The year 1972 shaped Munich like no other. In the wake of the Summer Olympics , this great era bestowed upon the city on the Isar indispensable landmarks such as the Olympic Stadium and the subway system. What even many Munich residents don’t know, however, is that the Japanese tea house Kanshoan also owes its existence to the Olympics. Dr. Soshitsu Sen, Grand Master of the renowned Urasenke Tea School in Kyoto, donated the house to the Free State of Bavaria at that time. While the Chinese Tower and the Seehaus are familiar to everyone, this idyllic retreat is tucked away on a small island in the Schwabinger Bach, just a few steps away from the Haus der Kunst and the hustle and bustle of the city.
A piece of Japan on the banks of the Eisbach
Unlike the Chinese Tower, the teahouse is not a European interpretation but was built strictly according to traditional Japanese rules. Paper, wood, tatami mats, and a specially landscaped front garden skillfully stage the transition from the hustle and bustle of the city to the tranquility of the teahouse. Even the path leading there, the ritual of washing one’s hands, and the act of bowing upon entering are all part of the philosophy behind this architecture.
At the same time, the surrounding Japanese garden is fascinating. While the English Garden expands the landscape, Japanese garden art recreates it on a small scale . This makes the outdoor area on the island a wonderful place for a relaxing stroll.
How you can experience the tea ceremony up close
Inside, you can participate in authentic Japanese tea ceremonies from spring through fall . The demonstrations last just under an hour and provide a deep insight into the ceremony’s proceedings and meditative atmosphere.
- Program: The ceremony is not a lecture, but an authentic ritual. At the end, you’ll have the chance to taste the fresh tea yourself and enjoy a small Japanese sweet.
- Dates: Public demonstrations take place on Saturdays and Sundays during select weekends. In 2026, the final dates are scheduled for October 10 and 11. You can find more information about the exact dates here on the website of the Japanese tea house Kanshoan.
- Times & Prices: Tours begin at 1:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m., 3:00 p.m., and 4:00 p.m. The price is 10 euros; children 12 and under pay 5 euros.
- Important note: Please note that a maximum of 25 people can attend each performance, and there are no advance tickets or reservations. You can purchase tickets directly on site.
If you stroll about 20 minutes south from the Chinese Tower, you’ll reach this peaceful island, where you can completely forget the hustle and bustle of everyday life over a cup of tea, such as matcha.
