Tokyo, Sendagi: NIPPON Herbal Tea Ceremony

Tucked away in Tokyo’s historic Sendagi neighborhood, the NIPPON Herbal Tea Ceremony offers visitors a unique cultural experience. Participants can enjoy the rich traditions of Japanese tea culture, tasting a selection of medicinal botanicals and learning about their unique properties. The 1.5-hour program culminates in the creation of a personalized tea blend, providing guests with a memorable souvenir to take home. Whether you’re a tea enthusiast or simply seeking a deeper understanding of Japan’s revered beverage, this captivating event promises to leave you intrigued and eager to discover more.

Key Points

• An immersive herbal tea ceremony experience in the historic Sendagi neighborhood of Tokyo, featuring the tasting of three types of medicinal teas.
• Guided mixing of an exclusive tea blend to take home, along with a mini-lecture on tea making, regional history, and herbal properties.
• Easy accessibility via a 13-minute subway ride from Tokyo Station and convenient location for exploring the charming YANESEN area.
• Intimate setting with a maximum of 6 participants, led by knowledgeable herbalists in the traditional SENDAGI tea room.
• Cancellation policy allows free cancellations until a week before the event, with non-refundable cancellations thereafter.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Event Details

The event is scheduled for Thursday, July 25th, 2024 from 10:30 AM to approximately 12:00 PM, lasting around 1.5 hours. The fee for the event is $80 USD.

It’ll be held at the tea room SENDAGI, located at 2-40-12 Sendagi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0022. The event can accommodate up to 6 participants, with a minimum of 1.

The cancellation policy allows for free cancellations until 11:59 PM on Thursday, July 18th, but is non-refundable thereafter.

Program Content

Participants will begin by registering at 10:20, followed by an explanation of the program which covers the region and tea.

The event will feature:

• Tasting of three types of medicinal herbal tea & mini-lecture on how to make tea and the history of the region
• Mixing of souvenir tea blends exclusively for participants
• Herbalist guidance throughout the ceremony
• An intimate setting with a maximum of 6 participants

The event will conclude at 12:00, with a nearby buckwheat noodle restaurant recommended for those interested.

Location and Accessibility

The ceremony takes place in Sendagi, Tokyo, a part of the YANESEN area (Yanaka, Nezu and Sendagi). It’s just a 13-minute subway ride from Tokyo Station and a 50-minute train journey from both Haneda and Narita Airports.

YANESEN is one of Tokyo’s leading historical and cultural centers, boasting diverse landscapes and attractions. Participants can enjoy the ceremony while exploring the charming neighborhood. The location is easily accessible, making it convenient for visitors to attend the event and discover the rich heritage of this iconic Tokyo district.

Inclusions

This event provides an immersive tea experience, allowing participants to taste three types of medicinal herbal tea.

The program also includes:

• A mini-lecture on tea making, the history of the region, and the properties of medicinal herbs.
• The opportunity to mix and take home an exclusive tea blend.
• Cultural immersion in the historic YANESEN area of Tokyo.
• Guidance from knowledgeable herbalists.
• An intimate setting with a maximum of 6 participants.

Participants will enjoy the ceremony in a traditional tea room, gaining a deeper understanding of the local tea culture and traditions.

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Exclusions

While the event includes a variety of immersive experiences, some aspects aren’t covered by the fee. Participants are responsible for their own transportation to and from the venue, which is 13 minutes by subway from Tokyo Station and 50 minutes from Haneda and Narita Airports.

Meals are also not provided, though a nearby buckwheat noodle restaurant is recommended. Plus, any personal purchases or souvenirs outside the provided tea blends are excluded.

Lastly, the event is led by herbalists with limited English proficiency, so language services aren’t included. Attendees should be prepared to enjoy the cultural experience without extensive translation assistance.

Cancellation Policy

According to the cancellation policy, participants may cancel their registration free of charge until 23:59pm on Thursday, 18 July. After this date, the registration becomes non-refundable. The policy give you flexibility while ensuring the organizers can plan effectively.

Key points about the cancellation policy include:

• Cancellations made by 23:59pm on 18 July are fully refundable
• Cancellations after 23:59pm on 18 July are non-refundable
• There are no partial refunds for late arrivals or early departures
• Participants are encouraged to review the policy carefully before booking
• The organizers reserve the right to cancel the event due to low enrollment or other factors.

Nearby Attractions

The YANESEN area of Tokyo, where the herbal tea ceremony takes place, is renowned for its diverse array of historical and cultural attractions. Visitors can explore the serene Nezu Shrine, admire the architectural gems of Yanaka, and wander through the charming streets of Sendagi.

The neighborhood is home to traditional craftsmen, quaint cafes, and hidden temples, offering a glimpse into the city’s rich heritage. After the tea ceremony, guests can indulge in a hearty bowl of delicious buckwheat noodles at one of the nearby restaurants, further seeing the local culinary landscape.

With its captivating blend of old and new, YANESEN promises an immersive cultural experience for all who visit.

How to Book

Booking the NIPPON Herbal Tea Ceremony is straightforward. To secure your spot, simply visit the event page and complete the online registration form.

The booking process includes the following steps:

• Select your preferred date and time
• Provide your personal information
• Choose your payment method and complete the transaction
• Receive a confirmation email with all the necessary details
• Review the event details and cancellation policy

Once your booking is confirmed, you’re all set to enjoy an immersive tea experience in the historic Sendagi district of Tokyo. Don’t miss this opportunity to discover the art of medicinal herbal tea and explore the rich cultural heritage of the YANESEN area.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will the Herbalists Speak English During the Ceremony?

The herbalists have limited English proficiency, so language services are not included. While translations are not provided, the ceremony offers a culture experience for participants to engage with the Japanese tea tradition.

Can I Bring My Own Tea Leaves to Blend?

No, participants cannot bring their own tea leaves to blend. The tea blending activity is exclusive to the premium herbal teas provided by the herbalist experts leading the ceremony.

Is There an Option to Extend the Event Duration?

The event does not offer an option to extend the duration beyond the scheduled 1.5 hours. However, participants are free to explore the nearby restaurants and attractions in Sendagi after the ceremony concludes at 12:00.

Can I Purchase Additional Tea Blends on the Day?

Yes, participants can purchase additional tea blends on the day of the event. The tea blends made during the ceremony are available for purchase, allowing attendees to take home extra servings of the exclusive offerings.

Are There Options for Vegetarian or Dietary Restrictions?

The event doesn’t explicitly mention options for vegetarian or dietary restrictions. However, the herbalists may be able to accommodate special needs if requested in advance. It’s best to inquire about this when making the booking.

Recap

The Sendagi tea room’s herbal tea ceremony offers an immersive cultural experience in Tokyo’s historic Yanesen area. Participants can savor three medicinal teas, learn about the region’s rich history and botanical properties, and create a personalized tea blend to take home. This authentic glimpse into Japan’s revered tea traditions provides a memorable and unique opportunity for visitors to the capital.

You can check if your dates are available here: