The Japanese Tea Ceremony, known as Sado or Chanoyu, can be defined as the traditional, ritualized preparation and serving of powdered green tea by a host for the enjoyment of his or her appreciative guests. The history of the tea ceremony dates back about 600 years, to the Kamakura period (1185—1333). Introduced from China, tea-drinking spread along with Zen Buddhism throughout Japan. Later, in the Azuchi Momoyama period (1573—1603), Sen no Rikyu (1522—1591) perfected the principles of "wabi-cha," and his philosophy is said to be the cornerstone of modern-day Sado/Chanoyu. This refined tradition is a “must experience” while you visiting Japan. The Tokyo Metropolitan Government and Tokyo Metropolitan Foundation for History and Culture, Arts Council Tokyo will hold the “Tokyo Grand Tea Ceremony 2023” at two venues (10/14 & 15 at Hama-rikyu Gardens and 10/21 & 22 at the Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum). The goal is to widely disseminate traditional culture and performing arts in Japan and elsewhere. Everyone is invited to join the event, including those unfamiliar with the tea ceremony, foreigners, and children.
(*This event is subject to change or cancellation due to inclement weather or other factors.)
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Escape the hustle and bustle for a cup of tea |
There are numerous locations in Tokyo where you can experience the tea ceremony. Some offer tea ceremonies in authentic tea rooms or Japanese gardens, while others allow visitors to taste tea and enjoy making Japanese sweets while wearing a kimono. We encourage you to try a tea ceremony while in Tokyo this fall.
This 300+ year-old garden that once belonged to the estate of Hikozaemon Okubo, a vassal of the Tokugawa Shogunate, features a traditional tea house, where you can sip matcha – whipped, powdered Japanese green tea – paired with a sweet in a tranquil, natural setting. Only available on Saturday, Sunday and Monday.
This is an educational and fun place. Visitors can try on and wear kimono, learn about the culture and history of the ritual, watch a demonstration of the ritual, and finally make their own matcha tea.
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Explore Depachika and entertain
your eyes and taste buds
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Autumn is the harvest season. Now, is the time for fresh staples, such as rice, pumpkin, sweet potatoes, pears, and chestnuts. Additionally, the cooler weather awakens our appetites. Tokyo, especially, is a gourmet paradise, where you can discover delicious food from all over Japan and the world. One of the best and easiest way to find fresh, unique, and of course beautifully packaged food items is in a “Depachika” or “basement level food floor of a department store. Depachika can be found in almost all department stores, but each one is different and special. In fact, since most large department stores are found attached to train stations, you can even stop by without going out onto the street.
・Ginza Mitsukoshi: The oldest surviving department store chain in Japan (founded in 1673). The flagship is in Nihombashi. They are famous for seriously high-end (and expensive) produce.
・Shibuya Tokyu Foodshow: Located beneath the Hachiko Square at Shibuya Station, this is the largest food hall in Shibuya ward. Unlike others, they have a designated area to eat the food you’ve purchased.
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Travel Industry Relations:
Aki Hirai
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Media Relations and Other Inquiries:
Hisashi Tsumura
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Tokyo Tokyo
Old meets New:
Official website
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GO Tokyo:
Official website
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© Tokyo Convention & Visitors Bureau
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