"Tsuki to Hana" is a matcha experience spot in Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter. Limited to one group per day, you can also stay overnight!

There is a salon in Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter where you can casually experience matcha tea. You can choose between a full-scale "tea room experience" (reservation required) or a "tea ceremony" (no reservation necessary) where you can enjoy matcha and sweets at a table and chairs. You can experience the spirit of the tea ceremony, "ichigo ichie" (a once-in-a-lifetime encounter), and feel the emotional connection between the host and guest who prepares the tea. The second floor of the salon is also an accommodation facility that can accommodate only one group per day, allowing you to enjoy a quiet stay in Kurashiki.

Tea ceremony experience salon "Tsuki to Hana Japanese Tea Ceremony Salon"

We visited Tsuki to Hana Japanese Tea Ceremony Salon, a matcha experience salon in Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter that opened in April 2023. Here, you can enjoy matcha in the atmosphere of a Kurashiki townhouse and also experience authentic tea ceremony etiquette. It is located in a quiet residential area a little away from the center of the Bikan Historical Quarter. It is also within walking distance of JR Kurashiki Station, and is popular with foreign visitors tourists.

Experience in an authentic tea room

The salon has an authentic tea room and table seating. There is a tea kettle in the Japanese-style room, and seasonal flowers are displayed on the Tokonoma (Decorative Alcove in a Japanese-style Room). When I made my reservation, I was advised to bring a long skirt or pants and socks, so I wore a long dress. I recommend tying up long hair, as it can get in the way.

First, cleanse with warm water

First, hot water is served at your table. The hot water is heated in an iron vessel and is Toyotomi in iron. After this has calmed your mind and body, the full-scale "tea room experience" begins.

Entering the room

Under the guidance of Omotesenke instructor, Makino Soshin, you will prepare tea. Starting with a bow when entering the Japanese-style room, you will enter the world of tea ceremony.

Once in a lifetime encounter

In the tea room, everyone is considered equal. "Ichigo Ichie" means that each tea ceremony is considered a once-in-a-lifetime encounter, and both the host and the guest should be sincere. These ideas are at the foundation of the tea ceremony, and the etiquette is an expression of them.

I'll have some Japanese sweets first.

While Professor Makino prepares the tea, we first enjoy some Japanese sweets. These refreshingly designed Japanese sweets, perfect for summer, are Nerikiri Manju (a type of nerikiri bun) from Okashidokoro Seihoan (Yakage Town ), and are just the right amount of sweet. They are served on a Bizen Pottery plate, typical of Okayama Prefecture .

Tea ceremony sample

While I was enjoying the Japanese sweets, Professor Makino prepared the matcha tea. As he explained the tools used, I felt the spirit of hospitality in the tea ceremony, such as the consideration given to the seasons (a brazier in summer and a tatami hearth in winter) and the use of cool Kurashiki Glass.

Making matcha

The matcha we had this time was from Fukujuen in Kyoto, which is apparently popular with foreign visitors tourists. The sound of tea being made echoed pleasantly in the quiet Japanese-style room.

I'll have some matcha

The teacher prepared the matcha tea, and we carried it to our seats. There is a proper etiquette for this as well, and we were careful not to turn our backs on the people around us. Although it may seem simple, it was actually difficult to put into practice, and I felt the profound depth of hospitality.

Tea Ceremony Experience ①

Finally, it was time for the tea ceremony experience. I was a little nervous after only seeing the example once, but I felt at ease as the teacher sat next to me and gave me instructions. I sat upright in the middle of the tatami mat in front of the tea utensils. Then, I used the ladle to scoop up about half the hot water and poured it all into the tea bowl that was already there. This was the first step in my tea ceremony experience.

Tea Ceremony Experience ②

Hold the tea bowl with both hands and slowly rotate it while heating it in hot water. Do this carefully so that the entire bowl is heated evenly. Once it's warmed, pour the hot water into another container. The teacher will then hand you a clean cloth and carefully wipe the inside and outside of the tea bowl. During this process, the tea bowl will reach the right temperature.

