Traditional Tea Ceremony and Rock Garden
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port
Kobe, Japan
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activityLevel
Moderate Activity
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excursionType
All
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wheelchairAccessible
No
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startingAtPrice
$520
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minimumAge
Information Not Currently Available
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duration
Approximately 8 Hours
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mealsIncluded
Meals included
The Tea Ceremony is a fundamental part of Japanese culture especially in Kyoto as an aesthetic culture. Here, you will be invited to the tea house which has more than 150 year history in Kyoto. This tea house was originally founded as a tea shops and is the purveyors of matcha to Honganji temples which are two large temples in the center of Kyoto as headquarters of one of Japan's largest Buddhist sects called Jodo-Shin-Sect. And also, they are a grand tea master of Yabunouchi School which is one of the four main schools of chanoyu in Kyoto since 1872. Here, you will be able to meet Tea Master 5th who has started opening tea house in 2004 to spread the Tea and Chanoyu(Tea ceremony) culture. This tea house itself is a traditional style called "Machiya" in Kyoto and not so many tea shops have a Tea master who give a lecture and approval by grand tea master. This tour offers you the chance to learn about the history of the Tea ceremony and have a lecture before Japanese Green tea is served. You will then have a chance to make it by yourself supported by the Tea Master. Get away from the crowds and glimpse into the local life style in Kyoto.
After having lunch at the local venue, we will continue on to visiting Ryoanji Temple.
Ryoanji Temple is famous for it's Rock garden and Bamboo forest at Arashiyama area and is home to the greatest Zen rock garden ever created. The garden is 3600 square feet in area and features 15 rocks set in white gravel. They are so arranged that one is always hidden from view.
Then, transfer back to the pier.
Please Note:
The drive between Kobe and Kyoto is approximately 100 minutes each way. Passengers can expect traffic and delays. Please bring credit cards or local currency for additional purchases. Wear comfortable walking shoes. Shoes must be removed at Ryoanji Temple. Tour contains a lot of walking and is not considered as suitable for passenger with walking difficulties.