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A conventional tea ceremony (identified in Japanese as sadō) was by no means excessive on my bucket listing. I like tea and I like custom however, nicely…meh.
Now, as you possibly can think about on condition that I’ve been touring within the nation for over a decade, I’ve attended a number of tea ceremonies, starting from official and elaborate to gimmicky and tourist-focused. I’d be mendacity if I stated I hadn’t loved myself in any respect, although I can also’t declare they modified my life.
Now, if you wish to see a tea ceremony in Japan, please don’t enable my low enthusiasm dim your self. As an alternative, comply with my sensible recommendation—and disrespect any shade I could throw whereas giving it.
My Tea Ceremony Story
Whereas a tea ceremony in Kanazawa is often not the primary risk that pops into most individuals’s heads, it’s how I inadvertently ended up experiencing this custom for the primary time. It was the autumn of 2015, simply over a yr after my first journey to Japan, and I’d stopped within the metropolis for a whirlwind go to following a half-day journey to Shirakawa-go en route from Takayama. If that seems like so much, simply think about the way it felt!
All of which is to say that after I walked previous the small machiya simply exterior Kanazawa Citadel, I used to be very a lot in want of some leisure. What’s humorous, trying again, is that I’m not even certain why the younger girl invited me in. She neither requested for fee nor tried to promote me something; the atmosphere contained in the outdated home appeared lower than industrial. Paradoxically, that is how I want most tea ceremonies went down (however few do).
The Finest Locations for Tea Ceremonies in Japan
Kyoto
As you possibly can think about, Kyoto is the place to be for a tea ceremony—nicely, at the least for those who’re a overseas customer and are unlikely to obtain an invite to 1. Some ceremonies are carried out by Geisha, whereas at others, the matcha alone is the star of the present.
Tokyo
It’s not similar to a Kyoto tea ceremony, however having fun with sadō in trendy Tokyo can nonetheless be a fantastic expertise. That is particularly the case for those who’re ready to take action at a conventional cha-ya or tea home, such because the one at underrated Koishikawa Koraku-en backyard.
Uji
It ought to come as no shock the Uji is a hub for tea ceremonies, on condition that such a big proportion of Japan’s tea manufacturing happens within the rolling, inexperienced fields simply exterior the town. Conveniently, many Uji tea ceremonies happen in areas between JR Uji Station and well-known Byodo-in temple.
Kanazawa
Though Kanazawa isn’t often close to the highest of individuals’s lists for a Japan tea ceremony, the truth is that some do happen right here. You in all probability gained’t get as fortunate as me and occur into a non-public one, however whichever one you do discover is more likely to be a lot much less crowded than these in Kyoto.
Sakata
Not each traveler will make it to Sakata, a port metropolis within the Tohoku area positioned about midway between Niigata and Akita. Nonetheless, for those who do, attending a tea ceremony on the genuine Somaro Tea Home is nicely well worth the trek off Japan’s overwhelmed path.
Different Tea Experiences in Japan
Love consuming tea however have little interest in a tea ceremony? Given my very own previous ambivalence, I can’t precisely argue with you. Listed here are another methods to expertise tea in Japan:
- Hire a automobile in Shizuoka and drive to Obuchi Sasaba tea plantation, which sits within the foothills of Mt. Fuji. Take pleasure in views of the well-known mountain rising over the beautiful tea fields.
- As an alternative go to a tea farm close to Uji, akin to d-matcha in Wazuka City. Be aware that whereas the farm can provide transport from the station (for a charge), it’s finest to have your personal automobile.
- Go to any teahouse (cha-ya) inside any conventional backyard in Japan. These vary from giant ones inside fashionable gardens like Kanazawa‘s Kenroku-en, to smaller ones akin to Suizenji Joju-en in Kumamoto.
TIP: Whether or not you wish to see a tea ceremony in Japan, or want steering in different areas of tip planning, I do hope you’ll think about commissioning a customized Japan itinerary.
Different FAQ About Seeing a Tea Ceremony in Japan
What are the foundations of Japanese tea ceremonies?
The foundations of Japanese tea ceremonies are irrelevant to guests to Japan. Should you attend a ceremony, you’ll have the foundations defined to you, whether or not it’s a tourist-focused ceremony or an genuine one the place outsides are welcome. Simply hear and study!
What do you put on to a tea ceremony?
You may put on any type of clothes to a tea ceremony, although some folks choose to put on kimono or yukata. No matter you put on, ensure it’s one thing that will likely be snug whereas sitting on the ground, which is required throughout most tea ceremonies.
Is a Japanese tea ceremony price it?
For my part, Japanese tea ceremonies are an inherently gimmicky/touristic expertise that aren’t as attention-grabbing or pleasurable as I used to be ever result in imagine they’d be. Then again, I do suggest having fun with one at the least as soon as. Who is aware of? You would possibly like it!
The Backside Line
Wish to attend a tea ceremony in Japan? The excellent news is that you’ve got extra choices than ever, from accessible and plentiful ones with Geisha in Kyoto, to extra obscure ones in different components of the nation. I like the truth that completely different ceremonies cater to completely different tastes. Some folks wish to study extra about tea and serve it in essentially the most stunning means or to make sure the most effective taste, whereas others are all about…nicely, the ceremony. Regardless of the place you fall on this continuum, I do hope you’ll think about hiring me to plan your journey. It’s one of the best ways to make sure each side of your journey is unforgettable.
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