SHOW-UNAN(祥雲庵）
Authentic Tea Ceremony Experience in Kanazawa
Indulge in timeless tranquility
-a serene moment beyond the rush of time
The Authentic Tea Ceremony in Kanazawa is more than just about enjoying some sweets and a bowl of matcha.
It is an invitation to step into a quieter world—one where each moment holds timeless wisdom and gentle lessons for life.
In truth, the deepest sense of awe and beauty can only be felt by those who have experienced it for themselves.
The Significance of Authentic Tea Ceremony Experience in Kanazawa
There is something I wish to share with the world through tea ceremony.
Because our time in this life is limited, I hope you will cherish this moment—here in Japan, together with someone dear to you, or as a gift to yourself.
Tea ceremony reminds us that life itself is a precious gift from. It also gently leads us to remember that we are part of nature, not apart from it.
The Spirit of the Tea Ceremony Experience in Kanazawa
— A Quiet Moment Just for You
This private experience offers you a gentle introduction to the refined world of the Japanese Tea Ceremony in Kanazawa.
Carefully crafted for just one group each day, this time and space are yours alone—to pause, reflect, and reconnect with your inner self.
From the moment you cross the threshold, to the quiet return to everyday life, each step draws you into a deeper journey of mindfulness and self-discovery.
Savor a seasonal sweet, specially made for you by a master confectioner in Kanazawa, and enjoy a sip of sake—to gently wash away the traces of everyday busyness. Let your heart settle as you take in the quiet presence of flowers, arranged just for this day.
A tea master will guide you with warmth and kindness through the deeper meanings woven into the space, the tools, and every gesture.
Unfolding on its own, the spirit of tea will simply begin to resonate within you.
We come to understand no two days are ever the same.
Everything you encounter here is a once-in-a-lifetime gift—meant only for you, at this very moment.
Welcome to the Timeless Tradition of Japanese Tea Culture in Kanazawa
Tea ceremony is not a relic of the past, but a living, breathing part of our culture that has been carefully preserved and passed down for over 450 years.
It is an essential part of helping people from around the world understand Japan and its people.
As a cultural tradition unlike any other, we feel a duty to cherish it and pass it on to the next generation.
The Japanese art of tea, known as The Way of Tea, is far more than a simple ceremony. The term “道” (do, meaning “the way”) reflects a philosophy deeply rooted in Japanese culture, akin to the spiritual paths found in Zen Buddhism and the principles of Bushido. This “way” transcends the simple act of making tea. It is a practice that integrates mindfulness, aesthetics, and the spirit of hospitality into everyday life.
Unlike the phrase “tea ceremony,” which may evoke the image of a formal event, The Way of Tea captures the spiritual and artistic dimensions of this centuries-old tradition. It is a living art passed down for over 450 years, reflecting the harmony of nature, the changing seasons, and the human connection we share over a humble bowl of tea.
Through this experience, we invite you to discover the deeper essence of Japanese culture-a harmonious union of elegance, philosophy, and heartfelt hospitality.
The Silent Discipline — Samurai and Tea Ceremony in Kanazawa
In tea ceremony, there is an unspoken rule: purify both heart and body, and leave the everyday world outside the tearoom.
In the intimate space of the tearoom, host and guest can sense each other’s heartbeat, share unspoken feelings, and come to a quiet understanding. This is the essence of the tea ceremony.
Savour 450 Year Old Wisdom and Purify Your Heart
Approximately 450 years ago, the cultural practice we now know as “Tea Ceremony” emerged under the name chanoyu. Far more than a mere ritual, it was a profound discipline practiced to enrich life and cultivate the mind.
For samurai in the turbulent Sengoku era, chanoyu was embraced as a way to find peace, nurture good fortune and develop self-discipline under the extreme pressures of war. It was not just an art form, but a means to maintain mental clarity and composure amidst the chaos.
In today’s world, even as science continues to expand human knowledge, the complexities of the human heart and emotions remain largely a mystery. When aligned, the heart has shown to have the power to realize extraordinary achievements; when unsettled, the pain it can cause knows no limits. It is indeed a double-edged sword.
Over centuries, tea ceremony has imparted wisdom on the importance of nurturing the heart. Among its teachings, the power of words, and the beauty of graceful conduct stand out as timeless lessons that continue to resonate.
The Power of Words: Kotodama
In Japan, it is said that words carry a spiritual essence, known as kotodama.
The sounds we form into words are imbued with emotions that hold the power to shape and transform. This is why it is of the utmost importance to choose and express words with care and elegance. In the practice of tea, words of quietude harmonize the surroundings and the hearts of those present.
The Beauty of Graceful Conduct
Our actions are a reflection of our inner wellbeing. When our movements and posture are filled with grace, they radiate dignity, respect, and a deep sense of compassion for others and the world around us. Every gesture in the tea ceremony embodies this harmony, creating a flow which goes beyond being simply aesthetic.
Refining your Heart to Fulfill your Mission
Each of us was born into this world with unique potential and the capacity to grow and learn. Instead of being constrained by the challenges before us, we can harness the transformative power of words and graceful conduct to shape our surroundings. By becoming aware of our hearts and taking the first step forward, we open a path to fulfilling our purpose.
For 450 years, tea ceremony has been a guide, teaching us the art of opening our hearts and living in harmony with ourselves and the world. Embrace this wisdom, and walk in your chosen path with grace and intention.
