Overview
Step into a living Japanese temple and experience the quiet depth of the Way of Tea as it is practiced by the local community.
At Joshoji Temple in Toyota City, you are welcomed not as a visitor, but as a guest invited into an intimate and meaningful cultural moment.
Dressed in a traditional monk’s work robe, you begin with a gentle introduction to temple life through a guided walk of the sacred grounds.
You will learn the basics of Buddhism, explore the main hall, and discover the history connected to this peaceful place.
The experience then flows into Sa-Dō, the Japanese tea ceremony, where you learn its philosophy, refined etiquette, and the cultural roots of Aichi as a tea-producing region.
Through each movement and shared bowl of tea, you will feel a sense of calm, presence, and connection.
More than a cultural activity, this is a moment of stillness and authenticity—
an invitation to experience the Japanese way through the everyday traditions of those who live it.
Inside a Private Temple: Tea Practiced by Locals
Select the date & Reservation
Location
「JOSHOJI」
62 Mukaiyashiki, Wakabayashi-nishi-machi, Toyota-shi, Aichi, 473-0917, Japan
Price
The price covers experience, facility charges, and taxes. Meals, transportation costs are not included.
If you require transportation arrangements, please specify your request in the remarks section of the application form.
Schedule
10:00AM Meet at the temple
ーChange into a monk's work robe "Samue”.
ーWelcome Drink＆Overall Program Description
10:30AM Temple Guided Tour
ーWhat‘s about buddism?/Main hall, Tokugawaieyasu & monk meeting room
11:30AM Sa-Dō“茶道”～Tea Ceremony～
ーKnow about Sa-Dō“茶道”/Description of Aichi, a Tea-Producing Region
ーLearning the etiquette for both the host and the guest
1:00PM Change clothes
Dress Code
Please wear warm inner layers in winter.
At the start of the experience, you will put on the traditional work clothes we prepare over your clothing.
We also prepare tabi socks.
Please let us know your clothing size and foot size when you apply.
Payment
Payment in advance / Credit card JPY only
Booking deadline
Booking must be made at least 7 days before the experience date
Cancellation policy
・From 20 days prior to the experience date: 20% of the total experience fee
・From 14 days prior: 50%
・From 7 days prior: 100%
Cancellation fees are calculated based on the scheduled experience date.
Further remarks
Please let us know in advance if you have prior experience in Sadō.
Due to unavoidable circumstances, programs or workshops are subject to last-minute changes and cancellations.
If you are more than 30 minutes late without prior notice on the day of your appointment, it will be automatically canceled.
In such cases, no refund will be issued.