Zen Garden Making and Matcha Tasting in Handmade Pottery Shop

Discover the tranquil world of Zen garden making and the art of matcha appreciation at a charming handmade pottery shop in Kyoto. This exclusive experience, limited to just 8 participants, offers a chance to craft your own miniature Zen garden while savoring premium matcha beverages and seasonal Japanese sweets. Enjoy the beauty of traditional Japanese craftsmanship and deepen your understanding of these ancient practices. Ready to embark on a serene cultural exploration?

Good To Know

• Unique opportunity to create a miniature Zen garden and sample premium matcha beverages in an intimate setting, limited to 8 participants.
• Matcha and seasonal Japanese sweets menu from renowned Ippodo brand and Senbon Tamajyuken, complementing the Zen garden-making activity.
• Conveniently located near Kyoto stations, with the activity concluding at the same meeting point, a Ninshu vessel shop and matcha cafe.
• Inclusive experience, though not wheelchair accessible, with options for dietary restrictions and accommodations for infants and service animals.
• Highly rated by a single reviewer as an "Excellent & Unique" culture in Kyoto, offering a serene and welcoming atmosphere.

Experience Overview

What does the Zen Garden Making and Matcha Tasting experience entail?

This unique activity takes place in Kyoto, Japan, where travelers can create their own miniature Zen garden and sample a variety of matcha beverages and seasonal Japanese sweets.

The experience is hosted in a handmade pottery shop and is limited to a maximum of 8 participants. Priced from $13.46 per person, the activity includes a confirmation at booking and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Whether you’re a matcha enthusiast or seeking a tranquil cultural experience, this activity offers a peaceful and delicious exploration of Japanese traditions.

Matcha and Sweets Menu

As part of the Zen Garden Making and Matcha Tasting experience, participants are treated to a delightful menu featuring premium matcha from the renowned Ippodo brand in Kyoto.

Guests can enjoy:

• Matcha (cold or warm)
• Seasonal Japanese sweets from Senbon Tamajyuken
• A dessert that includes matcha and traditional Japanese confections
• Refreshing and comforting flavors that complement the Zen garden-making activity
• An opportunity to savor the exquisite craftsmanship and quality of the specialty matcha and sweets.

Meeting and Pickup Details

Where is the meeting point for the Zen Garden Making and Matcha Tasting experience? The meeting point is at the Ninshu vessel shop & matcha cafe, located at 18-1 Fujikichō, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-0992, Japan.

To get there, travelers can take an 11-minute walk from Kyoto Shiyakusho-mae Station (Subway Tozai Line) or a 9-minute walk from Jingu-marutamachi Station (Keihan Railway Main Line). The activity concludes at the same meeting point.

Accessibility and Allergens

Is the Zen Garden Making and Matcha Tasting experience wheelchair accessible? Unfortunately, the experience isn’t wheelchair accessible.

However, it’s stroller accessible and allows service animals. Infants must sit on laps during the activity.

Some of the Japanese sweets may contain common allergens like wheat, egg, or yams. Participants should inform the staff of any dietary restrictions or allergies so they can provide alternative options.

The experience aims to be inclusive, so don’t hesitate to let the hosts know about your needs.

• Not wheelchair accessible
• Stroller accessible
• Service animals allowed
• Infants must sit on laps
• Inform staff of allergies for alternative options

Traveler Reviews

How do travelers rate the Zen Garden Making and Matcha Tasting experience? Based on a single review, the overall rating is 5.0 out of 5.

The reviewer, James_L, called it an "Excellent & Unique" experience. Feedback highlights the peaceful Zen garden making, delicious matcha and snacks, welcoming hosts, and the beautiful pottery shop with reasonable prices.

Travelers appreciate the great experience and the opportunity to create a personal Zen garden while savoring authentic matcha in a handmade pottery setting. The activity seems to offer a serene and authentic culture in Kyoto.

Creating a Zen Garden

As part of the Zen Garden Making and Matcha Tasting experience, travelers are guided through the serene process of creating their own personal Zen garden.

Using a wooden tray, travelers carefully arrange carefully selected stones, sand, and miniature plants to capture the essence of nature’s tranquility.

The experience allows participants to:

• Explore the philosophy and symbolism behind traditional Zen gardens
• Experiment with different arrangements to find their desired aesthetic
• Personalize their garden with thoughtful placement of elements
• Connect with the calming atmosphere and mindful act of creation
• Take home their handmade Zen garden as a memento of the experience.

Matcha Tasting and Appreciation

What better way to conclude the Zen Garden Making experience than with a serene matcha tasting?

Guests are served delicate matcha, either chilled or warm, from the renowned Ippodo tea company. Alongside the matcha, they’ll enjoy seasonal Japanese sweets from Senbon Tamajyuken.

The dessert presentation beautifully complements the tranquil atmosphere, allowing participants to savor the flavors and appreciate the artistry. Any dietary restrictions or allergies can be accommodated.

This matcha tasting provides a perfect conclusion to the pottery shop’s Zen garden experience, leaving guests feeling relaxed and satisfied.

Exploring the Handmade Pottery Shop

Upon entering the Ninshu vessel shop & matcha cafe, guests are immediately struck by the serene and inviting atmosphere.

The space is adorned with exquisite handmade pottery, showcasing the shop’s dedication to traditional Japanese craftsmanship. Visitors can browse the collection, which includes:

• Elegant teapots
• Delicate matcha bowls
• Unique vases
• Stunning sake sets
• Beautifully crafted serving dishes

The shop offers an opportunity to appreciate the artistry and skill behind these functional yet captivating pieces, providing a truly immersive experience for those interested in Japanese culture and design.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Purchase Additional Matcha or Pottery Items?

Yes, you can purchase additional matcha or pottery items during or after the experience. The shop offers a range of Ippodo matcha and handmade pottery pieces that you can buy to take home.

Are There Any Discounts or Package Deals Available?

There don’t seem to be any discounts or package deals mentioned for this experience. However, you may be able to purchase additional matcha or pottery items separately at the shop after the activity concludes.

How Long Does the Entire Experience Typically Last?

The entire experience typically lasts around 1-1.5 hours. Participants will spend time crafting a miniature Zen garden and enjoying a matcha tea tasting with traditional Japanese sweets in the pottery shop’s cozy atmosphere.

What Is the Dress Code or Attire Recommendation?

There’s no strict dress code, but comfortable and casual attire is recommended. Wear clothing you can easily move in, as you’ll be creating a Zen garden. Avoid anything too formal or restrictive, as the experience involves hands-on activities.

Can I Customize or Personalize My Zen Garden Creation?

Yes, participants can customize and personalize their zen garden creation. The experience allows for individual expression, with the opportunity to arrange the sand, rocks, and miniature plants as desired to craft a unique, personalized zen garden.

The Sum Up

Craft your own miniature Zen garden and savor premium matcha in a charming handmade pottery shop. This immersive experience fosters a deep appreciation for Japanese traditions, providing a serene and enriching cultural exploration in a beautiful Kyoto setting. Limited to just 8 participants, it’s an opportunity not to be missed.