Japanese Tea Retreat

The Japanese tea ceremony took its current form in the 16th century. The symbolic, structured sequence of events allows participants to consciously experience the essence of the tea ceremony—harmony and stillness—while fostering mindfulness and concentration. The retreat tea ceremony helps you carry these values into your everyday life, even beyond the ritual itself.

February 14 to 17 and
October 10 to 13, 2027 (bookable online shortly) 

3 nights

Single room from CHF 960.–
Twin room from CHF 1815.–

The prices are per room and include VAT, spa and accommodation tax.

Our Course Instructors

Soyu Mukai, professor and tea master, was awarded the title of tea master in 1988 and the title of professor by the Urasenke School of Tea in Kyoto in 2014. In 2006, she oversaw the construction of the new Japanese tea room 『一心庵』 Isshin-An at the Rietberg Museum. From 2002 to 2020, she was responsible for the entire tea ceremony program at the Rietberg Museum and at the Japanese Embassy in Bern. In 2019, she was honored with an award from the Japanese Minister of Foreign Affairs for her services.

Offer

In addition to our included services, you will receive

• 3 nights in the desired room category

• 1-2 sessions per day

Goals

The focus is on practical exercises and hands-on experience. The sessions are clearly structured and guided in an easy-to-follow manner.

Key Areas:

• Basics of Matcha Tea Preparation: “Bonryaku”

• Materials: Utensils and Matcha

• Breathing with Specific Exercises

• Mindfulness and Relaxation in the Process

• "Bonryaku" and Its Application in Everyday Life

Daily Routine

Contents and times may vary. You will receive the exact program* at the beginning of the retreat or on request in advance. Explanations will follow at the beginning of the retreat.

Day of Arrival

5:30 p.m. Participation in the Bonryaku tea preparation, explanations of the Japanese tea ceremony
7 p.m. Dinner, including Merliger water (still)

Day 1

7:30 a.m. Breakfast
9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Materials Science and Practical Exercises in Bonryaku Preparation
5:30 p.m. Review and Initial Setup of the Bonryaku Preparation
7 p.m. Dinner, including Merliger water (still)

Day 2

7:30 a.m. Breakfast
9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Sub-exercises and the second stage of Bonryaku preparation
5:30 p.m. Repetition
7 p.m. Dinner, including Merliger water (still)

Day of Departure

8 to 9 a.m. Review, Application in Everyday Life
9 a.m. Breakfast, Farewells
11 a.m. Checkout

* Program subject to change