Celebrating One Year of Cultural Tea Museums in Japan

Celebrating One Year of Cultural Tea Museums

In the heart of Tokyo, the Cultural Tea Museums and Ooi Tea Museum have celebrated their first anniversary, marking a pivotal milestone in the immersion of tea culture. Established by Itoen, under the leadership of President Daisuke Honjo, these museums serve as community hubs to co-create the future of tea from April 29 to May 6, 2025.

Tea has long been an integral part of Japanese culture, more than just a beverage; it’s a conduit of communication and a tradition that harks back centuries. The opening of these museums on May 1, 2024, within the former Shimbashi Station, has successfully showcased the rich history and evolution of tea drinking customs, engaging visitors through various exhibits.

A Journey Through Tea History

The Cultural Tea Museum is dedicated to preserving and nurturing both traditional Japanese culture and culinary heritage through tea. With a focus on its history and the various practices related to its consumption, the museum has garnered praise for deepening visitors' understanding of the intricacies of tea culture. Comments from attendees, such as “I felt the profound depth of tea's history” and “I learned about the various tea-drinking methods”, reflect the museum’s success in creating an engaging educational experience.

Through ongoing collaborations with experts and the addition of new materials, the museum continues to enrich its offerings. The exhibits on the Sencha Way and the Ranzil Label have been particularly well-received, further solidifying the museum's role in promoting social education and cultural advancement. Recently recognized as a registered museum, it aims to maintain and expand its educational and cultural functions.

In the Ooi Tea Museum, visitors can explore the entire journey of Ooi Tea, from the tea fields to the bottled beverage available at convenience stores. This museum illustrates how contemporary lifestyles have embraced this traditional drink, offering hands-on opportunities like creating haiku poetry inspired by tea. The interactive seminars have attracted over 7,000 participants, who expressed amazement at the delightful nuances of properly brewed tea and a newfound interest in this cherished national beverage.