Rinkaku Tea House
A historic tea house within Tsuruga Castle, offering a serene garden and traditional matcha experience. A peaceful step back in time.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peace
Rinkaku Tea House
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peace
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic tea house within Tsuruga Castle, offering a serene garden and traditional matcha experience. A peaceful step back in time.
"Very pretty! Entrance fee is included in castle ticket, but tea is extra. Lovely environment."
Combine with Castle Visit
Your Tsuruga Castle ticket often includes entry to the tea house grounds. :ticket:
Separate Tea Fee
Enjoying matcha and sweets is an additional cost, usually around ¥600. :moneybag:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Traditional Matcha Experience
Inside Rinkaku Tea House
Sip on expertly prepared matcha tea and enjoy a traditional sweet in a historic setting. A true taste of Japanese culture.
Historic Architecture
Rinkaku Tea House grounds
Admire the charming, nostalgic architecture of this relocated tea house, a testament to its rich history.
Peaceful Garden Views
Rinkaku Tea House garden
Enjoy the tranquility of the meticulously maintained garden, offering a serene backdrop for your tea.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit to Rinkaku Tea House
Tea Ceremony Experience
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Combine with Castle Visit
Your Tsuruga Castle ticket often includes entry to the tea house grounds. :ticket:
Separate Tea Fee
Enjoying matcha and sweets is an additional cost, usually around ¥600. :moneybag:
Charming Exterior Views
Even if you don't go inside, the exterior is picturesque, especially with cherry blossoms. :camerawithflash:
Aizu Wakamatsu Location
Located within the grounds of Tsuruga Castle in Aizuwakamatsu, Fukushima. :world_map:
Tips
from all over the internet
Combine with Castle Visit
Your Tsuruga Castle ticket often includes entry to the tea house grounds. :ticket:
Separate Tea Fee
Enjoying matcha and sweets is an additional cost, usually around ¥600. :moneybag:
Charming Exterior Views
Even if you don't go inside, the exterior is picturesque, especially with cherry blossoms. :camerawithflash:
Aizu Wakamatsu Location
Located within the grounds of Tsuruga Castle in Aizuwakamatsu, Fukushima. :world_map:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find Rinkaku Tea House charming and nostalgic, offering a peaceful garden and a delightful matcha experience. While the tea and sweets incur an extra cost, many feel it's a worthwhile cultural immersion. The historic architecture and serene setting are consistently praised, making it a lovely addition to a Tsuruga Castle visit.
"I didn’t go inside the teahouse, but it looked charming and nostalgic from the outside. The cherry blossom tree peeking out from the corner of the wall added a lovely, delicate touch to the scene."
J Seng
"Rinkaku Tea House is a historic tea house located within Tsuruga Castle in Aizuwakamatsu. It is said to have been built by Lord Gamo Ujisato to shelter Sen no Rikyu’s son, Sen Shoan. Though it was relocated during the Meiji era, it was restored to its original location in the Heisei period. Today, visitors can enjoy matcha while admiring the beautiful garden. It is a perfect place to experience history and the culture of the tea ceremony in a peaceful setting."
H K
"Very good matcha tea, both ice one as well as warm. Accompanied snack and as fresh and tasty as well. There are seats inside with air conditioning, on top of shaded ones outside. For some reason, they charge entry fee to this teahouse, but there is a joint ticket to visit it along with castle."
Bartosz Brozek
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Rinkaku Tea House is located within the grounds of Tsuruga Castle in Aizuwakamatsu, Fukushima. You can reach Aizuwakamatsu by Shinkansen (bullet train) from major cities like Tokyo. From Aizuwakamatsu Station, you can take a local bus or taxi to Tsuruga Castle. Some TikTok videos mention shuttle buses from Aizu Wakamatsu Station for nearby accommodations, which might be an option if you're staying in the area.
Yes, Rinkaku Tea House is situated right next to Tsuruga Castle, making it easily accessible once you are within the castle grounds. Reviews suggest it's a pleasant walk from the main castle keep.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the grounds of Rinkaku Tea House is often included with your Tsuruga Castle entrance ticket. However, to enjoy matcha and sweets, there is a separate fee, typically around ¥600 per person. +1
The opening hours for Rinkaku Tea House generally align with Tsuruga Castle's operating hours. It's best to check the official Tsuruga Castle website for the most up-to-date information on opening and closing times.
While not explicitly stated in the provided information, it's generally advisable to inquire about advance bookings for tea ceremonies, especially during peak seasons, to ensure availability.
🎫 ☕ Onsite Experience
Visitors can expect to be served traditional matcha tea, often accompanied by a small, fresh, and tasty sweet. You can choose to sit inside with air conditioning or on shaded outdoor seating. It's a peaceful experience to immerse yourself in Japanese culture. +1
There is a separate charge for the tea and sweets experience at Rinkaku Tea House, even if your castle ticket grants access to the area. This fee covers the tea and accompanying confection. +1
The atmosphere is described as charming, nostalgic, and peaceful. The meticulously maintained garden adds to the serene ambiance, making it a perfect spot to relax and enjoy a moment of calm. +1
Yes, Rinkaku Tea House offers both indoor seating with air conditioning for comfort and shaded outdoor seating for those who prefer to enjoy the garden views.
📸 📸 Photography
Absolutely! The charming architecture, serene garden, and the picturesque cherry blossom tree (when in season) make Rinkaku Tea House a very photogenic spot. The exterior views are particularly lovely. +1
Focus on capturing the traditional tea house structure against the backdrop of the garden. The cherry blossom tree peeking over the wall is also a popular and beautiful subject.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
🍵 Culture Seekers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History and Relocation of Rinkaku Tea House
During the Meiji era, a period of significant societal change in Japan, the tea house underwent a relocation. However, its historical importance was recognized, and it was meticulously restored to its original location during the Heisei period. This restoration ensures that visitors today can experience the tea house much as it was intended to be.
Today, Rinkaku Tea House stands as a preserved piece of history within the Tsuruga Castle grounds. It offers a tangible link to the past, allowing visitors to step back in time and appreciate the aesthetics and traditions associated with the Japanese tea ceremony. The careful restoration allows for an authentic experience of this cultural practice.
Experiencing the Tea Ceremony
Visitors have the choice of seating arrangements to suit their preference. You can opt for the comfort of indoor seating, complete with air conditioning, or choose the more scenic option of shaded outdoor seating, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the tranquil garden surroundings. Both options provide a peaceful environment to enjoy your tea.
This experience is more than just drinking tea; it's an immersion into Japanese culture and hospitality. The serene setting, the mindful preparation of the matcha, and the delicate flavors of the accompanying sweet all contribute to a moment of reflection and appreciation for traditional Japanese arts.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit