。🙏🍵

My family really enjoyed this dining experience last night! Marimo sent us the menu in advance for our input and then during dinner explained the background behind each dish, which was very educational. She also took into account my dietary restriction. It felt very comfortable to eat in Marimo’s home rather than another restaurant, and even walking through the neighborhood was a part of Tokyo we had not seen. Highly recommend!