Enjoy a relaxed and elegant moment together with your children.
@Nishinomiya Sōshisha
The other day, our whole family took part in a tea ceremony experience at the cultural salon “Sōshisha” in Nishinomiya City!
When you hear “tea ceremony,” you might picture something super formal—sitting up straight, legs going numb… But this experience was a little different. It was actually a family-friendly tea gathering where kids were welcome! At first, I was a bit worried, thinking, “Will this really be okay…?” But in the end—there’s only one word to describe it: amazing.
The venue was a charming space that featured both an antique-style Western room and a beautifully maintained traditional Japanese room. We started off in the Western room with self-introductions and a casual talk titled “So, what exactly is the tea ceremony?”
The instructor’s explanation here was clear, sprinkled with a touch of humor, which instantly eased our nerves.
After that, we moved to the mizuya—essentially the tea ceremony’s kitchen, where utensils are prepared. There, we were shown a variety of tools used in the tea ceremony and were taught their names and how they’re used. I was amazed to learn that even the chashaku (tea scoop) comes in several types. I honestly thought, “Wait, it’s not just one kind?!”
The hanging scroll (kakejiku) displayed a piece inspired by Tango no Sekku (Children’s Day) since it’s May. It was a beautiful, seasonal touch that really tied in with the theme of the day.
Then, we finally moved to the traditional Japanese room for the hands-on part!
That said, our kids were still rookies when it came to attending a tea ceremony. Sitting properly in seiza (traditional kneeling posture) was a challenge, and staying still was even harder. But the instructor, being an experienced pro, only focused on the key points, giving us clear guidance while gently watching over us.
And the moment that truly melted our hearts was—sweets time!
They served seasonal nerikiri (Japanese sweets made from bean paste), shaped like adorable cats! Cats, yes—cats! It was impossible not to smile. My wife especially loves cats, so she was absolutely over the moon! She even said, “I want to eat it, but I don’t want to cut it.” It was that cute!
By the way, after participating as a guest this time, I think I finally understood why the tea ceremony instructor at the shop I used to work at always ordered nerikiri sweets. Nerikiri can be easily cut with a kuro-moji (a special utensil for Japanese sweets), making it not only easy to eat but also very practical. I used to think, “There are other delicious Japanese sweets too,” but when you consider how easy nerikiri is to use during a tea ceremony, it really is the most convenient and fitting choice.
And the matcha! It was so delicious, with a taste that seemed to cleanse the spirit. The cup of matcha, carefully whisked and prepared, turned out to be a special moment that made me forget about everything else. It was like a little escape from the everyday.
The final part of the tea ceremony experience was when we returned to the Western room and had the chance to whisk our own matcha. We got to choose our favorite tea bowl, and the one I picked was a beautifully modern, almost art-like piece. For a moment, I seriously thought, “Am I some kind of celebrity, using such a stylish bowl for matcha?” (laughs). It really made the whole experience feel extra special!
However, when I actually took the chasen (tea whisk) in my hand and tried to make the matcha myself… I quickly realized—it’s way harder than it looks! The foam ended up too big, and it didn’t froth finely enough. It wasn’t as smooth as it should have been! It was a humbling moment where I truly felt the depth of the tea ceremony, realizing how much skill and experience is involved.
After the experience, the instructor kindly took us to a nearby gallery, Kūan, where a modern ceramics exhibition was being held. I was enchanted by the beauty of the pottery… but the kids? They spent most of the time running around and playing in the open space of the gallery. Well, I suppose that’s one way to enjoy art, right?
Still, it’s strange how you can feel a sort of invisible energy from art. As I looked at the pieces, I started imagining what kinds of sweets would pair perfectly with each one. It sparked so many ideas for desserts! I guess this is what it means to feel your soul enriched.
In the end, the instructor kindly saw us off outside, and I was overwhelmed with both gratitude and humility. It was such a precious, elegant experience that truly filled my heart.
…But!
Reality is never that sweet. On the way home, it was already dinner time. As we searched for a place to eat around Umeda Station, I was shocked by how few restaurants were actually kid-friendly!
Older child: “I want pizza.”
Younger child: “I want sushi.”
Ugh, both?! I silently screamed inside while wandering around, but in the end, we ended up at… a teishoku (set meal) restaurant. Nothing beats the steady, reliable comfort of Japanese cuisine, and somehow, everyone left satisfied.
There’s never been a night when I missed a shopping mall food court so much!
Through this experience, I was really moved by how tea ceremony, a traditional culture, can be so enjoyable and accessible for children and families. It was a day filled with elegance, laughter, and discoveries. I’d love to go again!
For anyone interested, I’ll leave a link here—definitely check it out!
The tea ceremony homepage wabunka no tamatebako
The gallary homepage Kūan
Thank you! See you next time!