What It’s Like Experiencing an Authentic Tea Ceremony in Japan

Stepping Into an Extraordinary Traditional Atmosphere

On a warm autumn day, we found ourselves on a quiet residential street in Tokyo about a 10-minute walk away from Toritsu-daigaku Station, staring at the natural wooden facade of our destination, Torian. After being greeted by our kimono-clad hosts, we were guided through the wooden gate and into the hall of a tatami-lined building that overlooked a serene garden.

Steeped in a traditional Japanese atmosphere, I quickly felt my anticipation for the tea ceremony building, as this is not something that is an everyday occurrence, even for Japanese people. Already feeling removed from the outside world, it was clear that we were at the right spot to learn more about this unique custom.

A Brief History of the Japanese Tea Ceremony

Tea has been an integral part of Japanese culture for centuries. Although its original use was largely medicinal, it later evolved into a spiritual practice. It was then further enjoyed by aristocrats and samurai in tea ceremonies, held for people to enjoy fantastic hospitality, conversation, and delicious tea in a relaxing environment, and this purpose has held fast throughout the years.

The modern Japanese tea ceremony, also known as “sado,” “chado,” or “chanoyu,” was developed in the 16th century by the Japanese tea master Sen no Rikyu. The tea ceremony was later divided into several different styles over the years, but three schools created by Rikyu’s descendants (Urasenke, Omotesenke, and Mushakojisenke) remain the most prominent.

Two Tea Masters Who Are Dedicated to the Internationalization of Japanese Tea Ceremony

The ceremony we partook in followed the Urasenke school style, hosted by Souei Funakoshi and Souai Kawada, two tea masters who have been practicing for over thirty years. The names introduced above are actually their “tea names,” which are granted after practitioners reach a certain level.

Getting a tea name is an impressive endeavor in itself, but both Souei and Souai have gone beyond. They are both ranked as “kyoju,” which can only be personally granted by the grand tea master (essentially the head tea master) of the school. This is no easy feat – tea practitioners spend years learning the art, but Souei and Souai told us that even for high-ranked masters, there is always more to learn.

Both Souei and Souai were drawn to how the Urasenke school makes efforts to bring this beautiful Japanese custom to the world, with the former grand tea master of the school even proactively holding lectures and ceremonies overseas. They were touched by how so many people, regardless of their home country or culture, were able to connect over a bowl of tea.

They have now been teaching the Japanese tea ceremony for around sixteen years, and welcome both Japanese and international guests who are interested in participating in a Japanese tea ceremony. Hosting a tea ceremony requires much preparation, but Souei and Souai find pride in and are grateful to be able to show off Japanese hospitality and share a sense of their culture.

Ichigo Ichie - Savoring Every Moment of the Japanese Tea Ceremony

A concept called “ichigo ichie” is particularly prevalent in Japanese tea ceremonies. This is basically the thought that we will never have the exact same experience twice. Even if we do participate in another tea ceremony, some elements will be different, whether it be the utensils, the decor, or even the weather. Therefore, it is important to lose yourself in the moment while in the tearoom.

When we made our way into the tatami-lined tearoom where our tea ceremony would take place, we immediately felt the warmth exuded from the charcoal in the hearth – a rarity in modern times. Due to the time, effort, and expenses it takes to meticulously prepare and place the charcoal, many tea lessons and gatherings that are more casual opt for electric coils to heat the water.

Seeing the glowing charcoal was a welcoming surprise, and was a sign that we were being treated with generous hospitality. A sunken hearth is used during the cooler months, while a portable brazier is used in the warmer months. As we visited in the autumn, the sunken hearth had already been opened, further emphasizing the sense that we were there during a chillier season.

The utensils that Souei would be using were carefully displayed, and my eyes studied them as much as I could as I made my way over to the alcove. The four seasons play a particularly important role in Japanese tea ceremony, with the host attempting to convey a sense of the season to the guest, along with considering what they believe the guest will appreciate.

The utensils used change seasonally as a result. What particularly caught my attention that day was the glimmering “natsume” tea canister, with both maple leaves and cherry blossoms floating over streams of gold.

The alcove is also not something to be overlooked in a tea ceremony, as it also adds to the concept of ichigo ichie. The host carefully selects a hanging scroll and flowers that are presented to introduce a sense of seasonality and a theme to the tea ceremony. After explaining the meaning of the hanging scroll and also giving an introduction to the flowers, Souai instructed me on how to properly appreciate the ornaments and how to carry myself while in the tea room.

