VISIT KANAZAWA, JAPAN - Official Travel Guide

Experience a fully private Japanese tea ceremony in a century-old machiya, just a few minutes’ walk from Nishi Chaya District and the Ninja Temple.

No shared group. No stage. Just your party and Yuta, a Kanazawa-born tea master who has practiced Enshū-ryū since 2007.

Watch a complete tea ceremony, enjoy high-quality matcha and seasonal wagashi, ask questions freely afterward — and, with our most popular plan, whisk your own bowl of matcha.

The experience is hosted personally by Yuta in English. Beginners, solo travelers and families are welcome.

CHOOSE YOUR EXPERIENCE

Every plan begins with a complete tea ceremony performed privately for you.

■ Plan A — Watch the Ceremony

45 min | ¥7,700/person

Sit close and watch the full ceremony unfold at its natural pace.

Yuta prepares and serves you matcha with a seasonal Japanese sweet, followed by time for conversation, questions and photos.

Best for: travelers who want an authentic tea ceremony while fitting it easily between other sights.

■ Plan B — Ceremony + Whisk Your Own Matcha

70 min | ¥9,900/person | ★ Most popular

First, experience the same complete tea ceremony as Plan A.

Then take the bamboo whisk into your own hands and prepare a second bowl of matcha yourself, guided step by step by Yuta.

The longer session also leaves more time to talk about tea, Japanese culture, history or anything you became curious about during the ceremony.

If you are unsure which plan to choose, we recommend Plan B.

Visiting today, or not sure which plan suits you?

Same-day inquiries are welcome when a time slot is available.

For the quickest answer, message Yuta directly on WhatsApp.(WhatsApp: wa.me/819080971667)

You can simply tell us:

• your preferred time
• number of guests
• whether you are interested in Plan A, Plan B, or are not sure yet
• 
  

LOOKING FOR A DEEPER TEA EXPERIENCE?

For guests who want to go further into the Way of Tea, Yuta also offers a private Koicha & Usucha experience.

Koicha is thick matcha and is one of the central elements of a formal tea gathering. It is much richer and more concentrated than the whisked usucha most travelers know.

The experience includes seasonal jōnamagashi, koicha prepared by Yuta in the Enshū-ryū manner, followed by usucha.

Koicha & Usucha | 80 min | ¥16,500/person
Solo guest: ¥19,800
Please contact us at least 2 days in advance.

Curious about koicha but not sure whether it is for you? Just ask Yuta on WhatsApp before deciding.

WHY THIS EXPERIENCE IS DIFFERENT

100% private
Only your party is in the tea room.

A real home, not a tourist hall
TEA BASE HAKUTAKU is a century-old machiya where Yuta and his family live and share tea culture with guests.

Tea with a living tradition behind it
Yuta has practiced Enshū-ryū since 2007. Enshū-ryū belongs to the tradition of Bukecha — tea culture historically associated with Japan’s samurai class.

Real conversation
The ceremony itself is quiet and focused. Afterward, questions are encouraged. Many guests say the conversation becomes one of the most memorable parts of the experience.

High-quality matcha
This is not simply a matcha-making workshop. You first experience matcha as it is prepared and served within the tea ceremony.

FROM SILENCE TO CONVERSATION

For around 20 minutes during the ceremony, the room becomes quiet.

Watch the movements, listen to the water and experience the concentration behind a centuries-old practice.

Some guests describe this moment as almost meditative.

After the final bow, the atmosphere changes. This is the time to ask questions, look closely at the tea utensils and talk with Yuta.

For us, tea is not only something to watch. It is a way for people from different cultures to meet.

GOOD TO KNOW

• No previous tea ceremony experience is required.
• Formal kneeling (seiza) is not required.
• Chairs are available on request.
• Photography is welcome.
• Please wear socks in the tatami room.
• Please tell us about allergies when booking.
• Infants and children up to age 5 join free; ages 6+ are charged the regular price.
• Payment is made on the day by cash or card. No prepayment required.
• Groups of up to 10 guests are welcome.
• 
  

LOCATION

TEA BASE HAKUTAKU
2-3-28 Nomachi, Kanazawa

Approximately:

• 3–5 min walk from Nishi Chaya District
• 6–8 min walk from Myōryū-ji, the Ninja Temple
• 10–15 min by taxi from Kanazawa Station

The experience pairs especially well with a visit to Nishi Chaya or the Ninja Temple.

PRICES & TIMES

Plan A: 45 min | ¥7,700/person | Solo ¥10,500
Plan B: 70 min | ¥9,900/person | Solo ¥12,500
Koicha & Usucha: 80 min | ¥16,500/person | Solo ¥19,800

Start times: 8:00–17:00, hourly, except 12:00.

Same-day inquiries are welcome for Plans A and B when availability allows.

Not sure? Just ask.

If you have questions about availability, children, seating, the difference between plans, or koicha, message Yuta directly on WhatsApp. Short-notice inquiries are welcome.