An exhibit of a replica of a historic 16th-century Japanese-style tea room has begun at the 2025 World Expo in Osaka, western Japan.
The Golden Tea Room, named thus as the entire room was wrapped in gold leaf, is said to have been built by legendary tea master Sen no Rikyu at the order of then warlord Toyotomi Hideyoshi, who unified Japan in the 16th century.
The replica was created eight years ago by 10 manufacturers in Kumiyama Town, Kyoto Prefecture, by utilizing their respective skills.
The tea room has an area of about 3 square meters. The 3-meter-long aluminum walls were assembled by a manufacturer with expertise in processing aluminum.
A company specializing in screen-printing recreated the texture of gold leaf on the walls.
Bowls of matcha, made using locally produced tea powder, are being served at the exhibit, which opened on Wednesday.
A woman said she found the bowl of tea special as it was served in an atmosphere faithful to that of 400 years ago.
The tea room will be open through Sunday.
AloJapan.com