Discover the Beauty of Japanese Tradition:
The Way of Tea Ceremony Experience in Kanazawa
Sunlight streaming through the shōji—traditional Japanese sliding doors made of wooden lattice and paper—the glowing red charcoal, and the conversations between guest and host—everything in the tea room, and every moment that unfolds there, combine to create the beauty of this once-in-a-lifetime encounter.
A Special Moment to Savor Japanese Culture in Kanazawa
For four and a half centuries, The Authentic Japanese art of Tea in Kanazawa—known as The Way of Tea, has been passed down through generations.
To share its profound beauty in a way that is easy to understand and enjoyable for English-speaking guests, we endeavor to provide a truly immersive experience of the charm of tea ceremony in Kanazawa.
Understanding the Significance of Movements with Thoughtful Explanations
For visitors from abroad, the gestures and handling of utensils in the tea ceremony may feel refreshingly unique. Each movement and seasonal aspect carries a deep significance. We believe conveying these meanings and nuances is the first step in understanding Japanese culture.
What You Truly Take Home from the Tea Ceremony Experience in Kanazawa
This is more than just a tea ceremony in Kanazawa—it is a quiet journey inward.
Held in a centuries-old tea room in Kanazawa, this private experience is offered to only one group per day, allowing you to leave the noise of the world behind and step into a space of quietude, grace, and mindfulness.
Surrounded by seasonal flowers, calligraphy, and thoughtfully placed utensils, you are gently invited to engage all five senses—through the warmth of the matcha bowl, the soft aroma of incense, the stillness of the air, and the quiet rhythm of footsteps on tatami beneath your feet.
Before the matcha is served, you can enjoy a beautiful and elegant sweet once favored by samurai in Kanazawa, along with a sip of sake—offered as a warm welcome to thank you for your presence, and to gently ease you into the moment.
As each step guides you deeper into being fully present, many guests describe this experience not simply as a cultural ritual, but as a kind of meditation—an elegant pause that clears the mind and quietly fills the heart.
What you truly take home is not just a memory, but a renewed sense of stillness and connection—with Kanazawa, and with yourself.
Opening the Tearoom from Kanazawa to the World
I offer the tea ceremony in Kanazawa as a doorway into one of Japan’s most refined cultural and spiritual traditions.
Rooted in the Zen philosophy of Yin and Yang, this practice is far more than a ritual—it is a way of being, born from a longing for harmony in turbulent times.
Matcha was first brought to Japan as a form of medicine, and soon became a favored drink among emperors and the aristocracy.
It was Sen No Rikyu who transformed tea ceremony into a disciplined practice for the samurai—elevating it into a quiet dialogue with the present moment.
In our increasingly complex world, this stillness is perhaps not a luxury, but a necessity.
That is why I offer this experience—to invite you not just to see Kanazawa, but to feel it, inwardly.
The Tea Ceremony Experience Reflects the Seasons
Enjoy the beauty of Japan’s four seasons through the ever-changing atmosphere and utensils used in the tea ceremony. We are always happy to accommodate requests for special tea gatherings, such as Robiraki (a winter tradition celebrating the use of the hearth and the first tasting of freshly unsealed tea) or evening tea gatherings over candlelight rather than electric lights. Please note these special tea gatherings are available for an additional fee.
Tea Ceremony Principles
There is something meaningful I would love for our international guests to understand.
A tea ceremony is not simply an event where the host serves and the guests receive.
It is a shared moment—a kind of collaboration—where both host and guests show consideration for one another, working together to create a more harmonious atmosphere.
That is why it should never be taken for granted that the host must serve with devotion, or that the guests are only there to be entertained. Rather, each person plays a part in shaping the beauty of the gathering.
Seven Gentle Tips for Enjoying a Tea Cermony Experience in Kanazawa
1. Attire
A smart-casual dress code is recommended. If you’re unsure, just imagine what you might wear to a quiet lunch at a nice, relaxed restaurant.
Try to avoid overly casual clothes such as T-shirts, jeans, or sandals, as well as clothing that is too revealing.
2. Accessories
It’s best to remove necklaces, bracelets, and watches before entering the tea room.
Tea utensils are considered precious works of art, so this small step helps avoid accidental scratches.
Weddings rings may be kept on, of course—please don’t worry if they cannot be removed.
3. Perfume
Please refrain from wearing perfume, as it can interfere with the delicate fragrance of tea, charcoal, and incense.
4. Hairstyle
If you have long hair, please tie it up to prevent it from touching the tea bowl.
5. Punctuality
Please arrive with enough time to spare before the ceremony begins.(~10munites before)
Being late is considered highly disrespectful.
6. Mobile Phones
Please choose a setting such as airplane mode, Do Not Disturb mode or fully shut down, so that your phone is completely silent while in the tea room. If you have received permission to take pictures prior to the tea ceremony, you may use your phone but please be sure your phone will not make any noise (including vibrating) during the tea ceremony.
7. Photography
Photography is allowed only with prior permission.
Please ask the host before the tea ceremony if you wish to take pictures.
Video recording is not permitted.
Questions and Curiosity Are Always Welcome
In recent years, more and more guests arrive with prior knowledge of tea ceremony. Those guests might be looking for a deeper understanding so we welcome your curiosity and will try our best to answer all of your questions clearly and thoughtfully. However, even first-time participants can feel at ease and enjoy the experience.
For detailed information and pricing, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us with any questions or requests.
We look forward to serving you a heartfelt bowl of matcha.
