To a tea ceremony reminiscent of Nijo-jo Castle 400 years ago
In 1626 (Kanei 3), upon the occasion of Emperor Go-Mizuno-o’s visit, the retired shogun, Tokugawa Hidetada, and the third Edo shogun, Tokugawa Iemitsu, enlarged Nijo-jo Castle that had been built by Ieyasu. They expanded the castle’s grounds and even built a palace. The sliding screen paintings were drawn by painters of the Kano school, and the garden was renovated. As such, Nijo-jo Castle was colored by cutting-edge technology and art. The large-scale renovations of the Kanei era took up to two years, and the figure presumed to be its producer was Kobori Enshu, a daimyo (feudallord), tea master, and even garden designer. In “Kanei Tea Ceremony: Chrysanthemum & Hollyhock,” based on the theme of Emperor Go-Mizuno-o’s visit, a person in the role of Kobori Enshu will serve tea in Ohiroma (the great hall), inspired by the tea ceremony at which Tokugawa Iemitsu and feudal vassals gathered.
Historical sources such as Kanei Gyokoki describe that Emperor Go-Mizuno-o stayed at Nijo-jo Castle for five days and enjoyed poetry parties and Noh performances. The Kanei culture developed around Emperor Go-Mizuno-o and the samurai culture that entertained leading cultural figures. This is a time to experience both while enjoying Japanese tea and sweets in a national treasure.
Appeals of Kanei Tea Ceremony
Entering the Ohiroma of the National Treasure Ninomaru-goten Palace, which is reserved for the night
“Kanei Tea Ceremony: Chrysanthemum & Hollyhock” will be held in the National Treasure Ninomaru-goten Palace, which is reserved for after the castle is closed. The tea ceremony will be held in Ohiroma, which is regarded as the most prestigious room in Ninomaru-goten Palace. You will attend the tea ceremony, seated in a room that is usually restricted. Feel the history of the place where people in the Edo period gathered, and take a close look at the details of the sliding screen paintings and decorative transom. Only with this Living History project can you experience an event held in Ohiroma of Ninomaru-goten Palace while it is exclusively reserved.
Staging by professional Noh actors
In addition to visitors, historical figures such as the third shogun, Tokugawa Iemitsu, and Governor of Kyoto, Itakura Shigemune, will attend “Kanei Tea Ceremony: Chrysanthemum & Hollyhock.” Most of the cast members dressed in period costume are professional Noh actors. Noh used to be a quintessential performing art of the Edo Shogunate, and the beautiful movements of the Noh actors will remind you of the Edo period. Noh was performed during the Kanei imperial visit, too, and Emperor Go-Mizuno-o and Tokugawa Iemitsu watched the performance from Ninomaru-goten Palace. Enjoy songs and dances related to the Emperor’s visit at this tea ceremony, too.
Appreciating the garden at Ninomaru-goten Palace, renovated at the time of the Kanei imperial visit
On the occasion of the Kanei imperial visit, Ninomaru garden was extensively renovated under the guidance of Kobori Enshu. It is said that the garden was landscaped in consideration of the view from Ohiroma and Kuro-shoin (Smaller Grand Hall consisting of five rooms), and Gyoko-goten Palace built for Emperor Go-Mizuno-o (not extant). Since then, it has undergone several renovations, and it is now designated as a national special place of scenic beauty. Enjoy the beautiful view in peaceful surroundings.