Ochadokoro Seiseian

A relaxing break for tea

The teahouse at Seiseian is a highly recommended to visit while touring Hagi. Entering the gate of the hermitage by passing under the open-air tea ceremony umbrella, the preserved residence of the Kikuyake family, merchants under the patronage of Choshu clan, can be seen across from Seiseian. This is already charming, but there is additional ambience to be enjoyed by having tasty matcha served in a Hagi-yaki bowl accompanied by Japanese sweets in the teahouse looking out at the Japanese garden. The tea bowls are quite special as well. They are the works of first-class artists such as Kouraizaemon Saka. If you’re lucky, you can enjoy tea with a bowl made by a Living National Treasure. This should wipe away any exhaustion from strolling the streets. Nakata was truly soothed by having tea made by “sado” (tea ceremony) instructor Takiko Morita