This post covers how to experience a traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony during your travels to Japan. Learn about how to participate in a traditional ceremony, including things to look out for when booking and what to expect!
Table of Contents
What is a Japanese Tea Ceremony
The Japanese Tea Ceremony goes back in time. It involves preparing and drinking green tea or matcha. These ceremonies are usually held in a traditional tearoom with tatami floors. Tea ceremonies were held to celebrate special events but also so that guests can to enjoy the hospitality of the host. Once the guests enter the room, a series of bows are exchanged and then the host begins to prepare the tea in front of the guests. Every hand movement and gesture when preparing the tea is deliberate and the process and steps are usually followed to a tee.
Today, Japanese Tea Ceremonies are practiced more as a hobby and as a way of preserving culture.
Best City for a Japanese Tea Ceremony?
Kyoto is the ancient capital of Japan and is the birthplace of the Japanese Tea Ceremony. Given that it’s the birthplace of this ancient ritual, it is also the best place to participate in a tea ceremony. This is not to say that you cannot participate in a tea ceremony is any other city. However, my recommendation would be to book one if you are going to be in Kyoto.
Where are Tea Ceremonies Held?
Visitors to Japan can participate in a tea ceremony in a variety of places. These include temples, private establishments, traditional Japanese gardens, cultural facilities, and hotels. They may differ in the levels of formality, tradition and authenticity, so make sure to do your research ahead of time. For example, Tea ceremonies offered at temples while certainly cheaper than some of the other experiences are usually not as intricate or do not offer some of the extra additions.
Tips
- Definitely book your Japanese Tea Ceremony experience in advance. This is especially true during peak tourist season like Cherry Blossom time. Even with booking a month in advance, we still did not get the time slot we wanted
- Do your research on what is offered at the tea ceremony. Some questions to ask:
- How authentic is the experience
- What is included in the price
- If the tea ceremony comes with a kimono experience, book it! I was hesitant at first but so glad I did it!
- Pay attention to the etiquette that you need to follow!
Our Experience at a Japanese Tea Ceremony
We booked a tea ceremony at Maikoya in Kyoto. They were one of the most if not the most highly rated tea ceremonies in Kyoto and I was so glad we got one of their last slots available. They have two locations and several time slots offered per day. We booked the option with a kimono experience.
Getting Ready
Once we checked-in, it was time to get ready! I had no clue what went into wearing a kimono and definitely learned a lot! First you don a white garment. Then it’s time for the kimono. The kimonos come in various lengths. Even the shortest one was too long for me but those ladies folded it so swiftly! The kimono is not complete without a belt. These belts are folded both at the front and back in different patterns. It reminded me a bit of origami. Next, it was time to get our hair done. I couldn’t believe how quickly my short bob was made into a sophisticated up-do! These ladies were truly skilled. Flowers in our hair, white socks on our feet and a little purse in our hand, and we were then ready to participate in a tea ceremony!
The Ceremony
The ceremony itself was held inside a traditional room with tatami flooring. There were two ladies who were at the ceremony. One explained the ceremony while the other was the host who prepared the tea. It was fascinating to see with what precision she executed the entire ceremony. After she made the tea, it was then our turn to make tea. But first, we got to have some Japanese sweets. Getting the consistency of the matcha right definitely is a lot harder than it looks, but the host helped us along the way! There was something very calming and Zen about the whole experience!
After the Ceremony
After the ceremony was over, we had plenty of time to take lots of pictures in their tranquil gardens. There were even props like colorful Japanese umbrellas that we could use. There was no time limit and we never felt rushed.
Final Thoughts
Don’t hesitate to book a tea ceremony with Maikoya. There is a reason they are so highly rated! The people at Maikoya, from the person who checked us in, to the ladies who dressed us to the two who were at the ceremony were nothing but kind and friendly. It was such a great experience and I can’t recommend it more!
How to Book a Tea Ceremony
You can book directly with Maikoya or through Viator if you are used to booking tours through them. There is an option for Kyoto and Tokyo!
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