“Yobanashi Tōwa” is an evening tea gathering where travelers and locals come together to share tea, conversation, and a quiet sense of connection.
It offers an opportunity to experience the essence of Japanese tea culture—hospitality, mindfulness, and warmth—in a relaxed atmosphere around the gentle glow of light.
For over 400 years, Narai-juku has been a place where residents and travelers have coexisted within the same landscape.
The beauty of the town endures thanks to the people who have lovingly preserved and nurtured their way of life for generations.
Life in Narai has long been supported by the blessings of the surrounding mountains and the skill of local artisans.
The landscape flows naturally into the neighboring lacquerware town of Kiso-Hirasawa—once part of the same village—where daily life and craftsmanship have long supported each other.
This tea ceremony invites you to feel the stories woven between these two towns, expressed through light and artistry.
The gathering takes place at Tokuriya, a historic house that once served as a waki-honjin (secondary inn for travelers) during the Edo period and later as a family-run ryokan until the early 20th century.
Today, the couple who live there continue to run a small restaurant, welcoming guests while carrying on the spirit of their home.
The ceremony is held around an irori (Japanese hearth), where travelers once gathered to share warmth on their journeys.
With a bowl of tea in hand, you are invited to experience a moment that connects you to the history and life of this town.
The experience consists of two servings of tea.
For the first, guests are offered a bowl of usucha (Light taste tea) prepared by the host.
For the second, you may choose from a selection of Kiso lacquerware tea bowls and whisk your own tea in a hands-on experience.
Even first-time participants are warmly welcome.
A brief introduction to tea etiquette will be provided, and chairs or cushions are available for those who prefer not to sit on the tatami.
Event Details
Dates: November 21–23 & 28–30, 2025
Times: Two sessions daily (4:00 p.m. / 8:00 p.m.)
Venue: Tokuriya, Narai-juku
Price: ¥9,900 (tax included)
Special Offer
Participants are invited to join a complimentary guided tour the following morning (9:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.)
to explore the living heritage of Narai-juku and Kiso-Hirasawa, visiting the townscapes and lacquerware workshops featured in the tea ceremony.
Learn more and reserve: https://chado-meets.com/en
