The 250-year history of the Sazaen: Inheriting the tradition of tea ceremony

・Theme

Tea, History, Culture

・Details

Take a break and enjoy matcha at Sazaen, located in the bustling Tenjin area of Fukuoka City.

Listen to delightful stories from the shop owner about the way of tea and tea utensils.

・Travel Designer's Comment

Designed by the world-renowned architect Emilio Ambasz, ACROS Fukuoka is a building whose green terraces make it look like it was built for the future rather than 30 years ago. In 2023, a new matcha and tea utensil shop named Sazaen, an old name from an Edo-period tea utensil shop, opened in the basement of this building. At this shop, you can purchase famous tea from Yame in Fukuoka and Uji in Kyoto.

Inside the shop, there is a space for tea gatherings where you can enjoy matcha at a wooden counter seating a small number of people. This setting reflects the owner’s desire to share the tea ceremony experience with everyone. While enjoying matcha, guests will hear easy-to-understand explanations about the way of tea and tea utensils from the shop owner.

The shop displays rare tea utensils and hanging scrolls. Additionally, works by Tomoko Eri, a kirikane (cut gold leaf) artist from Kyoto and the owner’s wife, are also showcased. If the conversation flows, you might even get a glimpse of rare tea utensils from the back room. It’s exciting to see what kind of developments will unfold in this serene space in the heart of the city.

・Schedule (1 hour)

• Japanese sweets, matcha, and stories: 60 minutes

・Fee

20,000 yen (tax included)

・Fee Includes

Japanese sweets, matcha, souvenirs, service charge

・Number of Participants

2 to 4 people

・Meeting Place

Please arrive at the designated location about 10 minutes before your reservation time. The tour starts and ends at the site.

・Location

1-1-1 Tenjin, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka City, ACROS Fukuoka B2F

・Access

2-minute walk from Tenjin Station (East Exit) on the Fukuoka City Subway Airport Line

・Website

Sazaen

・Available Days

Reservations are accepted from Tuesday to Friday on weekdays.

・Options

If you wish to participate in a larger group, please let us know.

・Cancellation Policy

The full fee will be charged as a cancellation fee from two days before the tour date.

・What to Bring

Nothing in particular

・Clothing

Nothing in particular

・Payment Method

Advance payment by credit card or other methods.

・Participation Conditions

Please contact us if you require the use of a wheelchair or other assistance.

・Reservation Period

From 2 months to 7 days before the tour date.

・Disclaimer

The tour may be canceled or the content may change due to unavoidable circumstances. In case of cancellation, we will promptly process a refund.

・Other Information

There is parking available in the building’s basement.
Photography during the experience is allowed.
Please inform us in advance if you need foreign language support.