Supreme Sencha: Tea Ceremony & Making Experience in Hakone

Enjoy the rich cultural heritage of Japan’s revered tea traditions with an unforgettable experience in the scenic town of Hakone. Discover the intricate steps of the iconic tea ceremony as you hand-craft the renowned Gyokuro green tea, the crown jewel of Japanese teas. Savor the delicate, umami-rich flavors and velvety texture of this meticulously cultivated tea, complemented by delicate Japanese sweets known as Wagashi. From start to finish, this intimate gathering at a charming Chaseki (green tea cafe) promises to transport you to a world of tranquility and refined elegance. What secrets does this supreme sencha hold?

Contents hide

1 Overview and Experience

2 Authentic Japanese Green Tea

3 Savory Japanese Sweets

4 Meeting and Pickup Location

5 Group Size and Accessibility

6 Cancellation Policy

7 Confirmation and Recommendations

8 Minimum Travelers Required

9 Frequently Asked Questions

Key Points

Immersive experience to learn about traditional Japanese tea ceremony and hand-craft premium Gyokuro green tea in the scenic Hakone region.
Opportunity to savor delicate, umami-rich Gyokuro green tea and handcrafted Japanese sweets known as Wagashi at a charming Chaseki (green tea cafe).
Convenient meeting and pickup location in Goura, Hakone, ensuring a smooth start to the adventure for a maximum of 20 travelers.
Inclusive and accessible experience, with accommodations for infants, strollers, and wheelchair users, designed to be enjoyed by all participants.
Flexible cancellation policy, with full refunds for cancellations made at least 24 hours prior, and the event subject to minimum traveler requirements.

Overview and Experience

This immersive tea experience in Hakone, Japan, offers visitors a unique opportunity to learn about and participate in the traditional Japanese tea ceremony, while also experiencing the art of hand-crafting premium Gyokuro green tea.

Participants will meet at a charming Chaseki (green tea cafe) in Goura, Hakone, where they’ll be guided through the intricate steps of the tea ceremony.

They’ll also have the chance to create their own hand-rolled Gyokuro tea, a highly-prized variety known for its delicate, umami-rich flavor.

In addition, guests will savor delectable Japanese sweets, or Wagashi, that perfectly complement the tea tasting.

This intimate, small-group experience is capped at 20 travelers, ensuring personalized attention throughout.

You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Hakone.

Authentic Japanese Green Tea

Gyokuro, the crown jewel of Japanese green teas, captivates tea enthusiasts with its delicate, umami-rich flavor profile. Meticulously cultivated in the shade to enhance its signature sweetness and complexity, this prized varietal stands as a testament to the unparalleled craftsmanship of Japanese tea masters.

Characteristic	Description
Appearance	Deep, vibrant green leaves with a fine, needle-like shape
Aroma	Delicate, grassy notes with a hint of sweetness
Flavor	Smooth, velvety texture with a robust, umami-forward taste
Processing	Shaded for 2-3 weeks prior to harvest to increase amino acid content

This exquisite tea is the centerpiece of the Supreme Sencha experience, offering participants a rare glimpse into the art of traditional Japanese tea culture.

Savory Japanese Sweets

Accompanying the premium Gyokuro green tea in the Supreme Sencha experience are delicate, handcrafted Japanese sweets known as Wagashi.

These small confections aren’t only visually stunning, but they also possess a delicate balance of flavors that complement the earthy notes of the tea.

Traditionally made with rice flour, sugar, and seasonal ingredients, Wagashi are often designed to evoke the natural world, with intricate patterns and shapes that mimic flowers, leaves, or even small animals.

As participants savor each bite, they’ll be transported to a world of refined Japanese aesthetics, where the harmony between food, tea, and nature is celebrated.

Meeting and Pickup Location

Travelers begin their Supreme Sencha experience by meeting at the Chaseki (green tea cafe) in Goura, Hakone, where they’re picked up and transported to the tea ceremony location.

This convenient meeting point ensures a smooth start to the adventure. The pickup and transport are included in the experience, making it easy for participants to arrive on time and enjoy the traditional Japanese tea ceremony.

With a maximum of 20 travelers, the group size is intimate, allowing for personalized attention and a more authentic atmosphere.

The accessible location near public transportation also makes the Supreme Sencha experience accessible to a wider audience.

Group Size and Accessibility

The Supreme Sencha experience caps participant numbers at a maximum of 20 travelers, ensuring an intimate group size that allows for personalized attention and a more authentic atmosphere.

With the tea ceremony location being accessible via public transportation, the experience caters to a wider audience, including those with limited mobility who can easily reach the site.

The experience is designed with accessibility in mind:

Infants are welcome to sit on laps during the ceremony.
The location is stroller accessible.
The venue is wheelchair accessible, making it suitable for travelers with various needs.

This thoughtful approach ensures that the Supreme Sencha experience is inclusive and enjoyable for all participants, creating a truly memorable culture.

Here's some more things to do in Hakone

Cancellation Policy

A full refund is offered if the experience is canceled at least 24 hours prior to the scheduled start time. However, no refunds are provided for cancellations made less than 24 hours before the event.

In the event of poor weather conditions resulting in the cancellation of the experience, travelers are given the option to reschedule for a different date or receive a full refund. This flexible cancellation policy ensures that customers can plan with confidence, knowing they won’t lose their money if unexpected circumstances arise.

Whether it’s a last-minute change of plans or inclement weather, the Supreme Sencha experience in Hakone is designed to accommodate travelers’ needs and provide a hassle-free booking process.

Confirmation and Recommendations

Customers receive confirmation of their booking at the time of purchase, unless the experience is scheduled within one day of travel.

The Supreme Sencha tea ceremony and making experience in Hakone isn’t recommended for those with back problems, as it requires participants to kneel on the floor during parts of the session.

Plus, a minimum number of travelers is required for the experience to proceed as scheduled.

The experience includes:

Authentic Japanese green tea (Gyokuro)
Traditional Japanese sweets (Wagashi)
A meeting and pickup at the Chaseki (green tea cafe) in Goura, Hakone

Minimum Travelers Required

A minimum number of travelers is required for the Supreme Sencha tea ceremony and making experience in Hakone to proceed as scheduled.

The organizers have set a minimum threshold to ensure the event can be properly facilitated and enjoyed by all participants. This helps maintain the intimate and high-quality nature of the experience.

If the minimum number of travelers isn’t met, the event may be cancelled or rescheduled. Participants are advised to book their spot in advance to secure their place and avoid any potential disappointment.

The minimum number of travelers is in place to provide the best possible tea ceremony and making experience in the beautiful setting of Hakone.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Dress Code for the Tea Ceremony?

The dress code for a traditional Japanese tea ceremony typically calls for formal, modest attire. Guests are often encouraged to wear kimono or business casual clothing to respect the ceremony’s customs and create an atmosphere of elegance and reverence.

Can I Bring My Own Tea or Snacks to the Experience?

No, participants are not allowed to bring their own tea or snacks to the tea ceremony experience. The experience provides the traditional Japanese green tea and sweets as part of the culture.

Are Photos and Videos Allowed During the Ceremony?

Photos and videos are typically allowed during the tea ceremony, but participants should be mindful and respectful of the cultural significance. It’s best to check with the organizers for any specific guidelines or restrictions.

Can I Purchase Additional Tea or Sweets After the Experience?

Attendees can typically purchase additional tea or sweets after the experience, depending on the specific details of the event. The availability and pricing of any additional items are generally determined by the organizers.

Is There an Option to Extend the Duration of the Experience?

Yes, there may be an option to extend the duration of the experience. Guests should inquire with the organizers about availability and any additional fees for extending the scheduled time of the activity.