Zen Garden Making and Matcha Tasting in Handmade Pottery Shop

Nestled in the heart of Kyoto, a charming handmade pottery shop offers a unique opportunity to take in the serenity of a Zen garden experience. Guided by skilled hosts, visitors can create their own tranquil garden using white sand, rocks, and plants, while savoring the rich flavors of expertly prepared matcha tea. This captivating blend of creativity and culture promises to transport guests to a peaceful escape, where they can truly appreciate the artistry of Kyoto’s renowned craftsmanship.

Key Points

• Guests can create a tranquil Zen garden with hands-on guidance from skilled hosts, focusing on meditation and attention to detail.
• Participants can explore the flavors and aromas of matcha, prepared by experts from Ippodo Tea, paired with seasonal Japanese sweets.
• The Ninshu Pottery Gallery showcases a variety of beautifully crafted ceramics, including teacups and vases, available for purchase as unique souvenirs.
• Seasonal Japanese sweets, such as mochi, wagashi, and castella cakes, are curated to complement the matcha tasting experience.
• The activity is not wheelchair accessible but accommodates strollers and service animals, with a flexible cancellation policy and pricing starting at $13.51 per person.

Immersive Zen Garden Experience

Guests embark on a captivating Zen garden making experience at the Ninshu Pottery Gallery & Matcha Cafe.

Under the guidance of skilled hosts, they meticulously arrange white sand, miniature rocks, and small plants to create their own tranquil Zen garden.

The serene atmosphere and attention to detail heighten the meditative process, allowing participants to fully enjoy the ancient art form.

Upon completion, they proudly display their handcrafted oasis, a unique memento of their Japanese cultural journey.

This hands-on activity offers a peaceful respite from the bustling city, leaving guests with a renewed sense of calm.

Matcha Tasting: A Sensory Journey

What awaits guests next is a sensory journey through the world of matcha. Participants are invited to explore the flavors, aromas, and traditions of this revered Japanese green tea:

• Sip warm or chilled matcha prepared with care by the expert staff from renowned Ippodo Tea

• Savor seasonal Japanese sweets from Senbon Tamajyuken, expertly paired to complement the matcha

• Engage the senses as the earthy, umami notes of the matcha dance on the palate, balanced by the delicate sweetness of the confections

• Discover the cultural significance and ceremonial aspects of this time-honored beverage.

Handcrafted Pottery: Exploring the Art

After savoring the delightful matcha experience, guests now turn their attention to the handcrafted pottery on display.

The Ninshu Pottery Gallery showcases an array of beautifully crafted ceramics, each piece a unique work of art. Visitors can browse the selection, admiring the intricate glazes, shapes, and textures that reflect the skill and creativity of the artisans.

The pottery on offer includes everything from delicate teacups to striking vases, all available for purchase. Guests may even find the perfect souvenir to take home, a tangible reminder of the immersive Zen garden and matcha tasting experience.

Seasonal Japanese Sweets and Snacks

As guests indulge in the matcha experience, they’re also presented with an array of seasonal Japanese sweets and snacks curated by the Ninshu Pottery Gallery.

These delectable offerings include:

• Bite-sized mochi, with soft, chewy exteriors and flavourful fillings.
• Delicate wagashi, traditional confections made with rice flour, adzuki beans, and seasonal ingredients.
• Fragrant, buttery cookies infused with matcha or subtle spices.
• Bite-sized castella cakes, boasting a moist, spongy texture and a touch of sweetness.

These treats perfectly complement the aromatic matcha, providing a harmonious balance of flavours and textures to delight the senses.

Accessibility and Accommodations

Although the Zen garden making and matcha tasting experience isn’t wheelchair accessible, it accommodates strollers and allows service animals. Infants must sit on laps during the activity.

The pottery gallery and cafe are both stroller-friendly, ensuring families can comfortably participate. Guests with dietary restrictions can request alternative snacks to accommodate allergies or preferences.

The hosts aim to make the experience inclusive and accessible to all travelers, regardless of mobility or dietary needs. The activity caters to a wide range of guests, providing a memorable culture in Kyoto.

Meeting Point and Directions

The Zen garden making and matcha tasting experience takes place at the Ninshu Pottery Gallery & Matcha Cafe, located in the heart of Kyoto.

The meeting point is:

• 18-1 Fujikichō, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-0992, Japan
• An 11-minute walk from Kyoto Shiyakusho-mae Station on the Subway Tozai Line
• A 9-minute walk from Jingu-marutamachi Station on the Keihan Railway Main Line

The activity concludes at the same meeting point where it began.

Cancellation Policy and Pricing

The experience offers a flexible cancellation policy, allowing travelers to receive a full refund if they cancel up to 24 hours before the scheduled start time.

Priced from $13.51 per person, the activity accommodates a maximum of 8 participants, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience.

This makes the Zen garden making and matcha tasting activity an accessible and budget-friendly option for those seeking a unique culture in Kyoto.

With its reasonable pricing and hassle-free cancellation terms, the experience caters to both spontaneous and well-planned travelers, providing a convenient and stress-free booking process.

Customer Feedback and Recommendations

How does the customer feedback for this experience compare to expectations? The lone review so far provides a glowing 5-star rating, highlighting the fun of crafting a personalized Zen garden, the delicious matcha and snacks, and the welcoming hosts.

The reviewer’s comments suggest this activity exceeds expectations:

• Praise for the beautiful and reasonably-priced pottery items available for purchase
• Appreciation for the hosts’ hospitality and ability to accommodate dietary needs
• Excitement over the engaging process of making a miniature Zen garden
• Satisfaction with the high-quality matcha and traditional Japanese sweets

The overwhelmingly positive feedback indicates this Zen garden and matcha tasting experience delivers an exceptional culture in Kyoto.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can We Customize the Zen Garden to Our Preferences?

Yes, guests can customize their zen garden to their preferences. The hands-on activity allows them to choose the sand, rocks, and miniature plants to create a personalized meditation garden in the pottery shop’s serene setting.

Is the Matcha Sourced From a Specific Tea Farm?

The matcha is sourced from Ippodo, a renowned matcha manufacturer in Kyoto. Ippodo is known for its high-quality, expertly cultivated matcha that’s used in this experience, ensuring a delicious and authentic Japanese tea tasting.

Are There Opportunities to Purchase Pottery During the Experience?

The experience includes opportunities to purchase pottery from the Ninshu Pottery Gallery. Guests can browse the shop’s beautiful handmade items and make purchases during or after the Zen garden making and matcha tasting activities.

Are There Any Discounts or Packages Available for This Activity?

There aren’t any discounts or packages advertised for this activity, but the review mentions the pottery shop offers beautiful items at reasonable prices, allowing for gift purchases. Travelers can likely expect to pay the listed per person rate.

What Is the Recommended Attire for This Experience?

The recommended attire is casual and comfortable clothing. Participants should wear clothes that can get a bit dirty, as the Zen garden making involves working with sand and stones. Comfortable walking shoes are also suggested, as there is some light walking involved.

The Sum Up

Crafting a tranquil Zen garden and savoring the rich flavors of expertly prepared matcha create a serene and immersive cultural experience at this charming handmade pottery shop. Guests can appreciate the artistry of Kyoto through the creation of their own miniature garden and the beautifully presented seasonal Japanese sweets, all while surrounded by unique pottery pieces. This delightful blend of creativity and tradition offers a peaceful escape from the everyday.