Guests are welcomed to this 170-year-old Japanese house with "Sencha Tea Ceremony" and "Ozashiki Japanese Dance".
This experience is limited to a maximum of 10 people, providing a luxurious moment. You are free to take commemorative photos with the members of the Sumiyoshi Shachu Troupe.
In the traditional house, you can catch a glimpse of the lifestyle and customs of Japanese people.
There is an external corridor facing the garden, the low dining table placed in the tatami room, and the Buddhist altar that reflects the Japanese reverence for their ancestors, all contribute to the retro atmosphere of good old Japan.
Free-range chickens roam the garden while colorful goldfish swim in a small pond. Inside, four cats and two dogs can be seen relaxing, making for a peaceful experience for visitors.
It is a song and dance that has been enjoyed as entertainment for the common people since ancient times. Accompanied by the shamisen and taiko drums, it is cheerful and lovely, typical of the southern Kyushu of Japan. The movements cultivated through daily practice are very elegant and attract the audience.
"Sencha Tea Ceremony"
We perform a tea ceremony using Sencha, a type of tea that Japanese people enjoy on a daily basis. This is a traditional method using Sencha tea utensils.
Kagoshima Prefecture, the second largest tea producer in Japan, has beautiful tea fields all over the prefecture. Visitors can enjoy our carefully selected seasonal sencha teas with seasonal Wagashi (Japanese traditional sweets).
Story of Sumiyoshi Shachu Troupe
In the old days in Kagoshima, women in every household would master elements of etiquette through practicing tea, shamisen (three-stringed instrument), and dancing as part of their education before marriage.
Throughout the prefecture, each region had its own gathering troupe called ‘Shachu’ who performed songs, dances, and shamisen music at festivals and other events.
The Sumiyoshi Shachu Troupe, based in Ichiki-Kushikino City, is the only entity in Kagoshima Prefecture that has continued these traditional performing arts, which were begun in the Meiji era (around 1870).
This activity primarily supports Japanese, but they can communicate in simple English or utilize translation apps if needed.
There are cats, dogs, birds, and other animals at the venue. Please be aware in advance.