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The tea ceremony is an art among those of Japanese culture, not just simply sit down for a drink. If you are living in Japan, or visiting, arrange some time to enjoy the special culture, art of green tea.
The history of Japanese Tea Ceremony
In Japanese (茶道, sadō or chadō) is “the way of tea” (or 茶の湯, chanoyu) is ceremonial preparation and presentation of matcha (抹茶). Dating back to the 9th century, the Buddhist monk Eichū (永忠) was written to bring back green tea to Japan from China. Served to the Emperor Saga and from that, tea plantation began in year 816.
Until the end of the 12th century, Eisai, a monk, on his return from China, introduce tencha (点茶), powdered matcha wiped with hot water in a bow. The powdered green tea was first used in Buddhist monasteries, then started to become popular during the Shogunate area of the 13th century.
Tradition Tea Ceremony occurs in a special venue, chashitsu (茶室), or Japanese Tea Room, with the floor is tatami, special decoration, flowers, and tea serving place. The main purpose of the Tea Room during the Shogunate is using to discussing the important matters as well as greeting envoys.
Today, Tea Ceremony practice as a hobby, as a form of art.
What to expect in a Tea Ceremony:
- Learning about the history of Japanese Tea Culture.
- Learning about Japanese unique Wabi-sabi.
- Ichigo-Ichie, the concept of treasuring the unrepeatable nature of a moment.
- Enjoy Japanese tea while tasting of Japanese sweets (wagashi).
Where to try Tea Ceremony in Tokyo:
Kimura Tea Ceremony Art Museum
Located at Akasakayama Park, established in 1987
Open Daily (from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m), except Monday.
Price: JPY 1,000 for adults and JPY 700 for visitors under 18 years old.
Address: 5-1 Akasakachō, Kashiwazaki-shi, Niigata-ken 945-0847, Japan
Where to try Tea Ceremony in Kyoto:
Camellia
Located at Ninen-zaka, near Kiyomizu-dera, if you are looking for a quiet place far from the crowded tourist.
Opening hours: Daily,10:00-18:00 Tea ceremony sessions start at: 10:00, 11:00, 12:00, 13:00, 14:00, 15:00, 16:00, 17:00, and takes 45 minutes Price: JPY 2000 for adults and JPY 1000 for visitors under 18 years old. Address: Camellia, 349 Masuya-cho, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto City
En
InHigashioji-dori Street, of the Southern Higashiyama district, a casual place to sample the tea ceremony. Reservation Online by email
Open Daily, except Wednesday. Address: En, 272 Matsubara-cho, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto City
Tea Ceremony KOTO
A private house near Kinkaku-ji. Casual introduction to the tea ceremony after spending time around the temple complex. Reservation Online by Email.
Open Daily Address: 37 Kinugasa-Nishigoshonouchi-cho, Kita-ku
Tea Ceremony Kyugetsu
Run by Tyas Sosen and Stephen Soshun, two foreign tea masters. Located in a Gion townhouse, these tea masters give an introduction to Tea Ceremony. Reservation Online by Email.
Availability: Check details on the website below Address: 374-1 Miyagawa-suji 6-chome, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto 605-0801
Tea Ceremony at Temples
You can find a tea house in most temples with a lovely garden. Usually, the price starts at JPY 500.
Stay with Homii – Enjoy Japanese culture at it finest!