What is Japanese tea ceremony? Introducing the history, etiquette, and places where you can experience Japanese tea ceremony

Japanese tea ceremony is called “Sado”, also known as “Cha no yu” or “Chado”, the Way of Tea.

By learning about Japanese tea ceremony, you can learn about not only traditional Japanese tea etiquette and but also the unique Japanese spirit of hospitality.

In this article, we will introduce the characteristics and history of Japanese tea ceremony, the schools, the basic flow, important things to remember in Japanese tea ceremony, and places where you can experience Japanese tea ceremony.

If you read this you will gain a deeper understanding of Japanese tea ceremony, so if you are interested in, be sure to read to the end.

What is Japanese tea ceremony?

Japanese tea ceremony is an art in which the host (the person hosting the tea ceremony) prepares tea according to traditional etiquette and serves it to the guests.

The tea served in Japanese tea ceremony is “Matcha,” a Japanese tea made from powdered tea leaves.

Matcha is made by adding hot water and quickly stirring it with a tea whisk to create a foam, and the word “make tea” is used in the tea ceremony to convey this meaning.

One theory about the reason matcha is served is that when tea first spread throughout Japan, tea leaves ground into powder using a millstone (a tool used to grind grains into powder) were highly valued.

The traditional manners of Japanese tea ceremony are mainly as follows, and each has specific actions to be performed.

• How to make tea
• How to enter and behave in a tea room (a room where tea is drunk)
• How to drink tea

In addition to the etiquette, other things such as the following are also important in Japanese tea ceremony.

• The space of the tea room
• Tools used for making tea
• Wagashi (Japanese traditional sweets) served with tea

The above rules exist to enable hosts to serve delicious tea to their guests, and for guests to receive the host’s tea hospitality with good manners.

In Japanese tea ceremony, tea is not made and served in the same way that we normally do, but rather the emphasis is on making tea according to traditional methods, with consideration for the guest, and drinking the tea with respect for the person who made it.

This way of thinking is connected to the unique Japanese “hospitality spirit” of “not being assertive, but caring for others.” This is one of the ways of thinking about “courtesy to others” that Japanese people have valued since ancient times.

By learning about Japanese tea ceremony, you can learn not only about Japanese traditional tea ceremony etiquette, but also about the Japanese spirit of hospitality.

History of Japanese tea ceremony

The history of Japanese tea ceremony is said to date back to the Kamakura period (1185-1333).

A monk named Eisai, who had traveled to China, brought tea back to Japan along with the religion of Zen Buddhism. After that, people began drinking tea in tea rooms using tea utensils made in Japan, and this is how Japanese tea ceremony became widespread.

Japanese tea ceremony developed greatly thanks to a tea master named Sen no Rikyu.

At the time, the practice of tea ceremony incorporated the spirit of “wabi-cha,” a style in which heartfelt connection between the host and guests. Unlike the luxurious tea gatherings hosted by aristocrats, wabi-cha focused on simple, modest tea gatherings accessible even to common people. Sen no Rikyu further developed wabi-cha by actively utilizing humble tea utensils, prioritizing a serene atmosphere in small tea rooms, creating a style that emphasized heart-to-heart exchange between the host and guests.

Eventually, Sen no Rikyu’s efforts spread widely throughout Japan and became the basis for modern-day Japanese tea ceremony.

The three major schools of Japanese tea ceremony

Even in Japanese tea ceremony, there are various schools (groups that have branched off due to differences in methods, etc.), and each school performs the tea ceremony according to its own style.

There are three famous schools of Japanese tea ceremony. Known as the “Three Great Schools of Japanese Tea Ceremony,” these schools were established by the descendants of Sen no Rikyu, who made a major contribution to the development of tea ceremony.

Here we will explain the characteristics of the three major schools of Japanese tea ceremony.

Urasenke

The first is the Urasenke school, which was established by Senso Soshitsu, the fourth son of Sen Sotan, the grandson of Sen no Rikyu. In the Urasenke school, Japanese tea ceremony is called “Chado.”

Urasenke is the most commonly studied school of tea ceremony. There are many schools and books in Japan where you can learn Urasenke, so there are many Japanese people who learn the etiquette of this school.

The characteristics of Urasenke tea ceremony etiquette include its elegant and refined movements, as well as its adaptability in incorporating customs that align with changes over time.

For example, when preparing tea, Urasenke emphasizes whisking it thoroughly to create a fine, frothy layer of foam.

Furthermore, Urasenke introduced a style called “Ryurei”, where tea is served at a table and chairs for overseas visitors. This allows participants to enjoy a tea gathering without the traditional requirement of sitting in the formal posture on tatami mats.

Urasenke is also proactively promoting the tea ceremony to the world.

Omotesenke

The second is the “Omotesenke” established by Sen Sotan’s third son, Koshin Sosa. In Omotesenke, Japanese tea ceremony is called “Sado.”

A distinctive feature of Omotesenke tea ceremony etiquette is the restraint of movement. For example, when making tea, there is not much foaming.

Unlike Urasenke, Omotesenke value traditional methods.

