Kinnotake Blog

1/24/2026

Hakuundo Tea Garden nestled among massive rocks in Hakone Gora.

Experience Traditional Japanese Tea at Hakuundo Tea Garden in Hakone

Step into history through exquisite tea rooms

Hakuundo Tea Garden (白雲洞茶苑) is a serene retreat tucked among the massive rocks of Hakone Gora, preserving the atmosphere of a mountain village. Established in the early Taisho era by the tea master Masuda Takashi (also known as Dono, founder of the Mitsui conglomerate), the garden features a collection of historic tea rooms that reflect over three generations of tea connoisseurs spanning the Meiji, Taisho, and Showa periods.

The main tea room, Hakuundo

The main tea room, Hakuundo, is a pioneering example of the “country-style tea room” favored by modern tea masters. Built using aged farmhouse timber, it creates a unique, rustic charm while allowing freedom in the use of tea utensils. Visitors can also explore the Unsen-an, Taiji-sai, and other historic rooms, each with its own story and design innovations from these famous tea masters.

Tea Room Visit & Matcha Experience

The tea ceremony experience

The tea ceremony experience at Hakuundo is a highlight for visitors, attracting both young Japanese and international guests. You can enjoy preparing and drinking matcha tea while immersing yourself in authentic Japanese culture.
 

  • Tea Room Visit & Matcha Experience: ¥750 (includes matcha and Japanese sweets)
  • Hours: Morning 10:00–12:00 (last entry 11:30) / Afternoon 13:00–16:00 (last entry 15:30)
     

Tea Rooms

Fusen-an
  • Fusen-an: A 2-tatami room with an attached 4.5-tatami space, designed to bring bright natural light while preserving a mountain-home feel. Innovative design details are evident throughout.
     
Hakuundo
  • Hakuundo: Built in a country-style design, using ancient farmhouse timber. Its open layout allows for free interpretation of tea utensils.

     
Taiji-sai
  • Taiji-sai: Created by the second head, Sankei, with a view of the “Daimonji Mountain” and a calligraphy panel by Dono. Includes an 8-tatami main room with a 4-tatami subsidiary water room.
     

Tea Flower Garden
Behind the tea rooms lies the Tea Flower Garden, where seasonal flowers traditionally used in tea ceremonies are cultivated. Visitors can enjoy a variety of common and rare tea flowers throughout the year.

 

Access

Location: Hakone Gora, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan

By Train: About 5 minutes by taxi from Gora Station on the Hakone Tozan Railway
By Car

: Parking available on-site (limited spaces, reservation recommended)

Back to Blog List