Discover the ritual of the ‘Tea Way
“Although many people drink tea,
If you do not know the Way of Tea,
Tea drinks you ”
-Famous Japanese haiku by Sen no Rikyu
Could there be anything more Japanese than opening a sliding door, kneeling on a tatami floor, and slowly learning the revered art of the tea ceremony? The ancient rituals surrounding the preparation and presentation of powdered macha green tea date back to the 12th century, when Buddhist monks began using the tea in religious ceremonies. Later, the practice spread to samurai warriors in its goal of bringing a concentrated level of consciousness to everyday activities. Certainly, there is a controlled meditative element to the tea ceremony and the carefully prescribed movements are based on 4 principles: harmony, respect, purity and tranquility.
Our company is pleased to offer a hands-on tea ceremony experience performed in a beautiful Kyoto tea house. Your kimono-wearing instructor will guide you through the preparation and drinking of the tea. During the lesson, you can ask questions and take photos.
When to go: The tea ceremony is available throughout the year, but is subject to the availability of a teacher. Ask us and we will be happy to include this as part of your vacation in Japan.