Tea Ceremony with Kimono Experience at Shinjuku (1749)

Step into Japanese culture with a traditional kimono dressing session followed by an authentic tea ceremony in Shinjuku. Learn the meaning behind the ritual, make your own matcha, and enjoy seasonal wagashi in a relaxed setting.

Getting started

Your experience begins at Maikoya in Shinjuku at your booked appointment time, which is also the starting time for kimono dressing. Choose from a selection of beautiful traditional kimonos, while the staff helps you dress and, styles your hair to complement the look. The tea ceremony is scheduled to begin around 30 minutes later, depending on how quickly all participants are ready.

What to expect

• Begin by getting dressed in an authentic Japanese kimono with assistance from the friendly staff. Once ready, take photos in the beautiful Japanese garden and enjoy wearing your kimono during the experience.

• Settle into the tea room, where the tea master introduces the history, etiquette, tools, and traditions behind Japanese tea ceremony, also known as sado, chado, or chanoyu. English-speaking staff are available to answer your questions throughout.

• Discover the principles of Wa, Kei, Sei, and Jaku, representing harmony, respect, purity, and tranquility. These ideas have shaped the philosophy and atmosphere of the Japanese tea ceremony for centuries.

• Watch the tea master carefully measure the matcha and hot water before demonstrating how to whisk it into a smooth, frothy cup. You’ll then have the opportunity to prepare your own matcha using high-quality green tea powder.

• Your matcha is accompanied by traditional Japanese wagashi sweets. Their flavors, shapes, and colors vary with the season, adding a distinctive touch to each tea ceremony experience.

• Tea ceremonies traditionally take place on tatami mats, but comfort is prioritized. You can sit in a position that feels comfortable, while bamboo chairs are available upon request. The experience lasts approximately 90 minutes.