Kimono Tea Ceremony Experience in Kamakura

Kamakura’s Kimono Tea Ceremony offers a rare chance to immerse oneself in Japan’s cultural traditions. This immersive experience includes donning a traditional kimono and participating in an authentic matcha tea ritual, guided by English-speaking hosts. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, this enchanting program promises to transport you back in time and provide a deeper appreciation for the art of Japanese tea ceremony. With limited availability, the opportunity to partake in this captivating experience shouldn’t be missed.

Good To Know

• Offers a culture experience in Kamakura, Japan, including the rental of a traditional kimono and a matcha tea ceremony.
• Provides an authentic glimpse into Japanese cultural traditions, with a professional kimono dresser and English-speaking guide available.
• Experience is available from September 11, 2024, to August 25, 2025, on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM.
• Not wheelchair accessible, and lacks air conditioning, making it unsuitable for those sensitive to heat or cold.
• Priced at $80.62 per person, with an additional 1,000 yen charge for extra matcha tea, and a maximum group size of 6 travelers.

Experience Overview

The Kimono Tea Ceremony Experience offers visitors a unique culture in Kamakura, Japan.

The experience includes renting a traditional kimono, learning how to properly wear it, and enjoying a matcha tea ceremony with Japanese sweets. A professional kimono dresser is on hand to assist, and an English-speaking guide leads the group through the traditional ritual.

Participants can also purchase extra matcha for 1,000 yen.

The experience provides an authentic glimpse into Japanese cultural traditions in a beautiful historical setting.

Meeting and Pickup

The meeting point for the Kimono Tea Ceremony Experience is the Murakami Residence, located at Kanagawa, Kamakura, Nishimikado, 2-chōme8２２ 8番22号.

Participants will meet their guide and be dressed in traditional kimonos at this location. The experience will end by returning to the same meeting point.

Confirm the start time with the local provider in advance, as the experience is available from 9/11/2024 to 8/25/2025 on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays between 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM.

Operating Hours

The Kimono Tea Ceremony Experience is available from September 11, 2024 to August 25, 2025.

The experience is offered on the following days:

1. Monday
2. Tuesday
3. Thursday
4. Friday

The operating hours are from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM.

Guests are advised to confirm the start time with the local provider in advance.

The experience isn’t available on weekends or other days of the week.

Visitors should plan accordingly to ensure they can participate during the designated operating hours.

Additional Information

Although the Kimono Tea Ceremony Experience isn’t wheelchair accessible, it’s located near public transportation.

Infants must sit on laps during the experience. As it lacks air conditioning, the activity isn’t recommended for individuals sensitive to heat or cold.

The maximum group size is 6 travelers. Confirmation for the experience is received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability.

It’s important to confirm the start time with the local provider in advance. The experience is non-refundable, and no refunds are provided for cancellations.

Pricing and Reviews

The Kimono Tea Ceremony Experience is priced from $80.62 per person, offering a Lowest Price Guarantee.

This non-refundable experience has just 1 review, with an overall rating of 1.0 out of 5 stars.

Key facts about the pricing and reviews:

1. There are no refunds for cancellations.
2. The review count is 1, with 0 five-star, 0 four-star, 0 three-star, 0 two-star, and 0 one-star ratings.
3. Extra matcha tea is available for an additional 1000¥ per person.
4. The experience is limited to a maximum of 6 travelers per tour.

Kimono Rental

A key component of the Kimono Tea Ceremony Experience is the rental of traditional Japanese kimonos.

Participants will be outfitted in these elegant garments by a professional kimono dresser. The rental includes the kimono, obi sash, and any necessary accessories.

Guests can choose from a variety of kimono styles and patterns to suit their preferences. This immersive experience allows visitors to fully embrace the Japanese cultural tradition.

The kimono rental is a crucial part of the overall Kamakura tea ceremony, providing an authentic and visually stunning element to the experience.

Tea Ceremony Procedure

After participants have donned their kimonos, they’re guided through the traditional Japanese tea ceremony known as chanoyu.

The host leads the group through a sequence of carefully choreographed movements:

1. Guests are greeted and shown to their seats.
2. The host prepares the matcha tea, whisking the green powder with hot water in a ceremonial bowl.
3. Each guest is served a bowl of frothy matcha, which they sip and appreciate.
4. Finally, the host presents a traditional Japanese sweet to complement the tea.

The entire ceremony is performed with mindfulness, grace, and reverence for this time-honored tradition.

Highlights of the Experience

Donning the elegant kimonos marks the start of an immersive cultural experience. Guided by a professional dresser, participants are transformed into traditional Japanese figures.

Next, they’ll enjoy a matcha tea ceremony, learning the proper etiquette and techniques. Savoring the earthy, umami-rich matcha, along with delicate Japanese sweets, heightens the senses.

Throughout the experience, an English-speaking guide provides insights into the history and significance of these time-honored traditions. The intimate setting allows for a personal connection with the art of tea-making.

With the option to purchase additional matcha, guests can extend their journey into the world of Japanese tea culture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Photography Allowed During the Tea Ceremony?

Photography is generally allowed during the tea ceremony, though participants should be respectful and avoid disrupting the experience. Guests should check with the local provider for any specific guidelines or restrictions on photography.

Can I Bring My Own Tea Leaves to the Ceremony?

No, you can’t bring your own tea leaves to the ceremony. The experience includes matcha tea and Japanese sweets provided by the local provider. Bringing your own tea would not be permitted.

Is the Kimono Rental Included in the Price?

Yes, the kimono rental is included in the price of the Kimono Tea Ceremony Experience. The experience provides a complete package that includes the kimono, matcha tea, Japanese sweets, and professional assistance.

Are There Any Dietary Restrictions for the Japanese Sweets?

The experience doesn’t mention any dietary restrictions for the Japanese sweets. Guests should let the provider know about any food allergies or dietary needs in advance to ensure they can accommodate them during the tea ceremony.

Can I Extend the Duration of the Experience?

Unfortunately, the experience’s duration cannot be extended. It’s a fixed 2-hour program that includes the kimono rental, matcha tea, and Japanese sweets. Any additional time or activities would need to be arranged separately with the local provider.

The Sum Up

Enjoy Japan’s rich cultural heritage by experiencing the Kimono Tea Ceremony in Kamakura. With a traditional kimono rental and an authentic matcha tea ceremony, this unique program offers a chance to engage with age-old traditions in a picturesque setting. Guided by English-speaking hosts, you’ll learn about the art of tea while enjoying extra matcha for a nominal fee.