Kamakura Mindfulness Tea Ceremony: Learn Table-Style Cha no Yu

Prepare and serve matcha yourself in a calm Kamakura gallery

This 2-hour instructor-led tea ceremony class in Kamakura teaches you the Way of Tea in a relaxed table-style setting where you sit on chairs instead of kneeling. Facilitator Miki guides you through three stages: first you receive matcha and seasonal sweets as a guest, then you learn the basic movements and traditional tools, and finally you prepare and serve matcha yourself. The class weaves together Japanese tradition with breathing, posture, and presence.

The experience

If you have a free afternoon in Kamakura and want to step away from sightseeing, this class meets you where you are. You'll work in a peaceful gallery setting with facilitator Miki, who speaks English and walks you through each step without requiring the formal kneeling posture of a traditional tea ceremony. The experience centers on what you actually do: first observing how tea is received and appreciated, then handling the tea bowl, whisk, scoop and fukusa yourself, and finally preparing matcha as the host.

The class unfolds in three parts across two hours. You begin by learning the meaning of Cha no Yu and the purpose of each tool, then sit as a guest while Miki demonstrates the ceremony and serves you matcha alongside seasonal Japanese sweets. Next comes the hands-on learning: you practice the basic movements, work with the traditional utensils, and explore simple breathing and posture techniques that anchor the practice. The final stage is the quiet moment where you prepare and serve matcha yourself: a chance to connect the ritual, your breath, and your presence without the pressure of perfection.

What makes this different from a formal tea ceremony is the table-style setup and the focus on mindfulness rather than strict protocol. You're learning the tradition and its philosophy, not memorizing complex rules. The experience includes all the matcha, sweets, utensils and guidance you need. If you want to take home tea tools afterward, you can purchase them on site.

What’s included

• 2-hour instructor-led tea ceremony lesson with facilitator Miki in English.
• use of traditional tea utensils including tea bowl, tea whisk, tea scoop, and fukusa.
• matcha and seasonal Japanese sweets.
• step-by-step guidance through receiving tea as a guest, learning the movements, and preparing matcha yourself.
• review and photo time at the end.

Before you book

Days and timesMondayDepartures at 11:00 and 14:00

Book up to2d before

GroupUp to 4

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 15 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyPublic transport nearby

Operated by Japanese Cultural Experience Kamakura

Is this one for you?Two hours is enough time to move through the full ceremony without rushing, and short enough to fit into an afternoon in Kamakura without dominating your day. The table-style format and mindfulness focus suit anyone who wants to learn the tradition without the physical demands of formal kneeling.

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Top questions

What exactly do I do during the two hours?

You spend the full 2 hours in the workshop area with facilitator Miki. First you receive matcha and sweets while learning to observe the ceremony as a guest, then you learn the basic movements and practice with the tea bowl, whisk, and scoop, and finally you prepare and serve matcha yourself as the host. The session ends with a review and photo time.

Do I have to kneel or sit on the floor?

No. This class uses table-style tea ceremony, so you sit comfortably on chairs the whole time. You get the full experience of Cha no Yu without the physical demands of traditional tatami mat kneeling.

What's included in the price?

The 2-hour lesson with facilitator Miki, all the traditional tea utensils you'll use, matcha, and seasonal Japanese sweets are included. If you'd like to buy tea tools to take home, that's optional and available at the end.

Is this suitable if I've never done a tea ceremony before?

Yes. The class is designed for all levels and all physical fitness levels. Miki guides you step by step, so no prior experience is needed. You'll learn the movements, the meaning, and the mindfulness practice as you go.

How do I get to the gallery in Kamakura?

Public transportation options are available near the gallery. You'll receive the exact location and directions when you book.