Cerimonia del tè di Tokyo ad Asakusa con Kimono, Matcha e Wagashi

This was my first experience participating in sadō in Japan, and it was a meaningful part of my solo trip. As a Mixed Black-Japanese, British-American person, tea is a meaningful part of my life, my cultures, and my family heritage. I had wanted to experience sadō during previous visits to Japan with friends, but had never been able to make it happen. So on my last day in Tokyo during this solo trip, just a few hours before catching my flight home, I decided to finally do it. The women leading us explained each step clearly, so we could appreciate not only what we were doing, but why each gesture mattered. I especially appreciated the way they warmly encouraged me as I spoke in my broken Japanese. My grandmother always taught me that Japanese people often value the attempt to participate in the culture as much as, if not more than, perfect skill, and that spirit was present here. They encouraged me, let me try, and gently corrected my whisking when I was not moving quite fast enough. I never felt judged or embarrassed, only supported. I was lucky enough to schedule this trip during sakura season, so we were also served a cherry blossom-themed wagashi that was beautifully crafted, delicious, and made the whole experience feel even more connected to that particular moment in Japan. This was also my first time wearing kimono as an adult. I did not expect it to feel as emotional as it did. I had worn a kimono my great-grandmother made for me when I was a child, and putting one on again in Japan brought up a deep feeling of connection to my grandmother and great grandmother, my childhood culture, and my Japanese heritage. I was the only solo guest in a group with a European couple and three sisters from Mexico. We communicated mostly in English, with a little Spanish as well since I used to live in Mexico. The group was warm and friendly, and the sisters from Mexico were having so much fun together as a family that it added even more joy to my experience. I highly recommend this experience whether you are traveling solo or with loved ones. You get to enjoy the tea, the sweets, the ritual instructions, and the beauty of wearing kimono. Even though it is not in a fully traditional sadō setting, it still offers a thoughtful and respectful way to engage with Japanese culture. For me, as a Japanese person born outside of Japan, it was also a meaningful way to feel more connected to my heritage. I am very grateful I chose to do this before leaving Tokyo.

This was my first experience participating in sadō in Japan, and it was a very meaningful part of my solo trip. As a Mixed Black-Japanese, British-American person, tea is a important part of my life, my cultures, and my family heritage. I had wanted to experience sadō during previous visits to Japan with friends, but had never been able to make it happen. So on my last day in Tokyo during this solo trip, just a few hours before catching my flight home, I decided to finally do it. The women leading us explained each step clearly, so we could appreciate not only what we were doing, but why each gesture mattered. I especially appreciated the way they warmly encouraged me as I spoke in my broken Japanese. My grandmother always taught me that Japanese people often value the attempt to participate in the culture as much as, if not more than, perfect skill, and that spirit was present here. They encouraged me, let me try, and gently corrected my whisking when I was not moving quite fast enough. I never felt judged or embarrassed, only supported. I was lucky enough to schedule this trip during sakura season, so we were also served a cherry blossom-themed wagashi that was beautifully crafted, delicious, and made the whole experience feel even more connected to that particular moment in Japan. This was also my first time wearing kimono as an adult. I did not expect it to feel as emotional as it did. I had worn a kimono my great-grandmother made for me when I was a child, but putting one on as an adult in Japan brought up some emotions and connection to both my grandmother and great grandmother, my childhood culture, and my Japanese heritage. I was the only solo guest in a group with a European couple and three sisters from Mexico. We communicated mostly in English, with a little Spanish as well since I used to live in Mexico. The group was warm and friendly, and the sisters from Mexico were having so much fun together as a family that it added even more joy to my experience. I highly recommend this experience whether you are traveling solo or with loved ones. You get to enjoy the tea, the sweets, the ritual instructions, and the beauty of wearing kimono. Even though it is not in a fully traditional sadō setting, it still offers a thoughtful and respectful way to engage with Japanese culture.

A nice, zen experience! We enjoyed learning the traditional tea ceremony way! We had a range of people who love matcha to some who had never tried it before. Each of us took something away that we liked, whether it was the matcha or the sweets that were given. Definitely recommend! Also, liked that we were able to enjoy the tea ceremony in kimonos!

The expierence was great and educational! The kimonos were beautiful! Staff was very pleasant

Excellent experience including customer service. Very friendly staff and overall fun experience.

I loved learning more about the Japanese culture and this was a great experience the ladies were lovely and welcoming

It was interesting and informative. First we were put in traditional kimonos snd then a demonstration was done and the ritual explained. Then we did the ceremony ourselves. It has specific meaning, and we even practiced some Japanese expressions. This is a fun and worthwhile experience.

Lovely experience, being dressed in a Kimono and being guided and taught by a very patient and cheerful Lady. She performed the tea ceremony in front of us and afterwards it was hands on . We loved it and recommend a visit anytime

What an eye opening experience! The explanation of the symbolic meaning behind every action during the ceremony gave me a deeper appreciation for the Japanese culture. Thank you for sharing this with my family and I. This is an activity I HIGHLY RECOMMEND!

Wonderful activity, loved the education on how to have a tea ceremony in a traditional way with all the polite customs.