Chacha’s Tea – A Tour of Tea Places
The interplay of flavors present in a cup of tea, ranging from bitter to sweet, can be a profound experience — a life without tea would be missing one of its most interesting aspects.
The main types of Japanese tea; matcha, sencha, bancha and gyokuro, all share a brown and playful color. They are also a deeply ingrained part of Japanese culture, as exemplified by the ancient proverb "Morning tea wards off the day’s troubles." Originally a custom of the upper class, tea drinking spread to the common people during the Edo period. This was a time of increased development of infrastructure and economic activity throughout Japan, which allowed for tea cultivation to expand nationwide.
Tea has fascinated everyone, from commoners to the shogun, soothing the mind and body, creating social occasions, and nurturing people’s sensibilities.
This exhibition traces tea-related culture, such as tea-producing areas and teahouses along the Tokaido, famous sweets of the highway, signboard girls, and the tea color popularized by kabuki actors, alongside the works of Utagawa Hiroshige.
Why not join us for tea time, indulging in its rich aroma and beautiful water color?
Dates: February 13 (Thurs), 2025 – May 11 (Sun/Holiday), 2025
Closed on: National Holidays (February 23, March 20, April 29, May 3-5)
Hours: 9:00-16:00 (Last entry at 15:30)
Venue: Mitsubishi UFJ Bank Currency Museum and Ukiyo-e Museum
Fee: Free
Contact: Mitsubishi UFJ Bank Currency Museum and Ukiyo-e Museum
TEL: 052-300-8686 (English inquiries not accepted)
Website URL: https://www.bk.mufg.jp/currency_museum/index.html
Access: A brief, five-minute walk from either Exit 3 of Fushimi Subway Station, or Exit 8 of Sakae Subway Station.
Notes:
- There is no parking available, so visitors are kindly requested to use public transportation.
- The event may be cancelled, postponed, or changed at any time, without prior notice.
What is the Mitsubishi UFJ Bank Museum?
The Mitsubishi UFJ Bank Museum, located in Tokyo, is dedicated to the history of Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, a significant player in Japan’s financial sector. The museum provides insights into the development of banking and finance in Japan, emphasizing Mitsubishi UFJ’s role in the country’s economic growth.
Visitors can explore a range of exhibits, including historical documents, artifacts, and interactive displays. These exhibits cover the bank’s journey from its inception in the late 19th century to its current global presence. The museum also offers a perspective on Japan’s economic history, including its industrialization and modernization.
Beyond its permanent collection, the museum hosts special exhibitions and events focused on Japanese culture and history. These programs often feature lectures, workshops, and cultural demonstrations, offering an educational experience for visitors.
The Mitsubishi UFJ Bank Museum is a resource for those interested in the connections between culture, history, and economics in Japan.