Mushakoji Senke

The third is the Mushakoji Senke school, which was established by Sen Sotan’s second son, Ichio Soshu.

The characteristics of the Mushanokoji Senke tea ceremony etiquette include restrained movements similar to those of the Omotesenke school, as well as the incorporation of efficient practices that eliminate unnecessary actions. For example, the tea room is not flashy, but has simple and modest decorations.

Because the Mushakoji Senke school places importance on taking the time to enjoy tea, Japanese tea ceremony is called “Chanoyu,” which means a joyous tea ceremony, rather than the more formal “Chado.”

The charm of Japanese tea ceremony

What is the charm of Japanese tea ceremony?

Japanese tea ceremony is not just about drinking tea and enjoying it.
You can experience the changing seasons of Japan, which help calm the mind, while also learning the spirit of “Omotenashi” (hospitality) and “graceful movements.”I’m sure that you will become more and more interested in traditional Japanese culture.

It’s nice to visit old castles and temples in Japan, but you can actually experience the tea ceremony.I think the greatest attraction of Japanese tea ceremony is that it allows you to directly experience traditional Japanese culture.

Why not experience Japan’s traditional culture through the tea ceremony – something you can’t easily feel in the midst of everyday city life in Japan?

The basic flow of Japanese tea ceremony

Here we will explain the basic flow of a Japanese tea ceremony. Although it may vary depending on the school, if you know the basic flow, you will be able to participate in a tea ceremony experience workshops or tea gatherings with peace of mind.

Entering the tea room

As mentioned above, in Japanese tea ceremony, the host also pays attention to the space of the tea room in order to entertain his guests.

When you enter a tea room, the atmosphere will change depending on the school, but you will be greeted by decorations, such as a flower arrangement (ikebana) or a scroll painting (kakejiku).

While there are etiquette rules that show the host’s consideration, guests are also expected to follow etiquette.

The basic things you should do when entering a tea room are as follows:

• Remove all accessories, watches, etc. to avoid damaging the tools used in the tea ceremony
• Wear white socks to avoid scratching the tatami mats in the tea room
• Kneel down and then open the door called “Shoji” to enter the tea room, to avoid looking down at the host, showing respect to the host.
• Do not step on the edge of the tatami mat (the edge of the tatami mat is meant to distinguish the host from the guest, so stepping on it would undermine that meaning).

First greeting to the host

When you enter the tea room, you first greet the host who will be making the tea.

Once you’ve taken your seat, bow and say “Yoroshiku onegaishimasu.”

After this, the host will usually give a speech before beginning the tea ceremony.

At this time, the guest should return the greeting, saying something like, “Honjitsu ha omaneki itadaki arigatogozaimasu” to show appreciation for the opportunity to participate in the tea ceremony.

Enjoy Wagashi (Japanese sweets)

In the tea ceremony, it is common to serve Wagashi (or “Chagashi”) – Japanese sweets to enhance the flavor of the tea.

Although it will differ depending on the tea ceremony, the following Wagashi are usually served.

Rakugan

Nerikiri

Wagashi are often brought in a tray, with enough for number of participants.

When the host offers you Wagashi, it is proper etiquette to say “Osakini” (means “Excuse me for going before you.”) to the next person, take your share of Wagashi, and then pass the tray to the next person.

After taking your portion of the Wagashi, please eat it. Eating the Wagashi before the tea is because the subtle sweetness that lingers in your mouth when you eat the Wagashi makes the tea taste even better.

For more information on the main Wagashi served at tea ceremony, such as Rakugan and Nerikiri, and how to eat them, please see “What are Wagashi? Introducing Wagashi characteristics, types, and places where you can eat Wagashi“. If you are planning to participate in a tea ceremony, please take a look.

Drink matcha

After eating the Wagashi, it is common to drink Matcha following these rules:

1. Say “Otemae chodaishimasu” (Thank you for the tea) and bow.
2. Take the bowl with your right hand and place it on your left palm
3. Rotate the bowl twice clockwise with your right hand to avoid the front (ie the patterned part or the most beautiful part of the bowl) not face you but face the host, showing respect to the host.

Look at tea bowl

After drinking the matcha, we take a look at the tea bowl.

In the tea ceremony, the host pays special attention to the tea utensils used to serve guests. The tea bowls are objects that are very attached to the host.Looking at the tea bowl to feel that attachment is a ritual in the tea ceremony.

Place the tea bowl so that it does not overlap the edge of the tatami mat and lean slightly forward to view it.

Say thanks to the host

After looking the tea bowl and saying a final thank you to the host, the tea ceremony come to an end.

Important things in Japanese tea ceremony

The most important thing in Japanese tea ceremony is “Shiki Shichisoku” (four principles and seven key attitudes).

“Shiki Shichisoku” is the words coined by Sen no Rikyu, who developed the art of tea ceremony. “Shiki Shichisoku” is also the foundational thought of the Omotenashi spirit (spirit of hospitality) in Japan today.

“Shiki” and “Shichisoku” and said the following:

Shiki (Four principles)

These are four mottos that hosts and guests should keep in mind in order to show consideration for each other in the tea ceremony.