Partaking in a Bowl of Koicha - Rarely Tasted Outside of Japanese Tea Ceremony

After admiring the alcove, Souai showed me to my seat and explained the proper way to sit. Generally, the traditional Japanese sitting position called “seiza” is expected, which is when you sit on your heels with your legs folded under you. However, as this can be difficult to maintain, a short stool can be provided to take pressure off the knees and ankles.

Once I was in position, the fusuma door slid open, and Souei brought in a lacquer box holding a sweet for me. Once everyone was in order, there was an opening bow, and then the tea ceremony officially began.

Prep Your Palate With a Gorgeous Japanese Sweet

Before you actually enjoy your bowl of tea, the hosts will instruct you when and how to eat the sweet that was brought to you beforehand. Matcha is supposedly very good for you, but as it is also quite strong (especially as koicha), sweets are provided to line the stomach and fill the mouth with a sense of sweetness to complement and soften the bitterness of the matcha.

The sweets change seasonally, and as we visited during the autumn, I was presented with a beautiful jo-namagashi that represented a mountain covered in autumn foliage. It was almost too beautiful to eat!

There are specific movements that the guest must do when receiving the sweets and matcha, but do not worry about being lost on what to do, as Souai will gently direct you through the steps.

It is astounding how much practitioners must remember for each role in the tea ceremony. Following her instructions helped me understand the discipline required for this art, and fully immersed me in the moment.

Savoring a Rich Bowl of Koicha

The first bowl of tea Souei prepared during this experience was a bowl of “koicha,” which is matcha that has a thick, paste-like consistency. It is a luxurious drink that has likely not been tasted by many, as most matcha provided outside of proper tea ceremonies is “usucha,” the more liquid form of matcha that is also easier to drink.

Souei and Souai told us that the reason koicha became part of the experience at Torian was because they received an inquiry from international tourists who had heard of and were interested in trying this type of matcha. Participating in a tea ceremony does not necessarily mean that you will be offered koicha, with usucha being the more common tea presented, so getting to try it here felt truly special.

The Japanese tea ceremony was enveloped in an air of stillness, making it easy to understand why it has been used as a spiritual practice for centuries. It felt as though the world had been reduced to the warmly lit room as I watched Souei’s hands gracefully move from utensil to utensil.

Pay attention to the host’s movements, as everything is done with intention. Souei explained that practitioners spend years studying so that they can provide the most elegant display for their guests.

The Japanese tea ceremony is imbued with the essence of hospitality. Each step of the tea preparation is intended for the guest – from purifying the utensils to portioning the matcha powder and water. As I ate my sweet, I was hypnotized by the trickling of the water and the scratching sounds of the tea whisk as Souei prepared my bowl of tea, unable to take my eyes off his fluid movements.

Lifting the prepared bowl of tea added a sense of depth to the experience. The Japanese aesthetic of wabi-sabi is another key element in any Japanese tea ceremony, and the red “raku” earthenware bowl I was served that day is a prime example. Wabi-sabi emphasizes the beauty in imperfection, and the uneven, slightly rough surface painted with a breathtaking glaze made it hard to take my eyes off of the bowl.

Koicha has an intense, grassy flavor, stronger than what you might taste with usucha as it uses a higher matcha powder-to-water ratio. Its thick consistency also made the matcha taste linger in my mouth, allowing my palate to appreciate the full flavor profile of the tea.

As many people have likely only tried matcha as usucha (and then perhaps even more diluted such as with milk in a latte), koicha’s taste can be rather powerful for first-time drinkers. Matcha is integral in tea ceremony, so those who are not fans of the taste may hesitate to try koicha. But Souai mentioned that participating may actually change your perception of matcha and give you a new appreciation for the tea in all its forms along with the art of the Japanese tea ceremony. Who knows, you might just get hooked on the complex bitterness!

After finishing the tea and returning the bowl, the guest is allowed to view the utensils that are used during the ceremony. There are few occasions when non-tea practitioners get to see authentic tea utensils up close and personal, so this is your chance to hear the host explain more about the tea utensils they chose for the ceremony and ask any questions you may have thus far.

Welcome the Close of This Spiritual Experience With a Bowl of Usucha

Matcha lovers will rejoice in this experience – not only do you get to enjoy an elusive bowl of koicha, but this is followed and closed with a bowl of usucha, which follows the traditional order of a tea ceremony. It is the type of matcha more commonly seen, and in the Uransenke style, is whisked until there is a light froth on top, which adds a slight sweetness to the beverage.

