Japanese tea ceremony

What's tea ceremony?

Japanese chado (tea ceremony) is a ritualized practice of preparing and serving tea, with roots in Zen Buddhism and centuries of cultural tradition. Known also as chanoyu or sado, the tea ceremony is much more than simply making tea; it embodies Japanese aesthetics, mindfulness, and respect for nature. In recent years, travelers to Japan have the opportunity to experience this unique cultural practice firsthand, learning about the tea ceremony process, the meaning behind each gesture, and the etiquette involved. Here is an in-depth look at the characteristics of the tea ceremony, its step-by-step process, and what to expect in a tea ceremony experience, including the typical costs.

Characteristics of the Japanese Tea Ceremony

The Japanese tea ceremony is a carefully orchestrated ritual that involves the preparation, serving, and drinking of powdered green tea, known as matcha. Every aspect of the tea ceremony reflects the Japanese principles of wabi-sabi (finding beauty in simplicity and imperfection) and mindfulness. The tea ceremony is often performed in a serene setting, like a traditional tea room (chashitsu) or a tea garden (roji), designed to bring participants closer to nature and foster a sense of calm.

The tea ceremony embodies four core principles, defined by the tea master Sen no Rikyu during the 16th century:
1. Wa (Harmony): Fostering harmony with nature, between host and guests, and with the utensils used.
2. Kei (Respect): Showing respect for all participants, the tea, and the tools.
3. Sei (Purity): Practicing cleanliness and purity of heart, mind, and surroundings.
4. Jaku (Tranquility): Achieving inner peace through practice and mutual respect.

Every movement, from pouring water to whisking tea, is performed mindfully, emphasizing a deeper, respectful connection with each action and item in the ceremony.

The Process of the Japanese Tea Ceremony

The tea ceremony is a multi-step ritual that varies slightly depending on the style (such as usucha, the thin tea ceremony, or koicha, the thick tea ceremony) and the season. However, a standard tea ceremony typically includes the following steps:

Step 1: Preparing the Room and Tools
Before guests enter, the host cleans and prepares the tea room, displaying seasonal flowers or calligraphy scrolls. The tea room itself is traditionally simple, decorated to enhance the appreciation of seasonal beauty.

Step 2: Greeting and Entry of Guests
Guests are welcomed into the tea room after the host is ready, often entering through a small door called the nijiriguchi, which requires them to stoop as a sign of humility. Upon entering, guests appreciate the decorations, such as the seasonal flower arrangement or the scroll, and take a moment of silence to admire these elements.

Step 3: Cleansing Ritual
The host begins by cleaning each tea utensil in front of the guests, a symbolic act of purifying the space and welcoming everyone. This part of the ceremony is conducted slowly, with every movement performed thoughtfully to emphasize mindfulness and respect.

Step 4: Preparing and Serving the Tea
The host uses the bamboo scoop to place matcha powder into the tea bowl. Hot water, which has been boiled over a furo (charcoal stove), is added carefully to the matcha powder. The host then uses the bamboo whisk to mix the tea, creating a smooth, frothy texture.
For usucha (thin tea), the matcha is whisked to create a light foam on the surface, with a delicate flavor. For koicha (thick tea), the host uses more matcha, creating a dense, rich tea that is shared among the guests by passing the same bowl.
The host presents the tea bowl to the first guest, who then admires the bowl’s craftsmanship before taking a sip. After taking a sip, each guest wipes the rim of the bowl and passes it to the next guest in a show of shared respect. Guests thank the host and exchange quiet words of appreciation as each one tastes the tea.

Step 5: Reflection and Farewell
Once the tea is served, guests express their gratitude to the host for their hospitality and to each other for the shared experience. The host then collects and cleans the utensils, and guests take a moment to reflect on the ceremony and its significance.
Afterward, the host escorts guests out of the tea room, ending the experience on a peaceful and respectful note.

Price for tea ceremony experiences

Travelers visiting Japan can participate in tea ceremony experiences, which are available in various formats and venues. Options range from brief introductory sessions to in-depth, traditional ceremonies in historic tea rooms or temples. Here is an overview of the typical costs and types of tea ceremony experiences:

・Introductory Tea Ceremony (30-60 minutes):
Many tourist-friendly locations offer a brief version of the tea ceremony, allowing participants to experience the basics of tea preparation and tasting. These sessions are commonly available in cultural centers, museums, and some temples.
💰 Approximately ¥1,500 to ¥3,000 ($10-$20 USD).

・Traditional Tea Ceremony (60-90 minutes):
A more immersive experience that includes a full ceremony, explanations of each step, and sometimes a chance to try whisking the tea yourself. These are held in traditional tea rooms or historic buildings and are led by tea masters, providing a deeper understanding of the tea ceremony.
💰 ¥3,000 to ¥6,000 ($20-$40 USD), with more elaborate ceremonies or those held in historic tea rooms costing up to ¥10,000 ($70 USD).

・Private Tea Ceremony:
Some venues offer private sessions, ideal for those looking for a personalized experience. Private tea ceremonies often come with a more detailed introduction and a chance to engage closely with the host.
💰 Typically starts around ¥6,000 to ¥10,000 ($40-$70 USD) and can go higher depending on the venue.

・Tea Ceremony with Kimono Rental:
Certain tea houses provide the option to wear a kimono during the tea ceremony. This enhances the experience by allowing participants to fully immerse themselves in traditional Japanese culture.
💰 ¥5,000 to ¥10,000 ($35-$70 USD) for a combined experience, including the cost of kimono rental.