◆ Take home your very own authentic Japanese yukata
◆ Learn how to put on a Japanese yukata from a licensed expert 
◆ Choose from a variety of colorful yukata styles and designs
◆ Enjoy a photoshoot in your yukata
◆ Learn elegant tea ceremony from a licensed tea master
◆ Try high-quality matcha tea in its most natural setting 
◆ Discover Japanese Zen philosophy in practice 

About Yukata & Tea Ceremony
The yukata is the Japanese kimono worn in the summer. They are wide sleeved robes worn by both men and women.  Often made of cotton, they are a lot lighter than traditional kimono. Like the kimono, they have a long history in Japan and were originally worn to attend bath houses. Nowadays, they are mostly worn at summer festivals or at traditional Japanese inns.  

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 a 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 yukata 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 golden 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.