◆ Learn how to put on a Japanese kimono from a licensed expert 
◆ Choose from a variety of elegant kimono styles (including samurai and geisha styles)
◆ Have a photoshoot in your kimono
◆ Learn the most elegant of Japanese arts from a licensed tea master
◆ Try high-quality matcha tea in its most natural setting 
◆ Discover Japanese Zen philosophy in practice 

About Kimono & Tea Ceremony
The kimono is the most traditional of Japanese garments. Usually made of silk, it is a ceremonial dress of many layers that is both exquisite yet versatile. Once the de-facto dress of Japan, kimono are now mostly used for highly important occasions and come in many lavish varieties. Unsurprisingly, with their many layers and complex designs, kimono are famously difficult to put on and for many years Japanese women would take lessons in kimono dressing as an etiquette requirement. 

Tea ceremony as a practice was established in Zen temples over 450 years ago. It is seen as the most comprehensive of Japanese arts and is deeply connected to Zen philosophy on the attainment of a peaceful mind. Many daimyo lords, samurai warriors, and Buddhist monks practiced tea ceremony for this reason. Nowadays, tea ceremony is seen as profound practice deeply associated with all that makes Japan special: its unique sense of beauty; its tremendous sense of hospitality; its undoubtable zen nature.

About the Program 
In the first half of the program, you will be taught the many facets to kimono dressing by a professional instructor. As you dress, you will also learn about the history and culture of this fascinating garment. Once dressed, you will have the opportunity to take part in a photoshoot next to our gorgeous gold screen and/or (weather permitting) at one of the nearby attractions. Common photospots in the past have included: Tokyo Tower, Zojoji Temple, and Shibakoen Park. 

In the second half of this program, you will follow the authentic practices of our tea master's tea ceremony school. As part of this, the tea master will prepare for you traditional higashi sweets to enjoy before your tea. They will then show you how to make delicious matcha tea in the processes of the tea ceremony, and explain to you the many customs and meanings behind the ceremony. Afterwards, you will have the opportunity to try the processes out for yourself.

Kimono Styles
We have a variety of different kimono on offer, including the following styles: 
• Female-style formal kimono (in subdued colors and often worn by older women)
• Female-style long-sleeved kimono (in bright colors and mostly worn by younger women) 
• Maiko (apprentice geisha) style kimono 
• Male-style kimono* 
• Male-style hakama loose-legged pleated trousers* 
*We can also provide a katana sword or wooden bokken sword with our male-style kimono 

Note: As of March 2020, all activities will now take place in our brand-new cultural experiences room, Grand TJT. Current website photos do not represent this location.