Meimei-an Tea House
Experience a serene, traditional Japanese tea ceremony with exquisite matcha and wagashi in an intimate, welcoming setting.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, serene atmosphere
Meimei-an Tea House
Best Time
Fewer crowds, serene atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience a serene, traditional Japanese tea ceremony with exquisite matcha and wagashi in an intimate, welcoming setting.
"A heartwarming reminder to slow down and enjoy little moments in life."
🤝 Be Patient with Language
Host is friendly but speaks little English. A smile and gestures work wonders!
💰 Check Your Bill Carefully
Some visitors were overcharged. Confirm prices for tea and garden access.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Traditional Tea Ceremony
Main Tea Room
Experience a serene matcha preparation and tasting, guided by a gracious host. A moment of pure tranquility.
Delicate Wagashi Sweets
Served with tea
Savor exquisite, handcrafted Japanese sweets that perfectly complement the rich matcha.
Charming Garden View
From the tea room window
Enjoy a picturesque view of a serene Japanese garden, adding to the peaceful ambiance.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Calm: Timing is Key
Language & Etiquette
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🤝 Be Patient with Language
Host is friendly but speaks little English. A smile and gestures work wonders!
💰 Check Your Bill Carefully
Some visitors were overcharged. Confirm prices for tea and garden access.
Recs for Izumo, Matsue, Kurayoshi, Tottori?
🍵 Savor the Matcha & Wagashi
Enjoy the authentic taste of high-quality matcha and delicate Japanese sweets.
🚶♀️ Enjoy the Garden Stroll
The small garden is lovely for a peaceful walk after your tea.
Tips
from all over the internet
🤝 Be Patient with Language
Host is friendly but speaks little English. A smile and gestures work wonders!
💰 Check Your Bill Carefully
Some visitors were overcharged. Confirm prices for tea and garden access.
🍵 Savor the Matcha & Wagashi
Enjoy the authentic taste of high-quality matcha and delicate Japanese sweets.
🚶♀️ Enjoy the Garden Stroll
The small garden is lovely for a peaceful walk after your tea.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Meimei-an Tea House offers a brief but authentic traditional Japanese tea ceremony experience with kind hosts and beautiful matcha and wagashi. While some visitors felt rushed during solo visits, others cherished the peaceful ambiance and cultural immersion. The charming garden view adds to its appeal.
"If you go on your own, don't expect much. They cater more to groups. After purchasing our tickets for the grounds and the tea (820 yen), they quickly served us 2 little cubed sweets, followed by a bit of Macha tea. Then they came back after a couple of minutes to collect our cups so that we would leave. Shortly thereafter, a large group came in. Watching from the window, they had much better service than us. The grounds are nice but definitely not the effort to go there. Don't waste your time."
Mary Chatz
"The tea is very nice and the garden is beautiful. The staff were very nice but don't speak any English. Watch out when they charge you though, it was supposed to be 600 yen a person but we got charged 1200 yen a person to also see the garden, but that was visible from the window anyway once we were inside."
k k
"Partaking in a traditional tea ceremony experience at this historic site was surreal. The hostess was kind and attentive, and her hospitality helped circumvent the language barrier. The matcha was superb, and the wagashi both delicate and scrumptious."
KP
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Meimei-an Tea House is located in Matsue, Shimane Prefecture. It's often visited in conjunction with Matsue Castle. From Matsue Station, you can take a local bus or a taxi to reach the vicinity of the castle and then walk to the tea house.
It's a small tea house, so keep an eye out for signs near Matsue Castle. Following directions to the castle will generally lead you close by.
Many visitors find that walking is a great way to explore the area around Matsue Castle and Meimei-an Tea House. Local buses are also available for longer distances.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, there's typically a combined ticket for the grounds and the tea ceremony, usually around 820 yen. It's advisable to confirm the current pricing upon arrival.
The ticket usually covers entry to the tea house for a traditional tea ceremony, which includes matcha and wagashi (Japanese sweets). Some tickets may also include access to the surrounding garden.
While the garden is lovely, the primary experience at Meimei-an is the tea ceremony. Some reviews suggest the garden view is also visible from the tea room itself.
Opening hours can vary, and it's a small establishment. It's best to check locally or aim for typical daytime hours, especially on weekdays, to ensure it's open.
Given its intimate nature, advance booking might not be standard. However, arriving earlier in the day or during weekdays can help secure a spot without a long wait.
🎫 ☕ Onsite Experience
Expect a serene and traditional experience. The host prepares matcha with care, and you'll be served delicate wagashi sweets. It's a moment to slow down and appreciate the ritual.
English proficiency is limited. While the staff are very friendly and hospitable, communication might rely on gestures and a smile. +1
The main offering is traditional matcha green tea served with wagashi, which are beautifully crafted Japanese sweets.
The garden is described as lovely and peaceful. Even if you don't explicitly pay for garden access, the view from the tea room offers a pleasant outlook.
A visit is usually quite brief, often around 15-30 minutes, as the focus is on the tea ceremony itself. Some reviews mention being served and then asked to leave relatively quickly.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography rules can vary. It's best to be discreet and respectful, especially during the tea ceremony itself. Ask permission if unsure.
The exterior architecture with its traditional elements and the view of the garden from the tea room are picturesque. Capturing the matcha and wagashi is also a must.
Yes, the traditional Japanese aesthetic, the vibrant green matcha, and the delicate sweets make it a visually appealing spot for Instagram.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
It's important to manage expectations regarding the duration of the visit; it's a brief, focused experience rather than a long activity. Consider visiting during less crowded times to ensure a more comfortable experience for your family. The peaceful garden view also provides a moment of calm for everyone.
🚶 Solo Travelers & Couples
Aim for weekday mornings or late afternoons to avoid potential crowds and ensure a more serene experience. Embrace the opportunity to practice mindfulness and enjoy the simple elegance of the matcha and wagashi. It's a perfect stop for those who appreciate slow travel and genuine cultural encounters.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Art of the Tea Ceremony
Visitors often note the host's kindness and attentiveness, which helps bridge any language barriers. This personal touch transforms the ceremony into a heartwarming encounter. It's a reminder to slow down, appreciate the present moment, and engage with the subtle beauty of Japanese culture. The serene environment of the tea house, often with views of a tranquil garden, further enhances this sense of peace and reflection.
While the ceremony itself is brief, its impact is profound. It offers a glimpse into a centuries-old tradition that values harmony, respect, purity, and tranquility. For many, it's a cherished memory of their trip, a moment of quiet contemplation amidst the bustle of travel.
Navigating Expectations: Group vs. Solo Visits
Conversely, those who have had positive experiences, even as individuals, often highlight the host's inherent kindness and the overall peaceful ambiance. The key seems to be managing expectations and understanding the operational flow. If you're traveling solo, aiming for off-peak times, like weekday mornings, might offer a more relaxed and personal interaction. Being prepared for a brief but authentic encounter can lead to a more satisfying visit.
It's also worth noting that some visitors felt the grounds themselves, separate from the tea experience, might not warrant a special trip if time is limited. However, when combined with a visit to nearby attractions like Matsue Castle, Meimei-an offers a charming cultural interlude.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit