Tea Ceremony at Former Imperial Villa in Mishima near Mt. Fuji

I had an amazing experience joining this matcha ceremony in Mishima. The atmosphere was peaceful, authentic, and beautifully arranged. Every detail of the setting created a memorable and relaxing experience. The matcha preparation and presentation were truly impressive. The host carefully explained each step, making it easy to appreciate the tradition and meaning behind the ceremony. The matcha itself was excellent, and the accompanying sweets complemented it perfectly. If you are visiting Mishima and would like to experience Japanese culture in an elegant and authentic way, I highly recommend this place. A beautiful experience that I will always remember. Highly recommended! 🍵✨

I was amazed to discover such a peaceful and beautiful place just a few minutes’ walk from the Shinkansen station. 「Umegoten」 is a wonderful historic Japanese residence that captures the essence of traditional Japanese architecture. Simply spending time there, gazing out at the garden, was a special experience in itself. The tea ceremony offered much more than an introduction to tea etiquette. Through the experience, I naturally came to appreciate the importance of slowing down, being present in the moment, and showing consideration for others. By sharing a bowl of tea, I was also able to sense the Japanese concept of ma—the beauty of space, timing, and silence—as well as the meaning and intention behind each carefully performed gesture. This is a rare opportunity to experience the depth of Japanese culture in a way that ordinary sightseeing cannot provide. I would highly recommend it not only to international visitors, but also to Japanese people who wish to reconnect with the beauty of their own traditions.

As my very first experience with the Japanese tea ceremony, it was incredibly rewarding and profoundly deepened my understanding of Japanese tea culture. What surprised me most was the location. The tea room is tucked away in a secluded, inconspicuous courtyard inside Rakujuen Garden that is normally closed to the public, giving the experience an exclusive and hidden-gem feel. Here, you can not only appreciate an authentic tea ceremony but also take in the exquisitely elegant views of the traditional garden. Just being in this beautiful environment completely refreshes the mind and soul. I was deeply impressed by our host, who guided us through the entire process with fluent English, providing detailed explanations and insightful cultural breakdowns without any language barrier. We later learned that before his retirement, he was a senior executive in the biopharmaceutical industry and later taught at a university. Now, he dedicates his retirement to helping international guests connect with Japanese tea culture. Such a knowledgeable and passionate gentleman truly commands the greatest respect. Unlike other standard, rushed tea demonstrations, this experience uniquely features a hands-on practice session where guests can try whisking the tea themselves. Being able to do it firsthand under the teacher's patient guidance added an immense sense of engagement and fun. Sitting quietly in the traditional tatami room and watching the teacher’s graceful, fluid movements of preparing the tea—with nothing but the sound of the wind and the pouring water in the air—brought a deep, indescribable sense of Zen. In that moment, it felt as though I had traveled back through the long river of Japanese history, and time itself had slowed down. If you want to experience a truly profound, warm, and ritual-rich taste of Japanese tea culture in Shizuoka, this place is an irreplaceable and perfect choice. Highly recommended!