Tokyo Grand Tea Ceremony 2026

This cultural event offers an accessible introduction to the Japanese tea ceremony, with a variety of programs open to participants with no prior experience or knowledge. Some programs include consecutive interpretation in English, giving international visitors an opportunity to experience Japanese culture firsthand.

The event is held at two venues. The first is the Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum, located within Koganei Park. This open-air museum features relocated and restored historic buildings. Surrounded by architecture reminiscent of old Tokyo, visitors can take part in tea ceremony sessions and outdoor tea ceremonies. The elegant buildings and graceful tea ceremony rituals create a harmonious setting, ideal for leaving the bustle of the city behind and immersing yourself in a richly atmospheric space.

The second venue, Hama-rikyu Gardens, offers an exceptional setting with abundant greenery and waterfront scenery despite its central Tokyo location. Visitors can experience tea ceremony sessions and outdoor tea ceremonies amid seasonal natural scenery in a garden featuring a tidal pond whose water level changes with the ebb and flow of the sea.

The tea bowls, traditional sweets, movements used to prepare the tea, and seasonal garden scenery all convey the aesthetic sensibility and spirit of hospitality that the tea ceremony has cultivated over the centuries. Depending on the schedule, related programs such as flower arrangement and traditional performing arts may also be offered. Beginning with a bowl of tea, visitors can explore a broad range of traditional culture passed down from the Edo period to the present day.

Please note that there are no advance applications or lotteries. Those wishing to participate must purchase a ticket at the venue on the day of the event.