The Tokyo National Museum of the Independent Administrative Institution National Institute for Cultural Heritage (Location: Taito-ku, Tokyo; Director: Makoto Fujiwara; hereinafter referred to as “Tokyo National Museum”) will open the TOHAKU CHAKAN (teahouse) in the Okyokan, a Japanese house on the museum premises (opening period: July 14, 2023 – January 28, 2024).
The Tokyo National Museum, located in Ueno, Tokyo, currently houses approximately 120,000 items that have been collected and passed down over the past 150 years since its founding. Among these, there are 89 national treasures and 649 important cultural properties (as of April 2023), making the museum one of Japan’s leading collections in terms of both quality and quantity.
The Okyokan is a valuable Japanese house that is not usually open to the public. It was built in 1742 as the shoin (study room) of the Meigenin Temple, which was located in the outskirts of Nagoya City. Later, it was moved to the residence of Mr. Takashi Masuda (Donno) located in Shinagawa, Tokyo, who was the first president of Mitsui & Co. as well as a famous tea master. In 1933, the Okyokan was donated to the Tokyo National Museum. A variety of food, beverages, and activities have been prepared for visitors to enjoy Japanese culture while appreciating the (reproduced) fusuma paintings by Maruyama Okyo, one of the master painters of Japan’s Edo period. We invite you to take this valuable opportunity of a limited time and pay a visit to the Okyokan.
Official website → https://chakan-tokyo.com/ (scheduled to open on July 10)
For inquiries, please contact → t.chakan@chakan-tokyo.com
For Foreign Visitors to Japan: Experience Authentic Japanese Culture and Activities at the Tokyo National Museum
Recommended activities encompassing the 3 E’s:
Environment
Experience
Education
(1）Zen Breathing Method “ZEN KOKYU”
The Zen breathing method is based on the breathing techniques passed down in the 18th century by zen master Hakuin, the founder of the word “health” in 1751. His book, Yasen
Kanna has spread the way of being healthy. Revived by Yuki Shiina as “ZEN KOKYU”, it has endured through the ages and is still practiced today.
(2) 5-Minute KIMONO Experience
At the Okyokan, a kimono dressing experience is offered with carefully tailored kimonos made one by one in Kyoto.
(3) BONSAI Workshop
You can enjoy bonsais created by bonsai artist Kunio Kobayashi at the TOHAKU CHAKAN.
*This is an occasional event. Dates and details will be announced on the official website.
FOOD
ARAMASA, Japanese Sake Brewed in Wooden Vats
ARAMASA, a sake brewery in Akita Prefecture, returns to the traditional methods of the Edo period and brews all its sake in wooden vats.
ICHIRO’S MALT, Japanese Whisky
Ichiro’s Malt is a representative of Japanese whisky.
Serving Meals with Carefully Selected Ingredients from All over Japan
A variety of light meals such as udon, soba, and inari are offered. On weekends, a limited-edition set menu is also offered by reservation only.
Take-out is also available. *Meals will be available from August.
“K&K Canned Food” Made with the Finest Ingredients
The “K&K Canned Food” series of canned foods are offered with zero compromise on ingredients.
“Daichi No Ume” Made from 100% Organic Ingredients
A completely organic plum wine made from organic plums carefully cultivated by Japanese plum farmers and soaked by The CHOYA in organic sugar and organic sake spirit.
Event Information
TOHAKU CHAKAN, Authentic Japanese TEA CAFÉ
Okyokan, Tokyo National Museum
– An Authentic Japanese Experience in Tokyo –
[Regular Holiday] Mondays (Tuesdays if Monday is a national holiday) from December 23 to January 1, and other holidays.
[Opening Hours] 10:00 – 16:30 (last order at 16:00)
[Venue] Okyokan of the Tokyo National Museum
[Address] 13-9 Uenokoen, Taito-ku, Tokyo
[Transportation] JR: 10-minute walk from Ueno Station Park Exit or Uguisudani Station South Exit
Tokyo Metro: 15-min walk from Ginza Line/Hibiya Line Ueno Station or Chiyoda Line Nezu Station
Keisei Electric Railway: 15-min walk from Keisei Ueno Station
Official website: chakan-tokyo.com (scheduled to open on July 10)
For inquiries, please contact t.chakan@chakan-tokyo.com
・English customer service available
・FreeWifi available
Ticket Information
Entering TOHAKU CHAKAN requires reservation.
Tickets for entrance, activities and meals are available for purchase.
Same-day participation may be possible depending on availability.
[How to purchase]Lawson Tickets https://l-tike.com/
Tickets will be on sale from the second week of July. Details will be announced on the following social media accounts.
[Instagram] https://instagram.com/tohaku_chakan?igshid=MmIzYWVlNDQ5Yg==
[Facebook] https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100093664517434
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