Experience the Beauty of Traditional Japan at HAPPO-EN in Tokyo

Special Cultural Experiences in a Japanese Garden with 400 Years of History

At HAPPO-EN, we embrace the mission of ‘beautifying Japan’ and take pride in preserving our history and culture while sharing Japan’s allure with the world. As part of our efforts, we have expanded our ‘Cultural Experience Section,’ offering plans tailored to both domestic and international guests amidst our historic Japanese garden that has thrived for over 400 years.

The Japanese spirit, nurtured through a long history of traditions, places great importance on hospitality and consideration for others. The expanded ‘Cultural Experience Section’ at HAPPO-EN respects the beauty of Japanese tradition and spirit, proposing customized plans to meet the desires of our guests.

We offer a variety of experiences, including coordinated events for corporate clients and groups, online Japanese cultural experiences, take-home experience kits, and casual tea ceremony experiences in our tea room that are available without reservations. In our garden, which has been flourishing for more than 400 years, you can immerse yourself in the changing beauty of the seasons and deeply experience the traditional beauty of Japan.

1. Tea Ceremony Experience at “Yume-An” in the Japanese Garden

Nestled in HAPPO-EN’s strolling garden, which centers around a picturesque pond, stands the dignified teahouse “Yume-An”. Originally built by a silk trade merchant from Yokohama, known as “Itohira”, in the late Edo to early Meiji period, it was later purchased and relocated to this site by Fusanosuke Kuwabara, an industrialist who played a significant role in the foundation of Hitachi.

At “Yume-An”, we offer two types of tea ceremony experiences: “Teicha”, which is available without reservation, and a reservation-required “Otemae” where HAPPO-EN staff demonstrate the art of tea preparation. Embrace Japanese culture with the changing seasons of Japan as your backdrop.

In the “Teicha” plan, guests can enjoy matcha and sweets prepared in the back tea room while seated in a “Ryurei-seki” (chair-seating) style. No reservations are needed, and everyone is welcome to drop by at their leisure.

2. Main Building Tea Ceremony Experience (Ideal for Corporate Clients and Groups)

The tea ceremony experience in HAPPO-EN’s main building allows guests to discover the charm of Japanese culture. Even beginners can feel at ease as our instructors carefully guide you through the use of utensils and the etiquette of the ceremony. This experience provides a luxurious moment to prepare and savor a cup of tea with all your heart, embodying the spirit of Japanese hospitality.

3. Hand-Rolled Sushi Experience

Enjoy a special hand-rolled sushi experience led by HAPPO-EN’s Japanese chefs. Under the guidance of our chefs, you’ll create your own hand-rolled sushi to enjoy together. This experience is perfectly paired with a stroll through our garden. (Bilingual staff support available)

4. Incense Ceremony Experience Plan

In the world of Kodo (the Way of Incense), one does not simply “smell” the fragrance; instead, one “listens” to it. Engage in “Monko”, a practice of deeply appreciating scents with a clear mind and heightened senses. Enjoy the historic art of Kodo alongside an incense expert. (Bilingual staff support available)

5. Japanese Drum (Taiko) Experience

At the “Hakuhokan” annex in the garden, you can learn about Japanese culture while being physically active through our “Japanese Drum (Taiko) Experience”. This experience is not only great for international guests but also highly recommended for corporate team-building activities. (Bilingual staff support available)

Additionally, the ‘Cultural Experience Section’ offers a variety of cultural experiences tailored to our guests, including Japanese sweets-making and calligraphy workshops.

About HAPPO-EN, the Comprehensive Production Company

Located in Shirokanedai, Tokyo, HAPPO-EN is a comprehensive production company with a vast Japanese garden dating back to the Edo period. We are involved in diverse businesses, including wedding and banquet services, MICE initiatives, and regional promotion. Under our purpose, ‘Beautifying Japan,’ we aim to preserve history and culture while showcasing the allure of Japan to the world. Our vision extends beyond Shirokanedai, striving to create new markets through ‘cultural exchange and creation.