Special Experience
Kyoto
Nakamura Tokichi, Uji Relaxed Tea Ceremony Experience with Tea Milling
Overview
In the heart of Kyoto's renowned Uji, synonymous with matcha, stands Nakamura Tokichi Honten, a storied establishment for over 160 years. Here, you can grind tencha — the tea leaves that make up matcha — on a millstone and savor a bowl of matcha in a historical tea room that is rarely open to the general public. Immerse yourself in this unique Wabunka-only tea ceremony experience and gain insights into the art of tea ceremony, the store's rich history, and the fascinating world of Japanese tea and Zen.
Key Features
・Spend an extraordinary time in a tea room set in the courtyard of a long-established tea merchant and a Japanese-style room overlooking a gorgeous garden designated as a scenic spot by Kyoto Prefecture
・Try your hand at grinding tea leaves with a millstone and taste usucha (thin tea) prepared with freshly ground matcha
・Explore the world of tea in an approachable way, even if you have no prior experience in the art of tea ceremony
*For those seeking a deeper immersion into the world of tea ceremony, we recommend the Nakamura Tokichi, Uji Authentic Tea Ceremony Experience with Hands-on Green Tea Milling, offering a more authentic and hands-on tea ceremony experience.
Kyoto
from
¥14,000 /person
1 - 4 participants
60mins
Available in English
Cancel free up to 8 days before
* If fewer than 2 participants, the minimum fee will be JPY 28,000
Details
Nakamura Tokichi Honten — Preserving the Tea Merchant Atmosphere of the Meiji Era
Uji is a famous tea-producing area in Kyoto, where the scent of tea permeates the streets. Nakamura Tokichi first opened its doors at this very place as a tea merchant over 160 years ago. Past the shop’s traditional Japanese curtains, guests are greeted by a building rich in history and the warm aroma of tea — a perfect preview of the special experience that awaits.
The entrance floor hints at traces of the building’s long history, with marks left by the large eight-wheeled carts farmers used to carry their tea leaves here for selection. Part of the building was renovated into a modern cafe while preserving the original pillars and beams. The shop sells not only tea leaves, but also a variety of sweets made with Japanese tea.
Kumidashi and Tea Grinding Experience
First, guests will be given an introduction to the history and significance of the tatami room where the activity will take place. Learn about the fusuma, or traditional sliding doors in the room, and their design motifs that feature depictions of the pots used to carry tea, as well as the signatures and seals that have been used here for generations.
Next, listen to the story behind the phrase "Chaen eijitsu kaoru" meaning “Tea Smoke Rises Forever”, inscribed on a scroll which Kaishu Katsu, a vassal of the shogun at the end of the Edo period, presented to the founders of Nakamura Tokichi wishing them continued success. Then, in a room facing a beautiful green courtyard, enjoy a cup of plain hot water used in Japanese tea ceremonies called “kumidashi”. The kumidashi is not only refreshing, but also indicates what kind of water will be used for the tea of the day.
Matcha is made by grinding tencha with a millstone. Tencha are the tea leaves used to make matcha, which are carefully cultivated by covering the leaves to block the sunlight as the new shoots are growing. By doing so, the tea leaves develop a deep aroma, and the flavor and sweetness are enhanced.
To produce the best matcha, the millstone is turned slowly counterclockwise, at a rate of about one rotation per second. The tea leaves, which start out deep green, emerge from the stone mill as a bright green powder. You’ll be guided through the entire process with insightful explanations as you get hands-on with the tea.
Usucha at the Zuishoan Tea Room
In this experience, you can enjoy usucha (thin tea) in the renowned Zuishoan tea room, which was relocated from Mimurodo, an area in Uji city, about 150 years ago. Zuishoan dates back to the Genroku era (1688-1704) and features a compact floor area of three tatami mats along with a plaque presented by Grand Master Hounsai of the Urasenke School during its dismantling and restoration. Those familiar with oyose chakai (large tea parties) might be intrigued by its modest size.
In the garden is an uncommon oritsukubai (stone washbasin that is recessed into the ground) for purifying oneself. Guests will learn how to use the tsukubai while actually experiencing it. Then, guests enter the tea room through a kininguchi, a standing doorway used to welcome nobles, as opposed to a nijiriguchi, a small sliding door for guests that requires stooping down to enter.
Unlike other tea ceremonies that involve a large number of people like the oyose chakai, this experience takes place within a small, intimate group. What makes it special is that it not only offers insights into the tea ceremony's etiquette, the store's history, and the world of tea and Zen but also provides an opportunity for casual conversation and inquiries.
The experience of witnessing a tea ceremony before your very eyes promises to be a treasured and unforgettable moment. In the quiet tea room, following each graceful movement with your eyes, listening to the sound of the boiling kettle and the garden ornaments, you are briefly transported to an extraordinary space away from the bustle of the outside world.
Discover the World of Green Tea From One of Uji’s Most Established Tea Merchants
With over 160 years of history, Nakamura Tokichi Honten is one of Uji’s oldest tea merchants. Together with Wabunka, this exclusive plan was created to not only offer visitors some of the country’s finest tea, but also to promote Japan’s traditional tea culture. In addition to this experience, we offer the "Nakamura Tokichi, Uji Tea Ceremony Experience with Hands-on Green Tea Milling" for those seeking a deeper and more authentic exploration of the tea world.
At Nakamura Tokichi Honten, experience the excitement of engaging all five senses in the extraordinary space of a Japanese tea room, and leave with new discoveries and ideas on how to incorporate the philosophies of Japan’s tea culture into your daily life.
Nakamura Tokichi Honten
Nakamura Tokichi Honten
Established in 1854, Nakamura Tokichi Honten is a tea merchant with a long history in Uji, Kyoto, one of Japan's leading tea-producing regions. The building, which still retains much of its original appearance as a tea merchant shop in the Meiji period, is designated as one of Uji’s Important Cultural Landscapes.
In addition to offering a wide selection of tea leaves, Nakamura Tokichi promotes new ways to enjoy Japanese tea that complement a more modern lifestyle, such as its matcha sweets and cafes where you can enjoy delicious tea-infused delights.
Customer's Voice
We had a lovely guide at the venue, he was a native English speaker so easy to follow for us and he had a lot of passion and knowledge about the tea ceremony!
M.G. Netherlands
We loved the setting! Our host was very knowledgeable and interactive. We learned many new things about matcha; the history, process of making, and the ceremony itself, including how unique each matcha bowl is. Our host was sensitive to the non tea drinkers that were part of our group.
K.S. Thailand
It was a pleasant experience. With good English.
A.C. Singapore
Location
Nakamura Tokichi Honten
Uji City, Kyoto
Request for booking
* Required
December 2024
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
17
Available
17
Full
17
No Events
If your first choice is not available, we will confirm your booking based on your other preferred dates and times.
Experience fee
Minimum fee JPY 14000 × 2 participants
JPY 28,000
*Minimum: 2 participants; JPY 14,000 × 2 will be charged for bookings below the minimum.
Price may change after date is selected.
Additional options fee
Interpretation in English
JPY 0
Other
Service fee (5%)
JPY 1,400
Total Price
JPY 29,400
tax & service fee incl.
Extra charges may apply for the following
- ・Interpretation / Dependant on experience schedule and language
- ・Optional add-ons / Souvenirs, delivery, etc.
Kyoto
from
¥14,000 /person
1 - 4 participants
60mins
Available in English
Cancel free up to 8 days before
* If fewer than 2 participants, the minimum fee will be JPY 28,000
Things to know
Contact Us
If you have any questions, please contact us using the form below.
We also accept bookings from corporate clients and travel agencies.