Learn from a Master: Tea Whisk Making with Techniques Passed Down for Over 500 Years

This experience offers a unique opportunity to learn the art of tea whisk making, a tradition passed down for over 500 years, at the long-established "Wahokudo" in Takayama, Nara. You will witness a live demonstration by a tea whisk master and personally engage in the final thread-wrapping process to craft your own whisk.

The experience takes place at "Wahokudo" in Takayama, Nara, known as the birthplace of tea whisk making. You will learn about the process of splitting bamboo, aligning the fibers, and carefully shaping the whisk, steps that have been passed down for generations. Under the guidance of the 20th-generation tea whisk master, Mr. Tango Tanimura, you will witness a live demonstration and have the chance to complete the final thread-wrapping process yourself. This is a chance to truly appreciate how this essential tool in the tea ceremony is supported by delicate craftsmanship and sensory precision, as you experience the texture of the materials and the subtle movements of the hands.

For those interested, it is also possible to enjoy a traditional tea ceremony with matcha and sweets, served by Master Tango Tanimura, after the tea whisk making experience. Additionally, you can opt for a traditional "bento" lunch sourced from a local shop. After crafting your whisk, you can savor a peaceful moment with tea or a meal, immersing yourself in a unique and enriching experience that can only be found here.

The conversation with the artisan, the joy of holding the whisk you have crafted yourself, and the peaceful moments that follow elevate this experience beyond craftsmanship. As a "craft of memories" that will stay with you, it will undoubtedly deeply enrich your travel experience. Step out of daily life and immerse yourself in the beauty of Japanese aesthetics during your time in Takayama, Nara.

Wahokudo, a long-established workshop that has been passing down the tradition of tea whisk making since the Muromachi period (1336-1573), is led by the 20th-generation tea whisk master, Tango Tanimura. He carefully completes every step of the process, preserving both the craftsmanship and spirit of this family tradition. Visitors can experience up close the depth of tea whisk making, an essential element of Japan's tea ceremony culture, and immerse themselves in the world of craftsmanship where beauty and tradition come to life.

Through a live demonstration by the 20th-generation tea whisk master Tango Tanimura of Wahokudo, you can witness firsthand how a tea whisk is crafted. Starting from a single bamboo stem, the process involves shaving the tips and shaping the whisk. Each step is done by hand, infused with over 500 years of delicate craftsmanship and aesthetic sensibility passed down through the generations. In this quiet space, by observing the artisan's movements and how the tools are used, you can truly appreciate the depth of Japan's traditional craftsmanship.

After the demonstration, you will have the opportunity to experience the finishing step of "thread-wrapping" under the guidance of Mr. Tanimura. This is the delicate process of wrapping thread around the carefully shaped tips to set their form. By completing this step with your own hands, you will experience both the challenges and joys of craftsmanship, requiring focus and a keen sense of touch. Your completed tea whisk can be taken home with you.

[Option 1] Tea Ceremony Experience – Delight in the Quietude and Beauty of the Ceremony with a Bowl of Tea Whisked by the Master

To conclude the experience, you will savor a peaceful moment with matcha and traditional sweets, prepared by Master Tango Tanimura. In addition to being a skilled tea whisk artisan, Mr. Tanimura is a trained practitioner of the Urasenke school of tea ceremony, and his movements reflect the elegance and philosophy of the tradition. By savoring a carefully prepared bowl of tea, you will quietly connect with the essence of the Japanese tea ceremony.

[Option 2] Lunch – Traditional "Shidashi Bento" (Catered Lunch Box) Sourced from a Local Shop

For those who wish, a "Shidashi Bento" (catered lunch box) to enjoy before or after the experience can be provided. The bento, sourced from a popular local shop, is filled with colorful dishes made from seasonal ingredients, adding richness to your break in this serene setting. This is an ideal option for those who wish to relax and fully enjoy their time on-site, without the need to leave the venue.

◎ English-speaking guide
◎ Observation of tea whisk making by Master Tango Tanimura
◎ Hands-on tea whisk making experience (Thread-wrapping)

× Transportation costs

※ Optional experiences can also be added as follows. If you wish to include any, please indicate so in the application notes section.
・Tea ceremony experience in a traditional tea room (+2,000 yen)
・"Shidashi Bento" lunch (+ From 2,000 yen)

・Meet at Wahokudo with Master Tango Tanimura
Mr. Tanimura, the 20th-generation tea whisk maker, will warmly welcome you and provide a detailed introduction to the experience.

・Observe the Art of Tea Whisk Making by Mr. Tanimura
Experience the entire process of tea whisk making, from a single bamboo stem to the finished whisk, through Master Tanimura’s skilled demonstration.
You will feel the essence of Japan’s traditional craftsmanship as you witness the handcrafting process, from splitting and shaving the bamboo to shaping it with precision.

・Create Your Own Tea Whisk (Thread-Wrapping Experience)
Experience the final step of tea whisk making, thread wrapping, by personally crafting your own whisk. With guidance from the master artisan, your very personal tea whisk will be ready for you to take home.

〇 The following optional experiences are also available:

・Tea Ceremony Experience: Enjoy matcha powdered green tea and traditional Japanese sweets in a serene setting, prepared by Master Tango Tanimura.
Experience the beauty of the Urasenke-style movements and the essence of the tea ceremony up close.

・Lunch (Shidashi Bento): A traditional bento box can be provided during your experience.
Enjoy a relaxing break with a Shidashi bento filled with seasonal dishes.