Abracadabra Tours
Have you ever seen tea ceremonies in anime or manga and wanted to experience that side of Japanese culture for yourself? Now you can, right in the heart of anime culture! By learning the meaning behind each gesture and tradition, you'll find the world of tea much more accessible and fascinating. This is a relaxed and welcoming introduction to sado, the Japanese art of tea, and the spirit of Japan itself.
Options
Special Program on Feb 22｜Tea Ceremony Experience in English, in Collaboration with Tobu Ikebukuro｜Enjoy matcha and sweets provided by Ginza Fukurokuju!
Regular Program｜Experience Tea Ceremony in a Traditional Japanese Room｜1~1.5 Hours｜English Guide
The Highlight
● An authentic setting ・Enjoy a tea ceremony experience in a traditional Japanese-style room at the Toshima Civic Center. ・Relax and unwind in a calm, peaceful environment.
● Perfect for beginners ・Our instructor will gently guide you through the spirit and basics of tea ceremony. ・No need to worry if you're unfamiliar with the etiquette—everything will be explained from scratch. ・While the experience is designed for international visitors, Japanese residents and locals are also welcome to join.
● Includes delicious matcha and sweets ・Enjoy freshly prepared matcha by the instructor, paired with traditional Japanese sweets. Savor the flavor slowly and mindfully. ・Watching the instructor perform the tea ceremony is like viewing a work of art. Experience the beauty through sound, movement, and aroma. ・If you wish, you'll also have the opportunity to prepare the tea yourself.
● Special program on February 22nd at Tobu Department Store, Ikebukuro! ・Enjoy authentic matcha and sweets provided by Ginza Fukurokuju. ・A Japanese instructor will guide you through the tea ceremony in simple English. Share Japanese culture with the world! *To learn more, see the Product Description section below.
The Experience
Special Program February 22nd (Sun) - Tea Ceremony Experience in English in Collaboration with Tobu Department Store Ikebukuro Enjoy matcha and traditional sweets provided by the famous Ginza Fukurokuju! ・11:00 am - 3:00 pm (Starts every hour on the hour/30 minutes/9 people) ・Location: Tobu Ikebukuro, 2F, Section 5, Special Event Space (open atrium) ・Advance reservation required. Online booking available until 6:00 pm on February 21st. Walk-ins may be accepted at the venue if seats are available. ・A Japanese instructor will guide you through the tea ceremony in simple English. This is a great opportunity for international visitors, as well as anyone interested in learning about Japanese culture in English or people just starting their English studies. Elementary school children who like English are also welcome—our staff will be there to help. ・You'll enjoy matcha and traditional Japanese sweets provided by the famous tea shop Ginza Fukurokuju. ・Includes a 500 yen coupon for the Ginza Fukurokuju shop on the 2nd floor of Tobu Department Store. After the experience, have fun shopping!
/////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
Regular Program Experience Tea Ceremony in a Traditional Japanese Room! When in Japan, why not try a real tea ceremony? If you've ever wanted to step into the elegant world of tea you've seen in anime or manga, this is your chance!
・Join us for a relaxed yet meaningful tea ceremony experience. ・Through the session, you'll learn the beauty of Japanese movement and mindfulness, and come away with a deeper appreciation of the gentle manners of tea culture. ・Watch up close as the instructor prepares matcha, and enjoy a moment of quiet calm. ・If sitting on your knees on the floor is difficult, feel free to sit in any comfortable position! ・This is not a strict lesson on rules, but a friendly session where you can learn about tea ceremony together with the instructor. Feel free to ask questions! ・You'll also get to experience a tea ceremony just like the ones you've seen in anime and manga, and feel the charm of Japanese culture up close. ・ You may also have the opportunity to prepare the tea yourself!
Itinerary
- *For the special program on February 22nd in collaboration with Tobu Department Store Ikebukuro, the meeting point is the Special Event Space on the 2nd floor, Section 5 (open atrium). Also, the program contents differ slightly from the regular version.
- "For the regular program, please meet in front of animate Ikebukuro Flagship Store. Our staff will be waiting with an ""Abracadabra Tours"" sign. The tea ceremony takes place in a traditional-style tatami room inside the Toshima Civic Center, located just next to animate."
- Before you enter the tea room, you'll be asked to remove your shoes. If you'd like a more authentic feel, we recommend bringing white socks.
- Before starting, the instructor will go over important notes and the schedule, ensuring everyone—even first-timers—can enjoy the experience comfortably.
- First, you'll learn how to enter the tea room and take your seat. The entire program is conducted in English, so no Japanese is needed.
- The instructor will explain the history and meaning of the tea ceremony while you enjoy traditional Japanese sweets.
- Next, it's time for a demonstration by the instructor. Take a moment to relax and enjoy the calm atmosphere.
- Now, it's your turn to drink the matcha! You'll be guided on the proper way to enjoy it.
- How does it taste? Bitter? Delicious?
- Savor the peaceful moment that tea ceremony creates.
- Depending on the situation, you may also have the opportunity to prepare the tea yourself!
- And that’s a wrap! Great job, everyone!
How to Use
- Voucher will be sent via email. Please show your e-voucher at designated location.
Purchase Notice
Reservation Process and Cancellation Policy ・Once you book, we will arrange the instructor and tea room. In some cases, we may need to adjust the date or time. ・We'll notify you by email once everything is confirmed. After you receive confirmation, a 50% cancellation fee will apply regardless of timing. Thank you for your understanding.
・ Limited storage space is available for personal belongings. Please use lockers for large items such as suitcases and refrain from bringing them into the venue. ・In the tea room, you'll be asked to remove your shoes and try seiza (kneeling with your legs folded under you). ・No special items are needed. If you'd like a more authentic feel, we recommend bringing white socks. ・Other groups participating in different programs run by our company may join this program.
Important Booking Information
・The workshop will be conducted in English. ・Failure to arrive at the meeting point on time will be considered a no-show, and you may be charged a cancellation fee. ・We are not liable for any accidents or injuries that occur during the workshop, though compensation may be provided within the limits of the participation fee if the company is found at fault. We recommend that you consider purchasing insurance if you are concerned about possible accidents or injuries. ・Please be responsible for your own trash and dispose of it as needed where appropriate. ・If you are not feeling well on the day of the program, please refrain from participating. We may also ask you not to participate if your health condition could be a concern.