Nara: Visit a Tea Whisk Maker and Make Your Own Tea Scoop

Experience the traditional art of tea whisk making in Takayama. Watch the techniques of the head of the Tanimura family, one of only 18 tea whisk makers and make your own tea scoop with his help.
Discover the hidden charm of Takayama tea whisks and the traditional manufacturing methods passed down from generation to generation. The production of tea whisks began about 500 years ago in Takayama, a village rich in bamboo, at the request of Juko Murata, the founder of Wabicha (tea ceremony). Even today, most of the tea whisks produced in Japan are still made by hand in Takayama, using the same traditional methods.

Visit the home and workshop of Tango Tanimura, the head of a family of tea whisk makers who have passed down their secret methods of making tea whisks for the past 500 years.

Meet at Tanimura Tango, one of the 13 tea whisk makers from the Edo period. While surrounded by beautiful tea whisks at the craftsman’s house, the 20th Tango Tanimura, the head of the Tanimura family, generously demonstrates the advanced techniques required for the production of tea whisk. Admire the secret process that has been handed down from one generation to the next for 500 years right in front of you. Then, try your hand at making your own original tea scoop.

To guarantee availability book as soon as possible. Early booking is worth consideration especially if you planning the trip during high season like public holidays or weekends.

This excursion you can cancel with no cost up to 24 hours before the start of the trip. If you cancel it after 24 hours or not show up on the excursion you will still be charged the full price of the activity. Being late on pick-up or departure will be considered as not showing up.