Answers to the questions we hear most often about our mobile tea ceremony experience in Tokyo. Covering seating, clothing, English support, pricing, and what to expect on the day.
If you can’t find what you’re looking for, please get in touch.
日本語のFAQはこちら：よくあるご質問
📋 Contents
- Seating & Physical Concerns
- Clothing & What to Bring
- The Experience
- English Support
- Pricing & Booking
- On the Day
Seating & Physical Concerns
Q. I can’t sit in seiza (kneeling). Can I still participate?
A. Yes, absolutely. Seiza, cross-legged, or on a chair — any sitting position is fine. There is no requirement to kneel, so please join in whatever way is comfortable for you.
Q. I have difficulty sitting for long periods due to back or knee problems.
A. A chair works perfectly well. The hands-on portion of the experience takes around 5 to 10 minutes per person, so there is no need to sit for an extended time.
Q. I have a joint condition. Is that okay?
A. Yes — you can participate seated in a chair throughout. If you have specific concerns, let us know in advance and we will make sure the setup works for you.
Q. Can someone in a wheelchair participate?
A. Yes. Please mention it when you book and we will arrange the table height and setup accordingly.
Clothing & What to Bring
Q. Is there a dress code?
A. No. Come as you are — everyday clothes, business attire, or casual wear all work equally well.
Q. Should I wear a kimono or yukata?
A. You are welcome to if you have one, but it is not required. The experience is fully authentic in whatever you are wearing.
Q. What do I need to bring?
A. Nothing. Matcha, Japanese sweets, and all tea utensils are brought by the instructor. Come empty-handed.
Q. Should I remove jewellery?
A. We ask that rings, bracelets, and watches are removed during the experience, as they can scratch the tea bowls.
The Experience
Q. Will I actually whisk my own matcha? Is that manageable for a complete beginner?
A. Yes — the instructor guides you through it step by step, and most people manage on their first attempt. “I can’t believe I actually did it” is something we hear a lot.
Q. I’m a bit nervous about whisking. Can I just watch and drink instead?
A. Of course. You can enjoy matcha and Japanese sweets prepared by the instructor without whisking yourself. You can also decide on the day — there is no pressure either way.
Q. I don’t like matcha. Can I still take part?
A. Yes. You are welcome to join in the experience without drinking the matcha. That said, many people who thought they didn’t like it find that freshly whisked matcha tastes different from what they expected.
Q. Can children participate?
A. Yes, there is no age limit. For younger children, we recommend joining in alongside a parent or guardian.
Q. How long does the experience take?
A. The hands-on portion is around 5 to 10 minutes per person. Total time depends on group size — roughly 1 to 1.5 hours for 10 guests, and 2 to 2.5 hours for 20. Add 30 minutes to an hour either side for setup and pack-up.
Q. Does it have to be held in a tatami room?
A. No. Any space with tables and chairs works — meeting rooms, hotel lounges, event halls, and office spaces are all fine.
Q. Can we take photos or videos?
A. Yes — photography and filming during the session are welcome. So is sharing on social media.
English Support
Q. We have non-Japanese-speaking guests. Can the experience be conducted in English?
A. Yes. An English-speaking staff member can be arranged to handle all explanations and facilitation in English (¥13,000 per person). This option is used regularly for corporate events and hotel VIP programmes.
Q. What does the English-speaking staff member do?
A. They handle the full session in English — background on tea ceremony, step-by-step guidance during the experience, and answering any questions from participants.
Q. Our group is a mix of Japanese and non-Japanese speakers. Is that okay?
A. Yes. We can run the session in both languages. Please let us know the mix when you book.
Pricing & Booking
Q. How much does it cost?
A. The base pricing is a travel fee from ¥38,000 (tax included) plus ¥3,800 per person (tax included). Estimates by group size:
| Group Size | Estimated Total (tax incl.) | Per Person |
|---|---|---|
| 5 guests | Approx. ¥57,000 | Approx. ¥11,400 |
| 10 guests | Approx. ¥87,000 | Approx. ¥8,700 |
| 20 guests | Approx. ¥136,000 | Approx. ¥6,800 |
See the full pricing page for more detail.
Q. Can I request a quote without committing to a booking?
A. Of course. We can give a rough estimate even before dates and numbers are finalised. Just get in touch.
Q. Is there a minimum group size?
A. No minimum — bookings from one person are welcome. We handle everything from private VIP sessions to large-scale events.
Q. Can you handle last-minute bookings?
A. We can often manage with as little as three days’ notice, though a surcharge applies (3–6 days before: +20%; 1–2 days before: +40%; same day: +100%). Booking at least a week in advance is recommended.
Q. Do you issue invoices for corporate clients?
A. Yes. Invoice payment is available for corporate clients. We are a registered qualified invoice issuer (registration number: T2013301051519).
Q. What is your cancellation policy?
A. Cancellation terms depend on timing and will be provided at the quote stage.
On the Day
Q. What does the venue need to prepare?
A. Tables, chairs, and a bin bag. Hot water access is helpful but not essential — we can bring a portable kettle if needed. Everything else (matcha, sweets, all utensils) is brought by the instructor.
Q. When does the instructor arrive?
A. We arrive 30 minutes to an hour before the session starts to set up.
Q. Do we need to clear up afterwards?
A. No — the instructor handles all cleanup and is usually packed up and gone within 30 minutes of the session ending.
Q. What if the number of participants changes on the day?
A. Let us know as soon as possible and we will do our best to accommodate the change. Please contact us in advance rather than on the day if at all possible.
Still have a question? Contact us and we’ll get back to you.
▶ Tea ceremony experience details: Matcha Experience
▶ Corporate and hotel enquiries: Mobile Tea Ceremony for Corporate Events & VIP Hospitality
