Tea Ceremony in Kimono

In Kyoto, there are places where the spirit of the tea ceremony still quietly lives on. Historic residences overlooking famous gardens and tea rooms, usually closed to the public. We invite you to enjoy a bowl of tea in these special spaces.

The Way of Tea is not merely a set of rules for drinking tea. Listening to the sound of boiling water, feeling the texture of the tea bowl, admiring seasonal flowers and the view of the garden—with all five senses, you touch the Japanese sense of beauty.

The tea ceremony is often called a “total art.” The architecture of the tea house, the garden, calligraphy, ikebana, ceramics, sweets, cuisine, and every movement of the participants come together as a single artistic whole, centered around one bowl of tea.

During the tea ceremony, everyday concerns recede, and one is immersed in a state of inner tranquility. This approach to “mu”—a concept signifying the release of the mind from bustle and attachments—forms one of the deepest charms of the Japanese tea tradition.

The ceremony unfolds in historic buildings cherished by Japan’s leading artists, and in special spaces inaccessible to the public. Beyond the windows lie famous gardens, while the changing seasons quietly adorn the tea gathering.

This program is curated by Junko Kakizaki.

As a certified master of the Sōgetsu school of ikebana and an official ambassador for Kyō-tegaki Yūzen hand-painted kimono, she has dedicated herself to introducing Japanese traditional culture both in Japan and around the world. Based in Kyoto, she works as a cultural curator, sharing Japan’s heritage internationally by designing and overseeing exclusive cultural programs for VIP guests from around the world, centered around the tea ceremony, incense appreciation, ikebana, and kimono culture. She also personally welcomes guests as a host, sharing the deeper meanings behind Japanese culture, its aesthetics, and spiritual values.

Furthermore, she has spent many years cultivating trusted relationships with leading Japanese artisans, World Heritage temples, as well as tea houses and cultural sites that are usually closed to the general public. Through these connections, she creates unique, tailor-made cultural programs that offer guests an opportunity to experience the authentic traditions of Japan.

Having visited more than 60 countries, she continues to share the beauty of Japanese culture and traditional craftsmanship with the world through international publications and collaborations with overseas organizations.

Through our collaboration with Junko Kakizaki and the valuable relationships she has cultivated over many years, our company is able to offer guests unique cultural experiences that provide a deeper appreciation of the richness and beauty of Japan’s heritage.