We all know the power that manifests in a good, hot builder’s tea. Not until you’ve enjoyed tea Japanese style, though, will you really understand just how charming an otherwise humble mug of tea can be.

In essence, the Japanese Tea Ceremony—or, Way of Tea—is the ceremonial preparation of Matcha tea.

Yet in practice, there is a whole lot more to the art of Japanese Tea Ceremony than just making a brew! Every aspect of the ceremony is steeped in history, meticulously choreographed and revolves around the complete presence and enjoyment of the guests.

The practice of ceremonial tea drinking dates back to the 9th-century CE when Buddhist monk, Eichu, served tea to the then Emperor of Japan.  In the 16th-century CE, Japanese tea expert Sen no Rikyu, inspired by the increasingly popularity of tea, established the ritual that is now known as Way of Tea. In the book Southern Record, Rikyu outlines the principals he believed should be a part of every tea ceremony:  harmony, respect, purity, and tranquility. These principles form the basis of every tea ceremony to this day.

The nuances of the custom culminate in an intricate ceremony that is at once the epitome of mindfulness practice and cultural entertainment that celebrates the human appreciation of beauty.

It makes the Danish concept of Hygge seem quotidien!

Experience Traditional Tea Ceremony on Retreat in Japan

On each of our Japan yoga retreats we take part in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony to really expose you to Japanese culture and ritual. This is an activity you really need to enjoy first hand to truly grasp the joy of!

The experience begins before you enter the tea house, when you are dressed in a kimono in honour of the occasion. This is followed by the ceremonial practice of cleansing your body and soul in preparation for the ceremony by rinsing your mouth and hands with water to wash away impurities.

You then proceed to the tea house — the setting of the ceremony and your sanctum for the next 4 hours. Inside the ceremony space, you are encouraged to adopt the traditional kneeling position on a cushion on the floor. Your host then arrives to welcome you into the very heart of this sacrament of Japanese culture.

Within the sanctuary of the tea room, a form of silent meditation ensues. The ritual makes it near impossible to be anywhere but present in the room. The hubbub of daily stresses dissolves. Your mind is left still and your senses heighten to absorb the aromatic wafts of warm steam, the occasional chink of whisk on cup, birds singing somewhere outside on your auditory periphery.

Your host will carefully and silently prepare the group’s bowl of matcha tea. Once ready, the bowl will be slowly and lovingly passed around the circle of guests for each to sip in succession. When the bowl makes its way to you, be sure to take a moment of gratitude; notice its warmth and scent, spend some time appreciating the intricate detailing of the bowl’s design, and really taste the tea as it reaches your tongue.

Then comes the part when you can talk! The next phase of the ceremony is a more casual drinking time when you are presented with your own bowl of tea and encouraged to enjoy some conversation with the other guests while you drink. Here you also need to pay close attention to the tools and utensils given to you, as a show of respect to your host and the years they have spent mastering the art of serving tea. Before making it to the tea hut with you, they will have studied philosophy, aesthetics, art and calligraphy and spent years learning the meticulous etiquette of the custom.

Once the utensils have been carefully cleaned and collected back, the ceremony ends.

The Japanese Tea ceremony is a mystical and beautiful experience—and its length can require mastering some patience for the busy Western guest! Once you succumb to the present moment, it is a wonderful opportunity to connect not only with such an ancient culture, but with your own inner world at the same time.

The memory of of your tea ceremony is one you will treasure forever. And we guarantee you’ll never look at your builder’s brew in the same way again!