Tea Ceremony Experience at Kobo-ji Temple in Mita, Tokyo | 75 Minutes of Matcha and Wagashi in a 24-Mat Tatami Room Wearing an Oshima-tsumugi Robe

Passing Through the Gate of Kobo-ji Temple, Hidden Among the City Buildings

The venue is Terakoya NINJA, located within Kobo-ji Temple in Mita, Minato City, Tokyo. Meet directly on site — look for the entrance with its white stone walls, a wooden plaque reading "Kobo-ji," and a navy noren curtain hanging at the door.

Surrounded by apartment buildings and office towers, the presence of such a temple in this corner of the city is a quintessentially Tokyo scene. A weeping tree and a stone signboard stand beside the entrance, and the air shifts instantly away from the bustle of the city center.

Once through the gate, you'll be guided to the tatami room where the tea ceremony takes place.

Learning the History and Tools of Tea Ceremony in a 24-Mat Tatami Room

The experience takes place in an authentic 24-mat tatami room featuring a coffered ceiling and a tokonoma alcove. A hanging scroll adorns the alcove, and incense burners and other crafted objects rest on the display shelves at its sides.

An experienced instructor will first explain the history of tea ceremony, the tools and utensils used in the tea preparation, and the etiquette and movements involved. Rather than simply drinking matcha, this is a chance to encounter the spirit of "omotenashi" hospitality, a sense of the seasons, and the distinctly Japanese aesthetic embedded in the ceremony.

The names of the tools and the etiquette you learn here will soon be put into practice right before your eyes.

Watching the Kimono-Clad Host's Tea Preparation Up Close

Next, watch a kimono-clad host perform the tea ceremony right in front of you. Every movement — handling the ladle, the tea caddy, the kettle — carries meaning, and this is a rare chance to observe such gestures from very close range.

The quiet, deliberate movements on the tatami floor are all the more meaningful having just heard the explanation. Photography is allowed, so you can capture the moment along with the memory.

Once you've watched the host's preparation, it's finally your turn.

Wearing an Oshima-Tsumugi Robe, Whisk Your Own Matcha

For this experience, you'll wear a robe made of Oshima-tsumugi, a silk textile originating from Amami Oshima island. Known for its deep tones from mud-dyeing, its finely woven kasuri patterns, and its light, supple texture, it makes for a beautiful photo in the tatami room.

Once dressed in the robe, you'll whisk your own matcha under expert guidance. It's a chance to put the etiquette you've learned — how to hold the bowl, how to bow — into practice with your own hands. Beginners are welcome, and no prior experience whisking matcha is necessary.

Whisking the matcha yourself lets you discover the movement of the tea whisk and the full sequence of gestures in a way that simply watching cannot convey.

Ending with Seasonal Wagashi and a Bowl of Matcha

The experience concludes with a time to savor seasonal wagashi sweets alongside your matcha. The appearance of the wagashi reflects the season, and pairing it with the aroma and bitterness of matcha lets you enjoy Japan's seasonal character with both taste and sight.

Cradling the bowl in both hands, turning it to avoid drinking from its front — tracing the etiquette you've just learned as you sip — brings this experience to its close.

The tea ceremony experience lasts about 75 minutes. Even in the middle of the city, it's structured to let you step into the heart of Japanese culture in a way that ordinary sightseeing rarely allows.

Frequently Asked Questions

■How long does the experience take? The tea ceremony experience lasts about 75 minutes.

■Are there any requirements for clothing or belongings? No special clothing or belongings are required. You can join wearing your everyday clothes.

■Can I join if it's my first time doing a tea ceremony? Yes, you're welcome to join. The history, tools, and etiquette of tea ceremony will be explained clearly for first-timers.

■I find it difficult to sit in the traditional seiza position. Please let us know in advance. A chair can be arranged.

■Is photography allowed? Yes, you may take photos during the experience, including the host's tea preparation and the tatami room itself.

■What languages are available? Guidance is provided in both English and Japanese.

Things to Check Before Booking

• Meet on site (Terakoya NINJA inside Kobo-ji Temple, Mita, Minato City, Tokyo)
• Duration is approximately 75 minutes
• Reservation required in advance
• Guidance available in English and Japanese
• Casual, comfortable clothing is fine; no special items needed
• A chair can be arranged if seiza is difficult — just ask in advance
• Photography is allowed during the experience
• The experience includes wearing an Oshima-tsumugi robe

Pricing, schedules, and plan details are subject to change. Please check the latest information before booking. If you have concerns about sitting in seiza or your physical condition, it's a good idea to mention this at the time of booking.

In Summary

This is an approximately 75-minute tea ceremony experience at Terakoya NINJA, located within Kobo-ji Temple in Mita, Minato City, Tokyo. In a 24-mat tatami room with a coffered ceiling and a tokonoma alcove, an experienced instructor explains the history, tools, and etiquette of tea ceremony.

After watching a kimono-clad host's tea preparation up close, you'll wear an Oshima-tsumugi robe and whisk your own matcha. The experience concludes with seasonal wagashi and matcha, offering a chance to encounter Japan's seasonal character through both taste and sight. Guidance is available in English and Japanese, and first-timers are welcome.

Reservations are required, so please check this page for the latest availability and pricing.