Kyoto: Make Zen Garden and Taste Matcha in Pottery Shop

Kyoto, Japan’s former imperial capital, is renowned for its serene Zen gardens and world-class tea culture. Visitors to this enchanting city can now enjoy both, creating their own miniature Zen garden while savoring exquisite matcha in a charming pottery shop. This 30-minute experience promises to transport you to a realm of tranquility, where the methodical raking of sand patterns and the sipping of verdant tea converge, offering a glimpse into Kyoto’s timeless traditions. But the journey doesn’t end there…

Key Points

1. Participate in a 30-minute Zen garden experience where you design sand patterns and learn about the cultural significance of Japanese gardens.

2. Savor exquisite matcha tea and seasonal Japanese sweets from renowned Kyoto establishments, enjoying the city’s refined tea culture.

3. Purchase handcrafted traditional pottery souvenirs, including teacups, plates, and decorative items, to continue the Zen garden experience at home.

4. The activity is located in a historic renovated townhouse, providing an authentic and tranquil atmosphere for the Zen garden and tea experience.

5. The experience is easily accessible, with the location being a short walk from Kyoto Shiyakusho-mae Station and Jingu-marutamachi Station on the Keihan Railway Main Line.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Activity Overview

The experience offers visitors the opportunity to create their own Zen garden, lasting for approximately 30 minutes in a small group setting limited to 8 participants.

Priced from $12.95 per person, the activity provides a chance to take in the traditional Japanese art of Karesansui gardening.

Participants can design original sand patterns, typically for viewing only, within a renovated 100-year-old Kyoto townhouse.

The experience also includes enjoying matcha tea and seasonal Japanese sweets, as well as the option to purchase traditional pottery souvenirs as mementos of the visit.

Zen Garden Experience

Participants create original sand patterns in a traditional Zen garden, known as Karesansui, located within a renovated 100-year-old Kyoto townhouse.

This immersive experience allows visitors to:

1. Embrace the meditative practice of raking sand into intricate designs.
2. Learn about the symbolic meaning and cultural significance of the Zen garden.
3. Admire the serene and minimalist aesthetic of the space.
4. Appreciate the attention to detail and craftsmanship that goes into maintaining the garden.

This hands-on activity offers a unique opportunity to connect with the tranquil essence of traditional Japanese gardening.

Matcha and Sweets

After creating the tranquil Zen garden, participants can then savor a delightful sampling of Kyoto’s renowned matcha and seasonal wagashi (Japanese sweets).

The matcha is sourced from the famous Ippodo tea company, known for its high-quality green tea. Accompanied by traditional Japanese confections from Senbon Tamajushuken, this exquisite pairing allows visitors to fully enjoy Kyoto’s refined tea culture.

Participants can also capture memorable photos in front of their personalized Zen garden designs, creating a unique keepsake from this enriching experience.

Pottery Souvenirs

Visitors can purchase dishwasher-safe traditional pottery as souvenirs from the experience.

The pottery is popular among international visitors for its practicality and connection to Kyoto’s rich cultural heritage.

The selection includes:

1. Teacups perfect for enjoying matcha at home
2. Plates and bowls for serving seasonal Japanese sweets
3. Vases to display fresh flowers, adding a touch of Zen to any space
4. Decorative items like incense holders or ikebana vases

These pottery pieces make wonderful mementos to bring home, allowing visitors to continue their Zen garden experience long after their trip to Kyoto.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Location and Accessibility

The Zen garden experience is conveniently located just 2 minutes north of the famous Ippodo tea house and 100 meters south of the Kyoto Imperial Palace Park along Teramachi Dori.

Visitors can reach the venue by taking an 11-minute walk from Kyoto Shiyakusho-mae Station on the Subway Tozai Line or a 9-minute walk from Jingu-marutamachi Station on the Keihan Railway Main Line.

The historic renovated townhouse setting provides an authentic Japanese atmosphere for guests to create their own Zen sand patterns and enjoy traditional matcha and sweets in a tranquil and visually striking environment.

Making Your Zen Garden

Upon entering the serene Ninshus store, guests are invited to kneel before a traditional Zen sand garden. There, they can:

1. Carefully rake the soft sand, creating intricate patterns that represent the flow of water.

2. Arrange strategically placed rocks and moss to mimic natural landscapes.

3. Admire the meditative qualities of the Karesansui garden, where the focus is on negative space and simplicity.

4. Feel a sense of tranquility and connection to the ancient Japanese art of gardening.

With the guidance of the Ninshus staff, guests leave with a deeper appreciation for the Zen philosophy behind this sacred practice.

Enjoying Matcha and Sweets

After creating their personalized Zen gardens, guests are invited to savor the exquisite flavors of Kyoto’s renowned matcha and traditional Japanese sweets.

They’re served matcha green tea from the prestigious Ippodo tea company, a historic Kyoto institution. Accompanying the fragrant tea are seasonal wagashi, delicate confections crafted by the renowned Senbon Tamajushuken.

Guests can capture the moment by taking photos in front of their meticulously designed Zen gardens. This tranquil experience allows visitors to fully enjoy the refined aesthetics and flavors that define Kyoto’s rich cultural heritage.

Purchasing Pottery Souvenirs

Visitors who wish to take home a piece of Kyoto’s rich cultural heritage can browse the selection of traditional pottery available at the Zen garden experience.

The pottery makes for practical and visually appealing souvenirs. Options include:

1. Dishwasher-safe ceramic bowls and plates.
2. Delicate teacups and saucers.
3. Intricate vases and planters.
4. Decorative sake sets.

These items are popular among international visitors for their functionality and authenticity.

The pottery is handcrafted using traditional techniques, ensuring each piece is unique.

Purchasing a pottery souvenir is the perfect way to commemorate the Zen garden experience and bring a touch of Kyoto home.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Materials to Create the Zen Garden?

No, participants can’t bring their own materials. The Zen garden experience provides all the necessary sand and tools to create the garden. This allows for a consistent experience for all participants.

Is the Experience Suitable for Children?

The Zen garden experience is suitable for children, as the small group size and guided instruction make it an engaging and educational activity. Children can create their own unique sand patterns under the supervision of the knowledgeable staff.

Do I Need to Make a Reservation in Advance?

Yes, you should make a reservation in advance. The activity has a small group size limited to 8 participants, so booking ahead is recommended to secure your spot. The experience also offers a reserve now and pay later option.

Can the Pottery Be Shipped Internationally?

The pottery souvenirs can be shipped internationally. The dishwasher-safe traditional pottery is popular among international visitors for its practicality, and the shop offers shipping options to accommodate global interest in these Kyoto-crafted items.

Is There a Dress Code for the Zen Garden Experience?

There is no specific dress code for the Zen garden experience. Casual, comfortable clothing is recommended to allow for easy movement and participation in the sand raking activity. The focus is on the creative process, not formal attire.

The Sum Up

Enjoy the tranquility of Kyoto by creating your own Zen garden and savoring exquisite matcha in a charming pottery shop. Engage in the meditative practice of raking sand patterns, learn about their cultural significance, and enjoy Kyoto’s famed matcha complemented by seasonal Japanese sweets. Capture memorable moments and consider taking home a handcrafted pottery souvenir to cherish this unique experience.

You can check if your dates are available here: