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Experience the Ancient Art of the Japanese Tea Ceremony
At Tomono Sushi Party, we invite you to step into the serene world of the Japanese tea ceremony—a timeless ritual that blends grace, intention, and connection.
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Whether you're hosting a birthday gathering, marking a company milestone, or seeking a moment of stillness with friends, our experiences are designed to bring people together through shared reflection and gentle hospitality.
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Guided by trained hosts, each ceremony immerses guests in the art of chanoyu—from the quiet preparation of matcha to the beauty of each gesture. It’s an opportunity to slow down, engage the senses, and appreciate the present moment.
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From intimate home settings to larger venues, we tailor every detail to suit your occasion. Choose from calming demonstrations, hands-on workshops—or combine the tea ceremony with our signature sushi-making experience for a beautifully balanced journey of taste and tradition.
Why Choose Our Japanese Tea Ceremony Experience?
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Elegant and Immersive:
Step away from the ordinary and immerse yourself in the graceful world of the Japanese tea ceremony. Guided by experienced hosts, you'll learn the art of preparing and serving matcha, discovering the beauty and mindfulness behind every gesture—all in a warm and inviting atmosphere.
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Tailored to Your Occasion:
Whether you're planning a birthday, a company celebration, or a tranquil gathering with friends, we personalise each ceremony to reflect your setting and style. We bring the full experience to your space—be it a living room, private venue, or office—and adapt it to suit your flow and group size.
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Connection Through Ritual:
This shared experience encourages conversation, reflection, and a deeper appreciation of tradition. Pair it with our signature sushi-making workshop for an immersive cultural event that’s as enriching as it is memorable.
What Actually Happens During a Japanese Tea Ceremony?
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Arrival & Welcome
Guests are welcomed into a calm, carefully prepared space—often with low tables, cushions, and Japanese décor that set the tone for the ritual.
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Introduction to the Tradition
Your host explains the meaning behind chanoyu (the Way of Tea)—a centuries-old practice rooted in harmony, respect, purity, and tranquility. You’ll see the tools, learn about matcha, and discover how every action has symbolic meaning.
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Purifying the Utensils
The host gracefully cleans each utensil—bamboo whisk (chasen), tea bowl (chawan), tea scoop (chashaku)—with measured movements. It’s not just for hygiene; it’s a form of mindfulness and respect.
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Enjoying the Sweets (Wagashi)
Before the tea is prepared, each guest receives a beautifully crafted Japanese sweet (wagashi). Eaten slowly and with appreciation, the sweet gently prepares the palate for the depth and slight bitterness of matcha.
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Preparing the Matcha
Finely ground green tea powder is scooped into the bowl and whisked with hot water to create a smooth, frothy drink. The motion is slow, deliberate, almost meditative.
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Serving the Tea
Guests are served one by one, with a small bow of gratitude and often a traditional sweet (wagashi) to balance the tea’s earthy richness.
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Drinking the Tea
There’s a simple etiquette to receiving the bowl, turning it slightly, and taking a few thoughtful sips. It’s not about performance—it’s about presence.
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Reflection & Closing
After everyone has tasted the tea, there’s space to reflect or ask questions. The ceremony closes quietly and respectfully, often with a deeper sense of connection and calm.
next steps
Ready to experience the beauty of the Japanese tea ceremony?
Simply fill out our enquiry form, and a member of our team will be in touch shortly to help you plan a memorable, meaningful event—whether it’s a private gathering, team celebration, or cultural occasion.
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"I look forward to speaking with you about your Japanese Tea Ceremony experience. Arigatou!"
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Tomono,
owner of Tomono Sushi Party
What our customers say
"What a delightful experience, everything was well throughout, organised, our instructor was knowledgeable, funny and excellent at explaining. I will definitely go again."
Rhys, J
Japanese Tea Ceremony FAQs
1. What types of events do you cater for?
We offer tea ceremony experiences for team-building days, client hospitality, executive retreats, birthday celebrations, cultural events, and wellness gatherings—each carefully tailored to your group and goals.
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2. Where can the tea ceremony take place?
We’re fully mobile and can host at your office, a hired venue, or even in private homes and gardens. All we need is a clear space and access to water—we bring the rest.
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3. How long does a typical tea ceremony session last?
Most sessions run between 60 minutes to 90 minutes, depending on your group size and format. We’re happy to adjust timing to suit your schedule and event flow.
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4. What’s included in the experience?
We provide all ceremonial equipment (matcha bowls, whisks, utensils), tatami-style setup, decorative elements, and optional Japanese sweets. You provide the space—we’ll take care of setup and cleanup.
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5. Can the event be customised to our theme or occasion?
Absolutely. From tranquil, meditative sessions to more interactive and educational formats, we adapt each experience to suit your setting, audience, and purpose.
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6. Do you offer dietary-friendly wagashi (sweets)?
Yes! We offer plant-based and gluten-free options on request. Just let us know in advance and we’ll curate accordingly.
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7. What’s the difference between a demonstration and an interactive session?
Our demonstration focuses on watching the refined ritual and understanding its cultural significance, while our interactive format invites guests to whisk matcha and serve tea themselves under gentle guidance.
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8. How many people can join a session?
We can accommodate both small, intimate groups and larger gatherings—just let us know your numbers, and we’ll suggest the best format.
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9. Is prior knowledge of tea ceremony required?
Not at all! Our sessions are suitable for all ages and experience levels. We provide relaxed, step-by-step guidance to make the tradition feel welcoming and accessible.
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10. Do we need to wear a kimono?
We have a selection of traditional Japanese kimono that you are welcome to wear during the ceremony, but this is not required to take part - it's just a little added fun!
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11. How do we book a tea ceremony experience?
Just fill out our enquiry form. We’ll help craft an unforgettable experience infused with mindfulness and tradition.
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