At Wakoen we offer a several workshops and seasonal events. Workshops are available year round and are all suitable for families, friends or business. All workshops and events can be hosted in your choice of English, Japanese or both English and Japanese. To keep up to date on any new workshops or events that are not listed here make sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
Please let us know at least 2 weeks in advance before you wish to attend one or more of our events and workshops.
Traditional Hand Rolling of Japanese Black Tea
In this workshop we will teach you how to make your very own Japanese hand rolled black tea. We start off by rolling for around 15 minutes. You will see the tea go from green to a slight reddish-black. Than we explain the process of oxidization (sometimes reffered to as "fermenting" which is a misnomer since no actual fermentation is taking place. Polyphenol oxidase is the enzyme active in the process) and the importance of proper temperature and humidity control.
Next you will have a break of around 2 hours for waiting for the tea to oxidize. (The level of oxidation determines the type or "color" of the tea.) During that time you are free to do whatever you like. We recommend trying out our "Houjicha Roasting and Traditional Brewing using a Kyusu" workshop or grabbing lunch at our restaurant.
After your hand rolled tea has oxidized we will show you how to dry your leaves so they are ready to be stored or brewed. Than we will brew our teas and taste them. You can choose to use all of your tea for brewing or bring it home with you. It is up to you!
Info:
Time: Monday-Sunday 9am-12am (excluding national holidays.)
Length: 3 hours (with 2-2.5 hour break)
Group Sizes: 2-12
Cost: ¥1650 (¥550 discount when you order the "Houjicha Roasting and Traditional Brewing using a Kyusu" workshop as well)
Notes:
- Lunch and transportation available at additional cost.
- Your hands may turn slightly brown and develop an amazing smell.
Houjicha Roasting and Traditional Brewing using a Kyusu
In this workshop we will teach you how to brew authentic Japanese green tea in a traditional style using a kyusu as well as how to roast houjicha using a houroku.
We start the workshop off by showing you how to brew a kabuse-fukamushicha (Shaded deep-steamed Japanese green tea.) You will learn how to get the perfect temperature and how to get the best flavor and consistency out of every last drop. Then you will get to make your own!
Next we will show you how to roast your own houjicha! We will do this using a houroku, but you can use a fry pan at home if your don't have a houroku. We use one of our kukichas for this. After we will show you how to brew the freshly roasted houjicha. Afterwords you will get a chance to try it yourself and taste your own creation. You can even roast a batch to bring home and share with your friends and loved-ones.
Info:
Time: Monday-Sunday 9am-12am (excluding national holidays.)
Length: 30 minutes
Group Sizes: 2-20
Cost: ¥1100
Notes:
- Lunch and transportation available at additional cost.
- This workshop uses fire. Please be careful.
Shincha Matsuri
Our annual Shincha Matsuri!
Starting around April 16th and running until May 16th we have Shincha Matsuri events! Come join us and head out to the fields to pluck your own tea! An event that is fun for the whole family! Enjoy the falling sakura and fresh spring smells during this event.
After plucking tea you can bring it home if you live close by, or you can attend a hand rolling workshop at our teanery free of charge. We can even hang on to your fresh hand picked green tea for up to 30 days for free so that you can schedule a hand rolling workshop at a later date.
Since some of you cant make it for the first flush we have extended this event until May 16th so you can still try it during the second flush as well.
Info:
Time: April 16th - May 16th Monday-Sunday 9am-12am (excluding national holidays.)
Length: 30 minutes
Group Sizes: 2-20
Cost: ¥500 (excluding tax)
Notes:
- Lunch and transportation available at additional cost.
- We will contact you 48 hours before if we expect it to rain.
- If you wish to do hand rolling of your freshly picked tea please show up before 12:00 am.
- Bring clothes and shoes that are suitable for a green tea field.
Virtual Tea Tasting
In our virtual tea tasting workshops, we will show you how to brew tea in the traditional manner via online video conference. We send you a sampler of fresh tea and we explain how to get the optimal temperature and the brew time for the specific tea. Afterward, we will do a tasting and talk about the flavor profiles of the tea you made. We will then end with a question and answer session.
Teas are constantly changing and we will provide you with fresh tea to fit the season. A kyusu is recommended but not required. You will need some sort of teapot though. You can always find a teapot on our webstore as well.
Things you will need:
- Kyusu*
- Yuzamashi**
- Chasaji or a spoon that can measure 4g of loose leaf tea
- 4g of loose leaf tea (Provided by Wakoen)
- Chawan or teacup
- 250ml hot water in a container that can be poured into small teacups
* A kyusu is the preferred teapot. If you do not have one then a similar teacup with a mesh screen will work.
** A large mug that can be used to pour water into your teacup will also work.
Info:
Time: Saturday and Sunday, 7 pm CMT
Length: 15 minutes
Group Sizes: Up to 12
Cost: $15.00 (Includes shipping of tea sampler)
Notes: This workshop uses hot water. Please be careful.