Tea Ceremony Experience ③

With your left hand, lift the natsume (tea caddy) filled with matcha. Carefully open the lid with your right hand and place it face down to the side. Using the chashaku (tea scoop), put two scoops of matcha powder into the tea bowl. Next, use the chashaku (tea scoop) to smooth the matcha in a "tate-tate-yoko-yoko" motion. This is the motion of gently smoothing the matcha vertically and horizontally. Finally, lightly tap the edge of the tea bowl with the chashaku (tea scoop) to remove any excess matcha. Once you've finished, close the natsume lid with your right hand and return it to its original position. The teacher will be nearby, carefully instructing you through this series of steps, so even beginners can do it with confidence.

Tea Ceremony Experience ④

Pour one-third of a ladleful of hot water into the bowl containing the matcha powder.

Tea Ceremony Experience ⑤

While firmly supporting the tea bowl with your left hand, begin to stir the matcha using the chasen (bamboo whisk) in your right hand. First move it back and forth, then sideways to mix the matcha and hot water evenly. As you do this, enjoy the pleasant rattling sound made by the chasen. Once the matcha is thoroughly mixed, finish by moving the chasen in a "no" (letter) shape. Finally, slowly pull the chasen back from the front to smooth the surface of the tea. This series of movements results in smooth, foamy matcha.

Tea Ceremony Experience ⑥

The moment finally arrives, where you can taste the matcha you have prepared yourself. Hold the tea bowl with both hands and rotate it slightly to avoid the pattern on the front. This is one way of respecting the pattern. Do not drink the matcha in one gulp, but savour it slowly in several sips. In the final sip, follow the proper tea ceremony etiquette and sip gently with a slurp. This slurp is a sign of "thank you for the meal." Although you have prepared the matcha yourself, it is more delicious than you would expect, and you will be moved by its aroma and flavour. This is the moment when you truly appreciate the profound depth of the tea ceremony and the thoughtfulness that goes into each cup of tea.

Tea Ceremony Experience ⑦

After drinking it all, wipe the rim of the bowl with your right hand, then turn it back over and set it down. This completes the process.

Tea Ceremony Experience 8

We were also taught the proper etiquette for serving matcha to guests. If two people make a reservation, they can each experience the roles of host and guest. First, hold the tea bowl in your left hand, then switch it to your right. Next, turn towards the teacher and pick up the tea bowl again with your left hand. Then, place the tea bowl so that the design on it is facing the teacher.

When the teacher has finished drinking the tea, he or she says, "Thank you for the meal," and the etiquette ends.

This series of actions has a deep meaning. Turning the design towards the other person shows consideration so that the most beautiful part of the bowl is visible to the guest. Meanwhile, the person drinking the tea avoids the design when they drink. This is a sign of consideration so as not to soil the most important part of the tea bowl.

In this way, the etiquette of the tea ceremony shows consideration for one another in every detail. I realized that it is not just a formality, but is imbued with a spirit of respect for others.

[Tsuki to Hana Japanese Tea Ceremony Salon]

Address: 2-16-11 Achi, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture

TEL: 086-421-0767

Business hours: 12:00-17:00

Closed: Mondays, 2nd and 4th Sundays (and irregular holidays)

Tea ceremony experience: from 5,000 yen per person Tea ceremony (cafe style): from 1,500 yen per person

Parking: None

Tsuki to Hana Japanese Tea Ceremony Salon｜Instagram

"Tsuki to Hana" accommodation, one group per day

The second floor of the salon is an accommodation facility, available to only one group per day. It is located about a five-minute walk from Kurashiki Station and is close to the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter. This location is ideal for families and groups. The accommodation space includes a Japanese-style room area, and the spaciousness gives it a more open feel than a hotel. Although the accommodation is on a bed-and-breakfast basis, there are many restaurants in the area, so you won't have any trouble finding food. There is also a welcome service of matcha tea and sweets upon arrival!

Plenty of bathroom facilities

The bathroom is well equipped so you can bring in takeout food from nearby restaurants or do some simple cooking. There is also a selection of coffee and drinks available.

Comfortable bath

The toilet and bathroom are separate from the rooms, and there are safety circles on the stairs to keep small children safe.
*Accommodation reservations can be made through "Jalan".

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