Tea Ceremony & Tour

Ipswich’s beautiful Japanese Nerima Gardens are hosting a traditional Japanese tea ceremony and tour on the last Saturday of the month (next one is May 30).

The tranquil gardens, which are attached to historic Queens Park, evoke the elements of a Japanese style garden whilst retaining a distinctly Ipswich identity through the use of local plants including rare and endangered species. The philosophy of the garden is to create a place of beauty and tranquillity, a place to meet nature and calm the spirit.

The tea house on the water is the setting for the tea ceremony, in which visitors remove shoes and sit on the tatami mats whilst observing the intricate preparation and presentation of matcha (green tea) as it has been done for centuries in Japan.  Observers will have access to bench seating with easy views of the ceremony. The tea experience concludes with light refreshments.

Good to know - Ceremonies start at 9am and run for approx 1hr 35 mins. 2026 dates are May 30, Jun 27, jul 25, Aug 29, Sep 26, Oct 31. 

Need to know – Visitors are advised to wear flat shoes and suitable clothing (the walk is approx 30 minutes). Places are limited and bookings are essential – call 3281 0555 or book online.