【Silence in Motion】Experiencing the Tea Ceremony at Shokoan in Kanazawa

If you’re visiting Kanazawa with a desire to experience traditional Japanese culture, chances are the tea ceremony is high on your list. At the same time, you might feel a bit hesitant — “It looks complicated,” or “What if I don’t know the proper etiquette?”

If that sounds like you, let me share my firsthand experience at Shokoan, located within the historic Kyusonotei Villa in Kanazawa. In this quiet and serene space, I discovered a unique kind of richness — a sense of peace that sharpens your awareness simply by being present in the stillness.

Shokoan is just a short walk from Kanazawa Castle and Omicho Market, yet the moment you step inside the wooden gates and well-kept garden, you’re transported into a completely different world of calm and quiet.

Passing through a lattice door, you’re welcomed by a traditional Japanese house. From the tatami room(a room with traditional straw mat flooring), a hallway leads toward the tearoom. Every element of the space reflects a subtle, unpretentious beauty — the kind that gently soothes you, even if it’s your first visit.

The Flow of the Experience: 5 Steps into Stillness

The tea ceremony experience I participated in was a hands-on style where you actually perform the temae (the precise, choreographed procedure for making matcha during a tea ceremony) — the traditional process of preparing matcha. After receiving an explanation and watching a demonstration by the instructor, we practiced the movements before moving on to the real thing.

Practicing the Movements

At first, I felt a bit overwhelmed by the intricate handling of the utensils — folding the fukusa (a silk cloth used for purifying utensils in tea ceremony), using the chasen (a bamboo whisk used to mix matcha powder with hot water), and so on. But as I watched the instructor’s graceful movements, I began to sense the thoughtfulness behind each gesture. That awareness helped me engage with the practice in a more meaningful way.

Performing the Tea Ritual

Then came the real performance. Thanks to the practice session, I was able to follow the sequence smoothly, recalling each step as I went. What left a strong impression was how the instructor watched over me with a calm and reassuring presence, gently nodding in encouragement throughout.

Tasting the Tea

I had the chance to taste both the bowl of matcha I made myself, and one prepared by the instructor. To my surprise, they tasted completely different — even though it was the same tea. The instructor’s matcha was especially memorable: smooth and velvety like a fine potage, disappearing delicately the moment it touched the tongue.

The Beauty of Movement, Captured in Sound

What left the strongest impression on me during the experience was the sound.

The soft rustling of the fukusa cloth, the sharp metallic clink as the tea scoop touched the bowl, the gentle splash of hot water pouring from the ladle — sounds we usually overlook in daily life became the main characters in Shokoan’s tranquil space.In that quiet setting, I felt as though my senses had been awakened — as if I could hear with more clarity, feel more deeply.

Time seemed to slow down, allowing each subtle sound and movement to settle into my awareness.

A Moment to Savor: Matcha and Wagashi as Part of the Experience

After completing the tea-making ritual, we were served a bowl of matcha prepared by the instructor, accompanied by a seasonal wagashi.

That day’s sweet was a beautifully crafted piece inspired by autumn scenery. After admiring its delicate design, I let it melt gently on my tongue — the soft sweetness seemed to ease away any lingering tension in my body.

The instructor explained that when drinking tea, it’s customary to slightly rotate the bowl before sipping. This small gesture shows respect — both for the person who prepared the tea and for the artisan who made the bowl.

What struck me most was how even the way of eating and drinking follows an elegant etiquette.
Rather than simply saying “It’s delicious!”, the conversation often sounded more like:

“The glaze on this bowl has such a soft, flowing texture.”
“The way the sweet is cut reflects the feeling of the season.”

There was something distinctly refined and intellectual in this kind of exchange — it reminded me of a gathering among nobility. And strangely, that atmosphere felt welcoming and comfortable.

Just like how coffee and cake enhance each other, I realized that matcha and wagashi are meant to be enjoyed together — their flavors truly come alive as a pair. That was one of the most delightful discoveries of the whole experience.

Matcha might seem bitter at first, but don’t worry — it’s served with a sweet wagashi that perfectly balances the taste!

Who Is This Experience For? A Perfect Cultural Activity for Curious Travelers

The tea ceremony at Shokoan is ideal for people who:

• Want a quiet space to slow down and center themselves
• Are curious about Japanese aesthetics and the concept of “ma” (the beauty of space and timing)
• Are new to the tea ceremony but want a gentle, supportive environment
• Appreciate fine wagashi and high-quality matcha

It’s neither overly formal nor too casual — just the right balance of warmth and respectful tradition.
At Shokoan, the tea ceremony offers a rare opportunity to create a peaceful pause in your journey, wrapped in hospitality and thoughtful attention to detail.

Kaho

Kanazawa Local Guide

Hello and welcome! I’m Kaho – born and raised in Kanazawa, and still happily living here with my husband and daughter. I created this blog to share the quiet corners, cultural treasures, and everyday beauty of my hometown that many guidebooks overlook. I hope it helps you connect with the deeper side of Kanazawa, and enjoy your stay in a more meaningful way. Every now and then, you might even catch a story from my husband’s perspective, too!