Sanken-Cha Tea Experience

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Sanken-Cha Tea Experience

The culture of tea, formerly a social tool limited to the upper classes, changed over time as tea became a drink for the masses

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In 1590, Toyotomi Hideyoshi became the first warlord to achieve unification of the entire country. There is a famous tale of a time that Ishida Mitsunari, known as a loyal retainer of Hideyoshi, met him and presented him with three cups of tea. This was called 'Sanken-Cha' tea. Come and experience the hospitality of Mitsunari's that impressed Hideyoshi so much at this tea store, founded in 1756.

See an experience report for this facility!

Photos

  • Mandokoroen Company representative, Mr. Masaaki Ogura.

    Mandokoroen Company representative, Mr. Masaaki Ogura.

  • Introducing Sanken-Cha tea with 'kamishibai' ('paper play'). Following this, there is an explanation of the utensils.

    Introducing Sanken-Cha tea with 'kamishibai' ('paper play'). Following this, there is an explanation of the utensils.

  • Mandokorocha tea is used, a favorite of Hideyoshi's. The tea is made using the 'Aosei Sencha Seiho' tea manufacturing method, which involves steaming the fresh tea leaves, then kneading and drying them.

    Mandokorocha tea is used, a favorite of Hideyoshi's. The tea is made using the 'Aosei Sencha Seiho' tea manufacturing method, which involves steaming the fresh tea leaves, then kneading and drying them.

  • The handle being on the side of the small teapot is unique to Japan! You can learn about Japanese culture through the utensils used.

    The handle being on the side of the small teapot is unique to Japan! You can learn about Japanese culture through the utensils used.

  • Experience and enjoy the feeling of being like Mitsunari as you make the tea and the ruler of the country as you drink it.

    Experience and enjoy the feeling of being like Mitsunari as you make the tea and the ruler of the country as you drink it.

  • These are old-style tea leaves. The Mandokoroen staff make us some tea with them.

    These are old-style tea leaves. The Mandokoroen staff make us some tea with them.

Reviews

4
  • Dylan

    Drinking the tea and learning the history behind it was particularly interesting.

  • JordanT

    The friendliness of the presenters, the cute presentation panels, and of course the taste of the tea.

  • LaurierTiernan

    I appreciated the mix of Mr.Ogura’s imperfect English with his young assistant’s more polished English. It gave the activity a charmingly engaging quality.

  • unbeaten japan

    The illustrated cards for explanations were typically cute Japanese style, complete with spelling mistakes and vocabulary errors.

Experience information

Name of facility
Mandokoroen Yume-Kyobashi Store
Name of experience
Omi Mandokorocha Sanken-Cha Tea Experience
Address
Yume-Kyobashi Castle Road Shopping District 2-1-7-1 Honmachi, Hikone City, Shiga 522-0064
Business Hours
Weekdays: 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. (Varies by season.)
Weekend and public holidays: 9:30 a.m.-6:00 p.m.
Holidays
Closed some tuesdays
Cost
3,500 yen + tax
Accepted payment methods
Accepted
Number of guests accepted (groups)
1 to 50 people
Telephone number
0749-22-8808
Languages spoken
Japanese only
Official Website
Official Website (Japanese)