In this experience, the usucha is prefaced by “higashi” sweets, which also change seasonally. They had a subtle sweetness that was beautifully complemented by the light bitterness of the smooth usucha, and was a wonderful way to follow up the koicha. After you finish your usucha, you can also take a look at the utensils that are used to prepare this bowl of tea, as they differ from koicha’s.

After everything was put back into place, with a final bow, the ceremony came to a close.

What to Keep In Mind When Attending a Japanese Tea Ceremony

While Souei and Souai will guide you through the movements and mannerisms of the ceremony, there are things that you should prepare beforehand and keep in mind to get the most out of this experience.

Do Not Disrupt the Harmonious Atmosphere

A tea ceremony is meant to be calming and reflective, so it is best to not strike up a conversation while the tea is being prepared and enjoy the moment in silence. This will not only allow you to focus on and appreciate the skills that the host has spent many years honing, but will also let you lose yourself in the meditative atmosphere.

If you have any questions or topics for the host, you can ask them when examining the utensils or after the ceremony has concluded.

Wear Appropriate Clothing for the Tea Room

Bring a change of white socks to wear inside the tearoom and wear bottoms that cover your legs.

White socks are to follow general tea ceremony protocol, and they should be a change of white socks (not ones that you wore to the ceremony) to protect the cleanliness of the space.

The long bottoms are because you will be sitting on and may need to slide over the tatami mats, so covering your legs will protect your skin from rubbing along the surface. However, denim is not recommended, as it is rough and could potentially damage the tatami.

If you would like to dress in kimono, the Wabunka experience includes that option as well.

Show Respect for Others and the Tea Utensils

Do not wear jewelry or perfume. Rings in particular can be a potential hazard for the delicate tea utensils, as they can clank and scratch the fragile surfaces. Perfumes can be distracting and a negative presence in the space, especially when people are using their five senses to focus on the current sensations.

Show Respect to the Hosts

Lastly, and this should go without saying, but be on time. This shows respect for the hosts’ and other participants’ time, and will also allow you to enjoy every moment of the tea ceremony.

Overall, be mindful of others while you are in the space. Loud conversations and pungent perfume can be disruptive and break the calming atmosphere that the host is trying to create.

Learn About the Ins and Outs of Japanese Tea Ceremony From Established Tea Masters

This was an incredibly meditative experience, and I felt all five senses being activated to enjoy every sensation. The sight of Souei’s fluid and gentle movements, the smell and taste of the matcha tea and sweets, the sound of the lightly crackling charcoal and Souei’s steps across the tatami, the touch of the earthy tea bowl - they all contributed to this precious moment.

Torian is the perfect place for English speakers to experience an authentic Japanese tea ceremony, as Souai is fluent in English and therefore able to explain every element and nuance. It is very different just reading about the art versus having an actual practitioner explain it, as with the latter you can hear from someone with actual experience who understands the spirituality of the custom.

I also enjoyed the privacy that this experience provided. It is perfect for those who are interested in the tea ceremony yet who may be nervous about conducting themselves properly in front of others. The intimate yet friendly atmosphere of the tea room meant that I could be gently guided through the ceremony without worrying about messing up and could freely ask questions.

Ignite the Five Senses With a Traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony

While most countries have their own tea culture, Japan’s has developed into a unique traditional custom over the course of hundreds of years. The Japanese tea ceremony will show you the epitome of Japanese hospitality and help you forget the busyness of the outside world for a moment. It is a wonderful way to get a sense of traditional Japanese culture, and enjoy some delicious matcha and Japanese sweets while you’re at it!

If you’re interested in trying this meditative experience yourself, you can check it out through Wabunka! For those interested in trying meals served during a traditional tea ceremony as well, you can also check out that option in the Wabunka plan.

About Wabunka

We booked the experience introduced above through the Wabunka website. On this site, you can find a variety of Japanese cultural experiences such as tea ceremony, flower arrangement, sushi, Japanese confections, and “kintsugi” (repairing broken dishes with gold), and more that are available for international tourists and offered in English. If you are looking for an exceptional and authentic Japanese cultural experience, check out the options at Wabunka!

Website (Japanese): https://wabunka-experience.com/?ref=mtonjmpr

Website (English): https://otonami.jp/wabunka?ref=mtonjmpr

*The experience introduced in this article was provided for free by Wabunka, but all opinions expressed in the article are the writer's own.