Tea Ceremony tokyo Tokyochaan 東京茶庵 make matcha — Restaurant in Tokyo

During my time in Tokyo, I had the chance to experience a traditional Japanese tea ceremony, and it became one of the highlights of my trip. Set in a quiet tea house tucked away from the city’s bustling streets, the ceremony offered a rare glimpse into Japanese culture that balances grace, mindfulness, and artistry.

From the moment I stepped inside, I was welcomed with warm hospitality. The host Sakura and Kini explained the history and philosophy behind the tea ceremony, emphasizing the values of respect, harmony, purity, and tranquility. Everything in the room—from the tatami mats to the seasonal flower arrangement—was carefully chosen to create a serene atmosphere.

The preparation of the matcha was mesmerizing to watch. Each movement was deliberate, precise, and almost meditative. The tea itself was rich and slightly bitter, balanced perfectly by the delicate wagashi (Japanese sweets) served beforehand. Drinking the tea felt less like a casual refreshment and more like participating in a living tradition.

What I appreciated most was how immersive the experience was. Even as a visitor, I never felt like an outsider observing a ritual; instead, I was guided gently into it, encouraged to reflect and slow down.

If you are in Tokyo and want a meaningful cultural experience beyond sightseeing, I highly recommend attending a tea ceremony. It is not only a lesson in Japanese aesthetics and etiquette but also a calming pause that stays with you long after...

Had a wonderful time at Tokyo Cha-An experiencing the tea ceremony. The hosts were very welcoming and friendly, and we appreciated how knowledgeable they were on the history and preparation of the tea ceremony.

We used the video provided in the email to get to the location and were able to get there very easily!

I speak very little Japanese, and it was not a problem at all. All the explanations were provided fully in English, and communication was easy.

The sweets and the matcha were absolutely wonderful! I am a big fan of tea and it was lovely.

My partner mentioned she wasnt used to such bitter tea and she was provided with a sweeter powder to use when we made our own matcha. This was much appreciated and allowed her to enjoy the tea as well!

Overall a wonderful experience for our first day in Japan. Would highly recommend Tokyo Cha-An to anyone...

The thing I love most about Tokyo is the contrast between city and calm. After walking the busy streets of Shibuya I came here to find out about the art of Japanese tea ceremonies. Mai was a lovely host with 18 years of tea making experience. Mai took time to explain all about the history of tea making which was very interesting. She even explained the significance of all the confectionary for my birthday month and answered all my questions about Japanese flowers. The ceremony itself was the epitome of zen. So mindful and calm. Thank you Mai for a wonderful afternoon. I would recommend this experience to everyone. You even get the chance to make the tea yourself. I’m sure you will enjoy it as...