Elegant tea ceremony culture of Japan

28Aug,2023

Japan discovered tea by the Chinese around the 8th century. The tea ceremony was originally a religious activity, which was mainly dominated by activities.

Tea ceremony 

Japanese tea ceremonies began to be performed by Buddhist monks to demonstrate the correct and graceful execution of this ritual

Graceful ceremony

The earliest tea drinking ritual in Japan was during the Kamakura period (1192-1333)

Tea drinking ritual

A historical figure who loved the tea ceremony was Toyotomi Hideyoshi in the 16th century. He once went through great lengths to build a gold portable tea room, just to enable the emperor to drink tea.

Portable tea room

A full, formal Japanese tea ceremony is an event that lasts over an hour, beginning with a kaiseki meal with a cup of strong tea, and ending with a cup of light tea.

Formal tea ceremony

A “tea party” is a casual tea ceremony for tea tasting, and a more formal occasion is called a “tea event”.

Tea Event

Embodying tradition, the tea ceremony is a revered Japanese custom that allows you to let go of worldly thoughts and focus on feelings of peace and tranquillity.

Peace and Tranquility

All of the tea ceremony tools need to be placed neatly before use, and proper procedures of tasting and observation must be followed during the process, otherwise it will be considered impolite to the ceremonial host.

Procedures

Tea ceremonies can be traced back to Zen Buddhism in 815 AD. At that time, the monk Yongzhong drank tea brought back from China, then made sencha himself and dedicated it to Emperor Saga

Zen Buddhism

Traditional tea ceremony venues are surrounded by serene, yet simple Japanese gardens that enhance the calming spirit. 

Ceremony venue