Explore a Historic House: Kimono Photoshoot and Matcha Tea

Overview

Available languages

Japanese

English

Mobile ticket

Join us as we explore a traditional wooden machiya (traditional Japanese townhouse)! Your guide will lead the way. Machiya have many unique features, such as narrow corridors and hidden staircases. These strategically constructed homes are a Japanese architectural technique that makes limited space feel spacious. It's rare to find a house with its interior structure preserved intact, and this 160-year-old house offers a unique experience.

The itinerary is as follows:

1. Your exploration of the machiya begins at the front desk. Your guide will explain the architecture while escorting you to your room on the third floor.

2. On the third floor, you can enjoy the following experiences:

- Have your photo taken in a kimono.

- Choose your favorite antique tea bowl and have matcha prepared for you.

3. Return to the front desk via the long corridors and hidden staircase.

At the end of your journey, the guardian spirit of the building, a white snake, will see you off.

Additional Info

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What‘s Included

Sweets served before matcha. The default ones contain wheat and nuts, but there are also allergen-free options.

One bowl of matcha.We will prepare it right in front of you. It's served in a casual style, unlike a highly formal tea ceremony.

WiFi on board

Time to wear a kimono and take photos (you can choose one of five kimono patterns)

Building tour guide who speaks basic English and has good local knowledge.

Restroom on board

A formal tea ceremony

An opportunity for guests to make matcha

You cannot take home any equipment used, such as kimonos or tea bowls.

What To Expect

Visitors can tour the 160-year-old teahouse architecture. Visitors will listen to explanations and walk around the building while viewing the hidden staircase and manual elevators in the sliding doors, which are characteristic of teahouse architecture. Visitors can also experience a photo shoot in uchikake (special kimono) or samurai-style kimono in a room on the third floor overlooking the streets of Miyagawa-cho. Matcha (powdered green tea) and sweets will be provided, so you can also experience drinking matcha in the tatami room.

40 minutes • Admission Not Applicable

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