Kagoshima: Tatami Room Dance & Tea at 170-Year-Old House

Summary

Historic tatami room dance and Kagoshima tea in a living Meiji-era home

You’ll step into a 170-year-old house in Kagoshima for an intimate tatami room dance performance with Sumiyoshi Shachu. Savor local sencha tea and seasonal sweets as you watch graceful Ozashiki Odori up close—even if you don’t speak Japanese, gestures and smiles fill in the gaps. Expect warmth from both people and pets—and maybe a memory that lingers quietly long after.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t really know what to expect when I stepped into the old wooden house in Ichiki-Kushikino, Kagoshima—just that I was curious (and maybe a little nervous about my socks). The place smelled faintly of cedar and something sweet, like rice crackers. We shuffled onto the tatami mats, trying not to make too much noise. There were cats lounging near the door, totally unfazed by us. Our hosts—Sumiyoshi Shachu—welcomed us with these gentle bows and warm smiles. No English guide, but honestly, it didn’t matter much; we all just sort of nodded and laughed our way through the first introductions.

The main thing here is the Ozashiki Odori—the traditional tatami room dance. I’d never seen anything like it before. The women wore beautiful kimono (I still can’t get over how gracefully they moved), and one of them explained bits of the story behind the dance in Japanese. I caught maybe half of it, but she used gestures so you could follow along anyway. Someone handed me a cup of hot sencha tea—so green it almost glowed—and a tiny seasonal sweet that tasted floral and delicate. There was this moment where everything got really quiet except for the soft strumming of the shamisen. It’s hard to explain, but it felt like time slowed down for a second.

I tried to ask about the history using my phone’s translator app (which mostly worked except when I accidentally asked if there were any “dancing vegetables”—Li laughed at that). They told me these gatherings used to be for women learning etiquette before marriage—tea ceremony, music, dance—all in rooms just like this one. You could feel how much pride they had in keeping this alive; even their pets seemed part of it somehow.

Afterwards, we lingered over more tea while one of the dancers let us pet her dog (who seemed very used to visitors). Walking back out into Kagoshima’s humid air felt strange after all that calm inside. I still think about that quiet moment with the shamisen sometimes—you know when something just sticks with you?

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Traditional Tatami Room Dance Experience

• Arrive at 170-year-old Japanese house
• Participate in Ozashiki Odori dance
• Listen to dancers explain dance in Japanese
• Use translator for communication

Top questions

Is there an English-speaking guide on this Kagoshima tatami room dance tour?

No, there isn’t an English-speaking guide, but simple English or translation apps are used if needed.

Where does the traditional dance experience take place?

It takes place in a 170-year-old traditional Japanese house in Ichiki-Kushikino City, Kagoshima.

What is included in this traditional tatami room dance activity?

The experience includes participation fees plus coffee or tea served with seasonal sweets.

Can I reach the venue by public transportation?

Yes, public transportation options are available nearby.

Are animals present at the venue?

Yes, there are cats, dogs, birds, and other animals at the location.

Do I need to arrive early for my reservation?

Please arrive at least 10 minutes before your reservation time.

Is this activity suitable for all fitness levels?

Yes, it is suitable for all physical fitness levels.

Will I need to show ID or passport on site?

Yes, please present your passport or ID on-site when you arrive.

What’s included

Your day includes participation fees for Sumiyoshi Shachu’s traditional tatami room dance experience inside a historic Kagoshima house, plus coffee or local sencha tea served with seasonal sweets during your visit.