"Tsuki to Hana" is a matcha experience spot in Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter. It also offers overnight stays, limited to one group per day!

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 required) where you can enjoy matcha tea and sweets at a table and chairs. You can experience the spirit of tea ceremony, "ichigo ichie," and feel the emotional connection between the host and the 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 experience authentic tea ceremony techniques. It is located in a quiet residential area a little away from the center of the Bikan Historical Quarter. It is within walking distance of JR Kurashiki Station, and is visited by many foreign visitors tourists.

Experience in an authentic tea room

There is a full-fledged tea room and table seating in the salon. There is a tea kettle in the Japanese-style room, and seasonal flowers are displayed on the tokonoma alcove. When making a reservation in advance, I was recommended to bring a long skirt or pants and socks, so I visited wearing a long dress. It is recommended that you tie up your 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 rich in iron and heated in an iron pot. After this calms your mind and body, the full-scale "tea room experience" begins.

Entering the Room

Under the guidance of Omotesenke instructor, Soshin Makino, you will make tea. The experience begins with a bow when entering the Japanese-style room, and then you 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 should be 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. The refreshingly designed Japanese sweets are perfect for summer and are made by Seihoan Confectionery (Yakage Town), and are just the right amount of sweet. They are served on a Bizen Pottery plate, typical of Okayama Prefecture.

Sample of tea ceremony

While I was enjoying the Japanese sweets, Professor Makino prepared matcha tea for me. 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 tea

The matcha we had this time was from Fukujuen in Kyoto. It seems to be popular with foreign visitors tourists too. The sound of tea being made echoed pleasantly in the quiet Japanese-style room.

I'll have some matcha

The teacher prepares the matcha tea for us, and we carry it to our seats. There is a proper etiquette for this, and we must be careful not to turn our backs on the people around us. Although it may seem simple, it is difficult to put into practice, and I felt the profound depth of hospitality.

Tea ceremony experience ①

Finally, it was time to experience the tea ceremony. I was a little nervous after only seeing the example once, but I felt at ease because the teacher sat next to me and gave me guidance. 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 placed there. This was the first step in the 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 is warmed, pour the hot water into another container. After that, the teacher will 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

Pick up the tea caddy filled with matcha with your left hand. Carefully open the lid with your right hand and place it face down to the side. Use the tea scoop to put two scoops of matcha powder into the bowl. Next, use the tea scoop to smooth out 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 bowl with the tea scoop to remove any excess matcha. Once you've finished, close the tea caddy with your right hand and return it to its original position. The teacher will be by your side to carefully guide you through this series of actions, so even beginners can do it with confidence.

Tea ceremony experience ④

Pour 1/3 of a ladle of hot water into the bowl containing the matcha powder.

Tea ceremony experience ⑤

While holding the tea bowl firmly in your left hand, begin to mix the matcha using the chasen (tea 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 that the chasen makes. Once the matcha is sufficiently mixed, finish by moving the chasen in a "no" (letter) shape. Finally, slowly pull the chasen away from you to smooth out the surface of the tea. This series of movements results in smooth, well-foamed matcha.

Tea ceremony experience ⑥

Finally, the moment arrives for you to taste the matcha that you have prepared yourself. Hold the tea bowl with both hands and rotate it slightly to avoid the design on the front. This is one way of respecting the design. Do not drink the matcha in one gulp, but sip it slowly over several sips. For the last sip, follow the tea ceremony etiquette and drink it down with a gentle slurp. This sound is a signal to say "thank you for the meal." Although you have prepared the matcha yourself, it tastes better than you expected, and you are moved by its aroma and flavor. It is a moment when you truly realize the depth of the tea ceremony and the thoughtfulness that goes into each cup of tea.

Tea ceremony experience ⑦

After you have finished drinking, wipe the edge of the bowl with your right hand and then turn it back over. This completes the process.

Tea Ceremony Experience 8

We were also taught the proper etiquette for serving matcha to guests. If you make a reservation for two people, you can experience the roles of host and guest. First, hold the tea bowl in your left hand, then switch it to your right hand. Next, turn your body toward the teacher and pick up the tea bowl with your left hand again. 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 lesson 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 drinking. This is an expression 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 each other 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 other 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 for one group per day

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

Plenty of water facilities

The bathroom was well equipped so that you could bring in takeout food from nearby shops or do some simple cooking. There was also a selection of carefully selected coffee and drinks.

A comfortable bath

The toilet and bathroom are separate from the rooms, and there are safety cages installed on the stairs to protect small children from injury.
*Accommodation reservations can be made through Jalan.

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