[Experience] A special Japanese cultural experience at a cultural property not open to the public. "Issa-an" Sencha Salon Tour

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• Table of Contents
• 1. What is literati sencha? — Another Japanese tea culture different from the matcha tea ceremony
• 2. Features of the Scholar Sencha Salon Experience at Issaan in Osaka
• 3. Structure of the experience
• 4. Don't just stop at sightseeing—this experience brings new value to travel
• 5. Reservations and Inquiries - One group per day, carefully coordinated for quality time
• Gold-Guide is releasing a series of special experience programs!
• Leave your guided tours to Gold-Guide!

1. What is literati sencha? — Another Japanese tea culture different from the matcha tea ceremony

①Sencha: Japan's most popular green tea

Sencha is the most widely enjoyed green tea in Japan. Brewed using whole tea leaves, it has a refreshing aroma and harmonious flavor, making it a part of the daily lives of many people. Unlike matcha, which is brewed and drunk, sencha is gently steeped in a teapot, allowing you to enjoy the natural appearance of the tea leaves.

Alongside the now-widely known "Chanoyu" tea ceremony of matcha, there is another lineage of Japanese tea culture that developed around sencha, which is brewed in a teapot. This is "literati sencha." Sencha, which was once a familiar everyday drink, eventually came to play a special role in Japanese cultural history, connecting knowledge and beauty.

② The salon culture of exchanging knowledge and beauty - Sencha tea for scholars

Literati sencha developed as a salon culture in the Edo period, where scholars, artists, and intellectuals brought together calligraphy, paintings, crafts, poetry, and philosophy to enjoy conversation . Gatherings where participants discussed each other's work and ideas over sencha tea were filled with intellectual stimulation and aesthetic joy. This culture follows a different aesthetic path from the matcha tea ceremony, which emphasizes strict etiquette based on the Zen spirit. If the tea ceremony is a culture of tranquility that has perfected "serene etiquette and the preparation for a once-in-a-lifetime encounter," literati sencha is a culture of movement that values ​​"the exchange of knowledge and aesthetic dialogue." Conversation, appreciation of artwork, and the free exchange of ideas were valued over strict behavior.

Guests would bring calligraphy, paintings, or treasured items and engage in dialogue where their aesthetic sense and intellectual curiosity intersected. Tea was merely a medium, and the core of salon culture was the learning and joy that came from the resonance of people , things, and space .

In Osaka in particular, this culture has developed in a unique way, thanks to the free and open atmosphere that is unique to a commercial city . Witty conversation and a gentle sense of humor have long been cherished in the refined interactions that surround sencha.

2. Features of the Scholar Sencha Salon Experience at Issaan in Osaka

Sencha salon experience held at "Issa-an," a nationally registered tangible cultural property

①What is Issa-an?

The tradition of Issa-an is deeply rooted in the history of the Tsukuda family, which dates back to the Muromachi period. During the Edo period, the Tsukuda family ran an inn in Itahana-juku, a post town on the Nakayama, where many scholars and literary figures gathered. A culture of intellectual exchange, where people discussed poetry, calligraphy, paintings, and ideas over tea, was nurtured in this area. In 1918, the Tsukuda family moved to its current location near Osaka. Issa-an stands in a quiet corner, preserving the original architecture of the time . The spirit of the bygone era, when literary figures came and went, lives on today, and the building itself is a rare space that embodies the memory of literary culture.

Currently, as "Bunjinkai Issaan," the group conveys the charm of sencha culture to the modern day through lectures and tea ceremonies. In 2015, the Tsukuda Sencha Room, which serves as the center of their activities, was registered as a national tangible cultural property. This historic space is carefully preserved as a valuable cultural heritage that conveys the spirit of Bunjin Sencha to the present day.

In this tranquil cultural setting, the experience of coming into contact with the world of sencha, beloved by literary figures , is still being quietly passed down to this day.

3. Structure of the experience

The program will be structured in three acts:

Act 1: Study - Introducing the history of sencha and the cultural background of Osaka through interior design and cultural artifacts

The experience begins in a Chinese-style study, evoking the intellectual world that shaped sencha culture during the Edo period, where guests are given an explanation of the history of sencha, the cultural development of Osaka, and the architectural heritage of Issa-an.

Act 2: Tea Room - A quiet moment to discuss aesthetics while savoring seasonal green tea and sweets in front of a selection of tea utensils and art.

The gathering then moves to the tea room to view carefully selected tea utensils and artworks. Sencha tea and seasonal sweets are served, creating a tranquil moment where a dialogue on aesthetic sensibilities is born, centered around tea and objects.

Act 3: Kaiseki - A special kaiseki meal based on the theme of the day will be prepared on-site by a partner chef. Tea, food, and conversation will come together in harmony.

The evening concludes with a sophisticated multi-course banquet inspired by the salon's theme. Tea is thoughtfully served throughout the course to enhance the food. A specially selected tea is presented at the end of the meal, providing a fitting finale and contemplative moment.

This program will be accompanied by a highly qualified Gold-Guide guide. They will interpret and contextualize the background of the space and artworks as a story, carefully navigating the tour to deepen the understanding of overseas guests. This enhanced viewing resolution will make the experience even more personal and unforgettable.

4. Don't just stop at sightseeing—this experience brings new value to travel

The Scholar Sencha Salon experience is a step beyond busy sightseeing or photo-only travel. Here, the time to "savor time itself" is valued.

In a cultural property space that is not normally open to the public, you will be hosted by the heir to the culture of literati sencha, and your Gold-Guide guide will carefully deepen your understanding of the experience, adapting to your language and pace. Intellectual dialogue will naturally emerge based on your interests in art, history, and philosophy, fostering a personal time tailored to each individual. Away from the hustle and bustle, you will enjoy a rich moment appreciating Japanese culture as your senses are quietly attuned.

The true value of this experience lies in the rare opportunity to experience the successor of Issaan Sencha tea ceremony personally welcoming and entertaining guests in a historical space that is normally closed to the public.

5. Reservations and Inquiries - One group per day, carefully coordinated for quality time

Please enquire in advance for this program.

This program is not booked directly through the website, but rather an itinerary is created based on each group's individual requests, including dates, themes, and dietary considerations (including dietary restrictions). It is also possible to incorporate sightseeing at Osaka before or after the program, so please first let us know your preferences through the official form. The experience alone is expected to take approximately 3-4 hours.

Contact form here

*The development and operation of travel products will be carried out appropriately in cooperation with registered domestic travel agencies. Personal information will be used only for arranging this program and will be managed in accordance with the privacy policy of each company.

*The photographic data in this article was provided by Issaan.

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