Know Before You Go: Attending a Japanese Tea Ceremony
In Japan, tea is a cornerstone of society and has been since the 9th century. And in modern Japan, it’s still very much part of the daily routine—enjoyed at mealtimes, break times, and after dinner. In cafeterias and business hotels, the tea is often complimentary, while coffee is nowhere to be found.
Beyond casual consumption, tea is also often part of more formal, ritualized routines. It’s offered to the dead on the altar, given as a seasonal gift, and studied as an art. If you're interested in learning more about this ancient herbal beverage and looking to partake in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony, here's what to expect.
What is a Japanese tea ceremony?
It's a full-blown ritual—and yes, it does involve drinking tea.
The Japanese tea ceremony, also sometimes known as sado (literally “the way of tea”) or cha no yu (“water for tea”), is the preparation and serving of green tea, usually powdered matcha, in a highly ritualized manner. The host carefully prepares the tea in a set of precise steps, using exacting movements, in an elaborately prepared setting.
The practice is rooted in Zen Buddhism and encourages mindfulness and appreciation of small details and simple pleasures. While the study of tea ceremony can be a lifelong pursuit, visitors can partake in the ceremony as guests.
What is the history of the Japanese tea ceremony?
It's more than 1,000 years old.
The first record of tea in Japan dates from the 9th century when the monk Eichu brought some tea back from China to Japan. However, tea drinking did not become widespread until a few centuries later, when the monk Eisai brought and spread the practice of drinking matcha—powdered and whipped green tea—to Japan in the late 12th century. Tea was cultivated in the Kansai region, around Kyoto, using seeds brought back by these traveling monks.
The father of the tea ceremony as we now know it is Sen no Rikyu, explains Yukiko Murano, professor of the Omotesenke Japanese tea school. Sen no Rikyu lived in the 16th century and developed and solidified many of the tools and rituals still used in tea ceremonies today. There are three historical schools that descend from Sen no Rikyu’s teachings: the Omotesenke, Urasenke, and Mushakojisenke schools, each with their own—often subtle—differences in performing the art. The number of registered members of the Omotesenke school, according to Murano, numbers 500,000.
Today, the Kyoto area is still one of the main tea-growing regions in Japan, and a wonderful place to explore tea culture, along with tea-producing regions such as Shizuoka Prefecture, Kagoshima Prefecture, and Mie Prefecture.
Where do Japanese tea ceremonies take place?
The setting is part of the experience.
Typically, a tea ceremony is held in a Japanese-style room, with tatami mats and floor cushions. The host meticulously prepares the setting in advance of the event, including choosing the decor to reflect the season, usually including a seasonal flower arrangement and sometimes an alcove (tokonoma) with art such as a calligraphy scroll. If the event is held in a traditional teahouse, the room may have a diminutive door, causing all entrants to bow when coming through, symbolizing equality and respect.
How long does a Japanese tea ceremony last?
There's no standard length.
Murano explains that the tea ceremony has four spiritual pillars: Wa, Kei, Sei, and Jaku, or Harmony, Respect, Purification, and Tranquility. Considering these four elements will put hosts, students, and guests in the right mindset when performing or attending the ceremony.
A tea ceremony can be as short as 30 minutes or as long as several hours. Shorter ceremonies usually only involve the most crucial parts of the ritual, whereas longer ones can even include full meals. Before you book a Japanese tea ceremony, be sure to inquire about the length of the event.
Related: 15 Traditional Japanese Foods and Drinks To Try on Your Next Trip
What tools are used in a Japanese tea ceremony?
You need far more than a kettle and teacups.
Tea ceremonies require a number of dedicated tools, all cared for by the host. These include a charcoal brazier (furo) and kettle (kama) for preparing the hot water; the mizusashi, or vessel containing fresh cold water; the hishaku, or bamboo ladle used to transfer water; the natsume or tea caddy containing matcha powder; the chashaku or tea scoop; the chawan or tea bowl in which the matcha is whipped and served; and the chasen or bamboo whisk used to mix and froth the matcha.
What can I expect in terms of tea varieties and flavors during the ceremony?
It's all about matcha.
Japanese tea ceremonies always serve matcha. Beyond tea, the ceremony often includes snacks, with a particular highlight being the tea sweet. This small confection, often made from sugar, sweetened bean paste, and rice flour, is served in a brief ritual and reflects the season through its shape and color. For extended ceremonies, a complete meal may be included, adding an extra layer of culinary and cultural richness to the tea ceremony.
Where are the best places to experience a Japanese tea ceremony?
Japan is the obvious answer, but there might be places closer to home.
Today, the Kyoto area is one of the main tea-growing regions in Japan, and a wonderful place to explore tea culture, along with tea-producing regions such as Shizuoka Prefecture, Kagoshima Prefecture, and Mie Prefecture. But you can experience a tea ceremony in Tokyo, too—or any major city in Japan.
Outside of Japan, you can often participate in Japanese tea ceremonies at Japanese cultural institutions, museums, gardens, and teahouses.
What should I wear to a Japanese tea ceremony?
If you can don a kimono, you should.
Your host will likely be wearing a kimono, carefully chosen for the occasion. The colors and motifs will reflect the season, and the kimono is differentiated “according to occupation, social status, and age,” says Murano. “Tea people are experts in wearing seasonal kimono.”
Guests may also wear kimono, if possible. “The host will feel respected if the guest pays a visit wearing a kimono matching the season,” says Murano. But if not, guests should dress in a manner that is respectful to the hosts and acknowledges the effort they put into preparing the event. Simple and elegant is a good goal. Shoes must be removed to protect tatami mats, and clean white socks or tabi socks are recommended. Guests should be prepared to sit on the floor for the duration of the experience.
Insider tip: Remove accessories such as rings and watches, so as not to scratch or damage the delicate teaware.
Frequently asked questions
Everything you need to know about Japanese tea ceremonies.
- Can you watch a Japanese tea ceremony without participating in it? In some settings, you may simply be an audience member at a Japanese tea ceremony.
- Can foreigners participate in a Japanese tea ceremony? Yes, there are opportunities for tourists to participate in Japanese tea ceremonies. There are also various schools and tea ceremony centers that offer introductory sessions or demonstrations for both locals and tourists.
- Are Japanese tea ceremonies expensive? The cost of participating in a Japanese tea ceremony can vary widely depending on several factors, including the location, the type of tea ceremony, the venue, and whether it's a public demonstration or a private session. For example, high-end tea ceremonies conducted in historical or culturally significant locations may come with a higher price tag.
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