Invitation to Tea Ceremony - A journey of surprise and inspiration

Hello everyone!
In this issue, we would like to talk about the tea ceremony, which is one of the most deeply significant aspects of traditional Japanese culture.
The tea ceremony is not only a ritual of tea ceremony, but also a beautiful art form where the heart and mind meet.
I will cover a variety of topics, from the basics to my own experiences with tea ceremony, so that people visiting Japan from overseas can easily enjoy it.

What is Tea Ceremony?

First of all, let me briefly explain what the tea ceremony is.
The tea ceremony is not only about drinking tea, but also about the tea utensils, the tea room, and the spirit of the tea ceremony.
The purpose is for participants to relax and share a harmonious atmosphere through tea.

History of Tea Ceremony and Behind the Scenes

The tea ceremony began in the Muromachi period (1336-1573) and was initially a social ritual for samurai warriors.
However, it gradually spread to the general public, and the tea ceremony came to occupy an important place in Japanese culture.
The meaning behind the tea house and its utensils, as well as the major rituals of the tea ceremony, have a profound history.

The Heart and Spirit of the Tea Ceremony

The tea ceremony is more than just the enjoyment of tea; it is also a ritual to prepare the mind.
It is about quietness of mind, respect for others, and cherishing the time spent together.
This is the spirit of the tea ceremony.
What the tea ceremony teaches us can be applied to our daily lives.

Aesthetics of the Tea Room

Chashitsu(tea room) architecture is part of the tea ceremony and is a straightforward expression of the aesthetics of the tea ceremony.
Everything is designed with deep intention to harmonize with nature, to be simple, beautiful, and functional so that you can enjoy the beauty of the seasonal gardens and the quiet moments inside.
A moment on the tatami mats is a luxurious moment to forget the hustle and bustle of the city and experience the beauty of nature.

The World of Tea Utensils

There is a profound world of tea utensils.
Each tool, such as tea bowls, tea whisks, and tea scoops, has a different meaning depending on its shape and material.
When I first held an authentic tea utensil in my hands, I was amazed by its weight and texture.
In 2016, the Yutekitenmoku Chawan (oil-drop tea bowl) sold for the high price of $11.7 million (about 1.2 billion yen at the time) at an auction held by Christie's.
The highest price paid for any tea utensil sold in Japan was also for the Yetekitenmoku Chawan, which was sold in 1918 for about 1.68 billion yen in terms of modern value.
Tea utensils are recognized for their artistic value, and their value has only increased over time.
Why don't you try looking for antiques?

Experience: Invitation to Tea Ceremony

Have you ever actually experienced a tea ceremony? I attended my first tea ceremony class at the invitation of a friend.
When I stepped into the tea room, the smell of tatami mats wafted through the air, and it seemed to be the only place where a different dimension existed.
Under the careful guidance of the teacher, we learned how to greet each other when entering the tea room, how to prepare the procedure for serving tea, and how to receive the tea.
These are all about respecting each other's hearts and minds, and you will feel the Japanese people and Japanese culture.
I was happy to share a pleasant time as well as the bitter-sweet taste of tea.

Tea Ceremonies and Seasonal Fun

Tea ceremonies are held in conjunction with various seasons and events.
For example, “Shincha Hatsugama” is held in spring with fresh greenery, “Tsukimi no Chakai” is held in fall under the moonlight, and other seasonal tea ceremonies are held in each season.
These events expand the enjoyment of the tea ceremony.

Further Exploration of the Tea Ceremony

Now, finally, we would like to introduce some websites where you can get in touch with the world of the tea ceremony.

good luck Trip "What is Tea ceremony (sadou)?"
ma space design "sadou 茶道 tea ceremony"
Tea Kyoto "Authentic Kyoto Tea Ceremony"
Match.com "Trusted Japanese Tea Match"
Japan Guide.com "Tea Ceremony"

What are we?

We run Ninja Experience Cafe in Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka, Japan.
Here you can immerse yourself in Japanese culture through experiencing ninja training.
Both adults and children are welcome to try their hand at defeating the ninja master inside the cafe.
The cafe is an indoor interactive zone, so it can be enjoyed even on rainy days.
If you are thinking "I want to be a real ninja too!” or interested in becoming a real ninja, please visit us.
Reservations can be made here.

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