Discover the hidden charm of Takayama tea whisks and the traditional manufacturing methods passed down from generation to generation. The production of tea whisks began about 500 years ago in Takayama, a village rich in bamboo, at the request of Juko Murata, the founder of Wabicha (tea ceremony). Even today, most of the tea whisks produced in Japan are still made by hand in Takayama, using the same traditional methods.

Visit the home and workshop of Tango Tanimura, the head of a family of tea whisk makers who have passed down their secret methods of making tea whisks for the past 500 years.

Meet at Tanimura Tango, one of the 13 tea whisk makers from the Edo period. While surrounded by beautiful tea whisks at the craftsman’s house, the 20th Tango Tanimura, the head of the Tanimura family, generously demonstrates the advanced techniques required for the production of tea whisk. Admire the secret process that has been handed down from one generation to the next for 500 years right in front of you. Then, try your hand at making your own original tea scoop.