Experience Japanese Culture
〜Something unique and truely Japanese〜Authentic Japanese Tea Ceremony
Our Urasenke Style Tea Master certified staff will guide you through an authentic Japanese Tea Ceremony and teach you how to perform one of Japan’s most important traditions.
Unlike most Tea Ceremonies you will actually get to serve the tea yourself and get a unique insight into this celebrated custom.
Enjoy rich green tea the old way and experience a true Zen feeling as you master the art of the Japanese Green Tea Ceremony.
Read more about the history of the Japanese Tea Ceremony here.
30 minute sessions start from 8p.m or between 10a.m and noon.Price 500yen including Tea and Traditional Japanese Sweets. >>Contact Us
※Please let us know in advance if you wish to avail of this service. It may not be available during busy periods.
Kimono Wearing
We offer the chance to experience wearing a traditional Japanese Kimono and have your picture taken beside a Kakejiku hanging scroll.
Our staff will guide and help you through the whole process and we will take pictures to take away with you as memories of the experience and of your stay in Matsumoto.
40 minute sessions start between 8:30a.m and 10a.m.Sessions (approx. 40mins) are 1000 yen per person. Please book in advance. >>Contact Us
※Please let us know in advance if you wish to avail of this service. It may not be available during busy periods.
Yukata
When staying at a Japanese Ryokan it is normal to change into your Yukata after bathing (Yukata literally translates as bath clothes) though it is not uncommon to see guests wearing their Yukata as an alternative to their regular clothes.
Changing into your Yukata after a busy days sight seeing is one of the joys of staying at a traditional Japanese Ryokan and has been a part of Japanese Culture and Tradition for centuries.
The left side of the Yukata is wrapped over the right side (it is not a good idea to wrap the other way as it is the traditional way to dress a body for a funeral) and secured with an Obi sash.
When worn as ceremonial wear the Obi is usually tied at the back but when wearing it around the guesthouse just tie it as you would a bath-robe or dressing gown.
All our rooms come supplied with a Yukata for you to wear at any time.
If you are interested in purchasing a Yukata for yourself please contact a member of staff or ask at reception.
Mineral Enriched Onsen Style Bath
In Japan we love our baths.
Bathing in hot spring water is said to be good for your health as well as your soul.
At Ryokan Seifu-so we have two Onsen style bath rooms for our guests to enjoy.
Like all traditional Japanese baths these are shared baths, so here is some tips to help make the most of the experience.
Before climbing into the bath wash yourself thoroughly sitting on one of the stools and using one of the showers and hand basins provided.
We supply body soap and shampoo so it is not necessary to bring any with you – though not all onsen supply this so it is good to check if you are visiting one of the local bath houses.
In your room you will find two towels – the larger one is a regular towel for drying yourself. The smaller towel is used for drying off excess water before you leave the bath area, covering yourself up if you feel uncomfortable being completely naked around strangers and, if you want to look like a true Japanese Ojisan(means old guy), try soaking the towel, folding it and putting it on your head – just please don’t ask why..(Women are advised that they might receive some strange looks if they do this – especially in a public bath house.)
Now you are ready to enjoy a relaxing soak the Japanese way.Be sure to check the water first as sometimes it can be quite hot – add hot or cold water until it’s just right for your needs.
And while your there why not try out some Japanese phrases – soon you’ll be mistaken for one of the locals.
Private time in our baths are available on request and subject to availability .
The Ryokan Seifu-so Guide to Surviving Japan
To help you get the most out of your Japanese adventure and to help you to feel more at home we have put together our little guide to surviving Japan.
Not everywhere will have someone who can speak English and some of our traditions might have you scratching your head.
Never fear – we have put together some tips on japanese etiquette, how to wear your yukata, travel advice and some handy phrases to help you to get around and maybe even experience a side of Japan usually only accessible to the brave and the natives.