1. Wa (harmony): Open up and get along with each other
2. Kei (respect): Respect each other
3. Sei (purity): Purify not only what is visible, but also the mind.
4. Jaku (tranquillity): Maintain a calm spirit

※Reference: お茶の心ってなんだろう | 裏千家ホームページ 茶の湯に出会う、日本に出会う

Shichisoku (Seven key attitudes)

These are the seven basic attitudes that are important in the tea ceremony.

1. Make a good tea for your guest.
2. Prepare the charcoal to heat the water with care.
3. Arrange flowers as nature intends it, respecting life as it is.
4. Be aware of the seasons and make sure the experience flows with nature.
5. Value the time and make sure that you have enough time to prepare.
6. Be prepared, calm and ready for anything that may happen.
7. Respect each other and spend a pleasant time together.

※Reference: お茶の心ってなんだろう | 裏千家ホームページ 茶の湯に出会う、日本に出会う

If you have the opportunity to participate in a tea ceremony in Japan, please remember these rules.

Main places where you can experience Japanese tea ceremony

Finally, we will introduce four main places where you can experience Japanese tea ceremony.

If you’ve read this far and are thinking, “I’d like to experience the tea ceremony”, then please check out the following places to find out more.

Tea ceremony class

A tea ceremony class is a typical place to experience the Japanese tea ceremony. Japanese people also go to this class first when they want to learn tea ceremony.

Usually, tea ceremony classes take time to learn the authentic tea ceremony, but many classes offer one-off lessons as an experience. This is recommended for people who are in Japan for a short period of time, such as for sightseeing, and would like to experience an authentic tea ceremony at least once.

Find out whether there are tea ceremony classes in the area you are visiting, and if so, whether they offer tea ceremony experiences.

The cost of a tea ceremony experience held at a tea ceremony classes is approximately 2,000 to 5,000 yen per person.

Japanese sweets shop

Since Japanese sweets are served with the tea ceremony, some Japanese sweet shops also offer tea ceremony experiences.

The appeal of the tea ceremony experience at a Japanese sweets shop is that you can enjoy matcha green tea along with the Japanese sweets sold at the shop. You may also be able to enjoy freshly made Japanese sweets on the day of the experience.

If you like the sweets served during the tea ceremony experience, you can buy it to take home.

Some Japanese people experience tea ceremony at a Japanese sweets shop when they want to know which Japanese sweets go well with matcha, along with experiencing the tea ceremony.

The cost of a tea ceremony experience held at a Japanese sweets shop is roughly 1,000 to 2,000 yen per person.

Temple

Some temples also hold tea ceremony experiences.

The charm lies that you can learn the tea ceremony in the tranquil atmosphere of a temple, while experiencing the important principle of “Jaku” (maintain a calm spirit) from “Shiki” – the Four Principles of the tea ceremony.

Some temples offer a Zen meditation experience after the tea ceremony.Some Japanese people experience tea ceremony at temples when they want to reset their mind and body.

Not all temples across the country offer tea ceremony experiences, so if you’re interested, it’s a good idea to check whether the temple in your area offers it.

The cost of a tea ceremony experience held at a temple is roughly 1,500 to 3,000 yen per person.

Kimono shop

Since there are many opportunities to wear the traditional Japanese dress “Kimono” during the tea ceremony, some kimono shops also offer tea ceremony experiences.

The appeal of experiencing the tea ceremony at a kimono shop is that you can learn the tea ceremony while wearing a kimono. You can rent a kimono sold at the shop and experience the tea ceremony.

Although kimono is a traditional Japanese dress, modern Japanese people rarely wear kimono in their daily lives. Therefore, some Japanese people participate in tea ceremony experiences wearing kimono at kimono stores in order to learn about traditional Japanese culture.

The cost of a tea ceremony experience at a kimono shop is approximately 8,000 to 10,000 yen per person.

Kimono dressing class

You can even experience the tea ceremony at kimono dressing classes where you learn how to wear a kimono.

The appeal of experiencing a tea ceremony in a kimono dressing class is that you can learn both how to wear a kimono and the proper etiquette for the tea ceremony.

The kimono shops mentioned above only rent out kimonos for the tea ceremony, but at kimono dressing classes you can learn how to wear a kimono and often experience the tea ceremony afterwards.

As mentioned above, many Japanese people today have few opportunities to wear kimonos in their daily lives, so many do not know how to wear them. There are also Japanese people who learn how to wear a kimono while studying the tea ceremony. This is an ideal place for those who want to learn how to wear kimono so that they can wear kimono themselves and participate in the tea ceremony experience.

The cost of the tea ceremony experience at the kimono dressing class is approximately 12,000 to 15,000 yen per person.

Summary

The Japanese tea ceremony is an art that allows you to learn the traditional Japanese tea ceremony etiquette as well as the unique Japanese spirit of hospitality.

You can experience in a wide range of places, from specialized classes such as tea ceremony classes to Japanese sweet shops, temples, kimono stores, and kimono dressing classes that have a deep connection to tea ceremony.

Please come and experience the tea ceremony at your favorite place.