Osaka: Tea Master Heritage and Tea Ceremony in Sakai
- 3 hours
- Free cancellation up to 24h before
- Guided in English
- Instant confirmation
Highlights
Follow the footsteps of Sen no Rikyu, the legendary tea master who shaped the Japanese Way of Tea and the spirit of wabi-sabi. This tour takes place in Sakai, Rikyu’s birthplace and one of Japan’s most important cities for tea culture. Visit the site of his former residence and explore Sakai Risho no Mori, a cultural museum where you can learn about Rikyu, the history of tea, and Sakai’s role as a prosperous merchant city. You will also enjoy a casual seated tea ceremony experience, designed to make Japanese tea culture easy to approach even for first-time visitors. Depending on your selected option, the tour may also include kurumi mochi, a traditional Sakai sweet often enjoyed with tea, and Nanshuji Temple, a Zen temple closely connected to Rikyu’s training. Through tea, history, local sweets, and temple culture, this tour offers a clear and friendly introduction to the roots of Japanese tea culture.
Inclusions
What's included
- Admission to Nanshuji Temple, a Zen temple connected to Tea master (optional)
- English-speaking guide
- Admission to the Sakai Risho no Mori museum
- Casual seated tea ceremony experience
- Kurumi mochi, a traditional Sakai sweet often enjoyed with tea (optional)
What's not
- Transportation to and from the meeting point
- Additional food and drinks
- Personal expenses
Itinerary
Sakai Risho no Mori honors Sen no Rikyu, the tea master who shaped the Way of Tea, and Akiko Yosano, a celebrated poet. Explore Rikyu’s legacy through exhibits on tea culture, visit Yosano’s memorial museum, and enjoy a Seated Tea Ceremony (Ritsurei Chakai), experiencing Japan’s refined tea traditions firsthand.
At Kurumi Mochi Kanbukuro, savor the unique Kurumi Mochi, a chewy rice cake covered in a rich, sweet soybean-based sauce. Enjoy it in the cozy shop, paired with their special shaved ice, perfect for a refreshing treat. A must-visit spot for traditional sweets in Sakai!
Nanshu-ji Temple is deeply connected to Sen no Rikyu, the grand master who perfected the Way of Tea. This Zen temple was where Rikyu trained in tea ceremony and aesthetics, shaping Japan’s tea culture. Its historic tea rooms and dry landscape garden, designed in the spirit of wabi-sabi, reflect the core philosophy of tea. Visitors can explore the harmony between Zen and tea, experiencing the serene atmosphere that inspired Rikyu’s teachings.
Cancellation
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts, for a full refund.
Know before you go
- Meeting point
- Please meet your guide inside the lobby on the 1st floor of Sakai Risho no Mori. The guide will be holding a yellow sign with a logo.
- Pickup
- Everyone meets at the starting point; there is no pickup.
- Ticket type
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Operated by
- DeepExperience
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
How it compares in Japan, outside the cities
- Its from-price is 43% below the median of the 1684 experiences we list in Japan, outside the cities.
- Its length is typical for the group.
- The operator lists free cancellation on it.
Special offers in Japan, outside the cities
Was/now prices come from the operator, never from us.
