A Guide for Tourists to Enjoy Japanese Tea Ceremony
Have you ever heard of the Japanese tea ceremony? There are many places where tourists and travelers can enjoy a tea ceremony while wearing a kimono. If you’re planning to experience a tea ceremony during your trip, you might be wondering—what exactly is the Japanese tea ceremony? In this article, we will introduce you to the essence of “Sadō,” Japan’s traditional tea ceremony.
The Flow of a Tea Gathering
The flow of a tea gathering varies depending on the school, style, and purpose of the ceremony. However, here is a general outline of a simplified tea gathering, which is commonly experienced by tourists.
1. Entry of Guests
Guests first wait in a space called “yoritsuki” or “machiai.”
The host (teishu) prepares everything, and guests wait quietly until they receive a signal.
2. Walking Through the Garden and Entering the Tearoom
Guests purify their hands at a “tsukubai” (stone washbasin) before entering the tearoom with a clean spirit.
They enter one by one through the “nijiriguchi” (a small entrance) and take their seats.
3. Greeting and Examination of Utensils
The main guest (shokyaku) greets the host and expresses gratitude.
If the tea utensils, such as the tea bowl or tea scoop, are special, they may be examined.
4. Serving of Sweets
Japanese sweets (wagashi) are served first, and guests eat them before drinking the tea.
5. Preparing and Drinking the Tea
The host prepares and serves the tea to the guests one by one.
Guests receive the tea, saying, “Otemae chōdai shimasu” (I humbly receive your tea), and quietly enjoy it.
6. Departure and the Host’s Farewell
After drinking the tea, guests express their gratitude to the host before leaving.
The host politely sees them off until the very end.
A tea gathering usually lasts about 30 minutes to an hour.
What is the Purpose of a Tea Gathering?
1. To Express Hospitality
A tea gathering is a way to express deep hospitality toward guests. The act of carefully preparing and serving tea with sincerity is highly valued. The host and guests share this moment with mutual respect.
2. To Experience the Aesthetics and Spirituality of Tea Ceremony
The philosophy of tea ceremony includes concepts such as “wabi,” “sabi,” and “tranquility.” By participating, one can step away from daily life’s hustle and experience inner peace.
3. To Feel the Changing Seasons
Tea gatherings incorporate seasonal flowers, ingredients, and utensils, allowing participants to appreciate the natural transitions of the year. It is a way to express gratitude for the beauty of nature.
The Tearoom
A tea gathering is usually held in a special building or room called a “chashitsu” (tearoom).
The architecture of a tearoom embodies the spirit of tea ceremony, so after the gathering, you may want to ask the host about the building’s history and significance.
Tea Utensils
The tea ceremony uses specially crafted utensils, often with historical significance. Many tea utensils are antiques with long-standing traditions. Please handle them with care and respect.
History of the Japanese Tea Ceremony
The custom of drinking tea in Japan is said to have begun around the 7th or 8th century.
In the 12th century, aristocrats engaged in a gambling game where they guessed the origins of different teas. This trend spread among the samurai and commoners. Collecting rare Chinese tea utensils and hosting lavish tea gatherings also became popular.
However, Murata Jukō, a tea master serving Ashikaga Yoshimasa, opposed these extravagant practices. He prohibited gambling and drinking at tea gatherings and instead emphasized spiritual exchange between the host and guests. This practice developed into “wabi-cha” (a simple and refined style of tea ceremony).
Wabi-cha was later perfected by Sen no Rikyū during the Azuchi-Momoyama period.
As the Sengoku period (Warring States period) ended, tea culture spread throughout Japan. This also led to the promotion of local pottery production, known as “kuniyaki” (regional kilns).
Until the early Edo period, the practice of tea ceremony was primarily reserved for daimyō (feudal lords) and wealthy merchants. However, in the mid-Edo period, as the economic power of the common townspeople grew, participation in tea ceremony rapidly increased.
The Senke family, which originated from the townspeople class, welcomed these new practitioners. To manage the large number of students, they established the “iemoto system”—a hierarchical system of transmission that is now common in traditional Japanese arts.
The Iemoto System and Schools of Tea
In Japan, traditional arts are often preserved through a hierarchical structure, with grand masters, headmasters, and licensed instructors passing down their knowledge. Tea ceremony also has many schools, and even tourist-friendly tea gatherings are hosted by certified practitioners from these schools.
Experiencing Tea Ceremony in Kyoto
Kyoto, Japan’s cultural heart, is the perfect place to experience a traditional tea ceremony. The city has a deep-rooted tea culture, and many tearooms and temples offer authentic tea experiences.
Here are some popular places in Kyoto where tourists can enjoy a tea ceremony:
1. Camellia Tea Ceremony Experience
Location: Near Kiyomizu Temple
Official Website: https://www.tea-kyoto.com
Features: English-friendly tea ceremony experience in a welcoming tea house, suitable for beginners.
2. En Tea House
Location: Higashiyama District
Official Website: https://www.enteahouse.com
Features: A private tea ceremony focusing on Japanese aesthetics.
3. Jūan Tea Room at Entoku-in Temple (Important Cultural Property)
Location: Kōdai-ji Temple, Higashiyama, Kyoto
Official Website: https://www.kodaiji.com
Features: A serene, authentic tea ceremony experience in a Zen temple.
4. Kaikado Café
Location: Near Kyoto Station
Official Website: https://www.kaikado-cafe.jp
Features: A fusion of traditional and modern design, offering matcha and Japanese sweets in a relaxed setting.
From formal tea ceremonies at historic temples to casual matcha experiences in modern cafés, Kyoto offers a variety of ways to enjoy Japanese tea culture. When visiting Kyoto, be sure to immerse yourself in the depth of Japan’s tea traditions!
