Overview
Ueda Sōko was a warrior and tea master who lived through an age of conflict in Japan.
In his later years, he is said to have sought moments of tranquility at Iwafune-no-Mizu, a natural spring flowing in the mountains of Asahara, Hatsukaichi, Hiroshima.
Your journey begins at Kameyama Shrine, where a magnificent old tree has watched over this land for generations. In its presence,
take a quiet moment to show respect for Asahara and prepare yourself to encounter its nature, culture, and way of life.
From there, continue to Iwafune-no-Mizu.
Draw the mountain water yourself, then walk through the rural landscape while discovering how life in Asahara has long been shaped by living alongside nature.
The Japanese Way of Tea is about far more than preparing and drinking tea.
To feel the water.
To notice the seasons.
To prepare the space.
To be present for another person.
Within these simple acts lies a philosophy of living in harmony with nature and with others.
Using the water you have collected, heat the kettle and experience tea according to the traditions of the Ueda Sōko Ryū.
Through each deliberate movement, rediscover senses that can easily become lost in the pace of everyday life.
The tea experience unfolds in a tranquil Japandi setting, where Japanese aesthetics meet Scandinavian design.
Though born from different cultures, both share an appreciation for simplicity, stillness, and living in harmony with nature.
The stillness of the warrior.
Harmony with nature.
Harmony across cultures.
Samurai Tea & the Sacred Water of Hiroshima — Find Your Stillness
Select a date &
make a reservation
Please press the button to request your reservation. We will check availability and notify you of the result.
Your reservation is confirmed only after you receive our confirmation notice.
Location
「Sumu.」
2763 Asahara, Hatsukaichi-shi, Hiroshima Prefecture, 738-0222, Japan
Price
The price includes tax and covers visits to Kameyama Shrine and Iwafune-no-Mizu, the Ueda Sōko Ryū warrior tea experience, English interpretation, and journaling materials.
Transportation is not included.
If you require transportation arrangements, please specify your request in the remarks section of the application form.
Schedule
1:00 PM Meet at Sumu. (a renovated traditional Japanese house reimagined in Japandi style)
Meet your guide and receive an introduction to the journey ahead.
1:10–1:30 PM Kameyama Shrine — Greeting the Land
Welcomed by a magnificent old tree that has watched over Asahara for generations, visit the local shrine and take a quiet moment
to show respect for the land before encountering its water, culture, and traditions.
1:30–1:45 PM Iwafune-no-Mizu — Drawing the Water
Visit Iwafune-no-Mizu, the natural spring where Ueda Sōko is said to have sought tranquility in his later years.
Discover its connection to the warrior tea tradition and draw the water that will be used for your tea.
1:45–2:00 PM Life in Harmony with Nature
Walk through the rural landscape toward Sumu., experiencing the seasonal scenery and discovering how life in Asahara
has long been shaped by its relationship with nature.
2:00–3:30 PM Ueda Sōko Ryū Warrior Tea — From Water to a Bowl of Tea
Heat the water you collected from Iwafune-no-Mizu and experience tea according to the traditions of the Ueda Sōko Ryū.
In a tranquil Japandi setting, discover harmony with nature and others through a bowl of tea.
3:30–3:45 PM Reflection — Journaling
Take a quiet moment to reflect on the experience and put into words what “peace” and “harmony” mean to you.
3:45–4:00 PM Reflection — Dialogue & Q&A
Share your reflections and explore questions about tea culture, Asahara, and the experience.
4:00 PM End of Experience
Continue your journey carrying with you a sense of harmony — with nature, with others, and within yourself.
Dress code
As the experience includes some walking, please wear comfortable clothing and walking shoes.
A kappōgi, a traditional Japanese apron, will be provided for you to wear during the onigiri-making experience.
Please let us know your height and clothing size in advance.
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 and Shodō.
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.
Select a date &
make a reservation
Please press the button to request your reservation. We will check availability and notify you of the result.
Your reservation is confirmed only after you receive our confirmation notice.