When it comes to Japan, tea is much more than a drink; it constitutes a ritual that’s deeply rooted in the country’s culture, and has been for around 12 centuries.
The tradition, which finds its roots in Zen philosophy, seeks simplicity, contemplation, and mindfulness through practiced gestures and movements.
The methodic preparation of green tea is only half of the ritual, as the drinking is also done in a meditative state, savoring it slowly, and acknowledging the present moment.
Up to this day, the tea ceremony, which was initially practiced only by the noble warlords and elite Zen monks, remains a respected tradition and a key element of Japanese heritage.
That’s why many visitors want to experience a tea ceremony and there are plenty of opportunities in Kyoto and around Japan for tourists to join one.
What is a Japanese Tea Ceremony?
A Japanese tea ceremony, which in Japan is known as chanoyu, is the traditional practice of preparing and drinking green tea or matcha (powdered green tea) in a very formal, ritualized way.
The ceremony, which goes beyond merely drinking a cup of tea, is regarded as a meditative practice and involves many elements of Japanese philosophy, which include hospitality, respect, and aesthetics.
The ritual takes place in a tea house, that’s designed to provide a serene and very peaceful atmosphere, and with various utensils used to scoop, whisk, and boil.
Everything is done with uttermost precision, embracing the philosophy of Zen Buddhism and respecting strict etiquette, aiming to foster a sense of peace and profound appreciation.
A matcha tea ceremony is often performed by hosts when entertaining guests, and the type of tea and color of the tools used may vary depending on the seasons.
History of the Japanese Tea Ceremony
Tea has its roots in ancient China, and it was introduced in Japan sometime between the 8th and 9th centuries. It was initially consumed for its medicinal properties, and reserved to the aristocracy and the Buddhist monks.
Tea slowly gained popularity among other social circles, and around the 13th century, a Buddhist monk by the name of Eisai wrote a book about its health benefits and its connection to longevity, promoting its consumption.
The traditional tea ceremony in Japan was greatly impacted by Zen Buddhism, which incorporated the drinking of tea into their mindful practices.
In the following centuries, the aesthetics and philosophy of the tea ceremony were shaped by a tea master, Murata Shuko. He introduced the concepts of Wabi and Sabi, which refer to the austere and serene beauty and acceptance of imperfection.
Then started the creation of dedicated tea rooms and utensils, and the Japanese art of tea ceremony was adopted all over the country and practiced with subtle differences as each school used its own interpretations of the ritual.
Fast forward to today, the ceremony remains an important aspect of the culture and it’s practiced both formally and informally all over Japan – and in many places of the world.
Tea Ceremony in Kyoto Step by Step
A tea ceremony in Kyoto or anywhere else in Japan follows well-defined steps from beginning to end, respecting the etiquette and rituals for the preparation, the making of the tea, and the drinking.
Upon entering the Kyoto tea house you’ll be greeted by your host and exchange bows, before being offered Kaiseki, a light meal, or sweets. Then the tea preparation begins by boiling water in a kama (kettle) and purifying the utensils with a fukusa, a silk cloth.
Each of the tools, which include a tea bowl (chawan), a scoop (chashaku), and a bamboo whisk (chasen), is individually cleansed. This is one of the main steps of the Japanese tea ceremony, as it’s believed to be a symbolic way of purifying the guests’ souls.
The tea preferred for ceremonies is matcha, and it will be carefully measured and placed in the chawan, where it will be mixed with hot water and whisked in a specific pattern to achieve a frothy consistency.
Once the tea is ready, it will be offered in the bowl to the main guest, who after sipping and complimenting the host will pass it on to the next person, and so on until no more tea is left.
The last step of the tea ceremony is the cleaning of the tools, followed by an exchange of bows after which the guests will thank the host for the experience, and depart.
OUR PICK: The BEST Kyoto Tea Ceremony
The Kyoto: 45-Minute Tea Ceremony Experience is the ceremony that I joined when I was in the city. This is a super affordable experience and I got to learn a lot about tea culture in Japan.
The location right by the Kinkaku-ji Temple makes it perfect to combine the tea ceremony with a trip to this unmissable temple.
We met our English-speaking host at the tea house and took our spots on the tatami, the traditional Japanese floor mat.
Before starting, some of the guests (the ones who have booked the kimono upgrade) got dressed with traditional kimonos. I decided to skip this part because I’ve had multiple occasions to wear a kimono in the past. But if you’ve never worn one you should absolutely consider buying the upgrade (the whole experience is still very affordable).
We sat around the host, who explained the history of the tea ceremony and its spiritual significance as she conducted the ritual, purifying the tools and preparing the tea.
We learned about the different methods of tea-making, and how they affect the flavor, and got to prepare our own matcha tea following the ceremonial steps.
Our host was stern but super professional. She is a tea master trained at a school with a 500 year old lineage so is extremely knowledgeable about anything concerning tea.
Finally, we enjoyed the tea with traditional Japanese sweets to cap off the experience.
Make sure to book this tour in advance! It’s extremely popular and when I tried to book it two days in advance there was only one spot available, so my husband couldn’t join me for this activity 🙁
This tour includes: Tea ceremony, two flavors of green tea, and sweets. The kimono can be selected as an add-on when purchasing the tour. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Other Great Kyoto Tea Ceremony Experiences
▶️ This Kyoto: Tea Ceremony Ju-An at Jotokuji Temple takes place in a beautiful temple, where you’ll delve into the art of tea-making. Learn all about the importance of the ritual and its significance in the local culture.
After wandering around the temple to admire its beauty, you’ll access the Grand Tearoom. There, a Tea Master will conduct the ceremony and explain every step from the purification of the tools to the appropriate way to drink.
This tour includes: Tea ceremony, and matcha tea. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
▶️ The Kimono Tea Ceremony at Kyoto Maikoya Nishiki offers the full experience. It provides the traditional Kimonos so you get geared up for an informative and very interesting ceremony.
You’ll learn about Japanese history and traditions from your host, and witness as they prepare the matcha green tea, explaining every step. Then, try your hand at making your own tea, carefully following the ceremonial process.
This tour includes: Kimono costume, hair styling, tea ceremony, tea, and snacks. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
▶️ The Kyoto: Tea Ceremony Experience is a 45-minute activity that takes place in a traditional machiya. Alongside a local tea master, you’ll discover the art of preparing Japanese matcha green tea, following the centuries-old ritual and learning about the importance and meaning of the tea ceremony.
After learning about the ceremony and the different schools that exist, you’ll get to scoop, whisk, and make your own bowl of tea, which you’ll enjoy with Japanese sweets.
This tour includes: Tea ceremony, tea, and sweets. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Private Japanese Tea Ceremonies in Kyoto
▶️ The Kyoto Tea Ceremony with Kimono near Daitokuji accommodates groups of up to 15 people. It will provide ceremonial kimonos and a quick initial photoshoot so you take home memories of the experience.
Your guide will provide interesting information about the patterns of the kimonos, and the history of Japan’s tea ceremony as they demonstrate every stage of the ritual.
After sipping the green tea and learning more about the etiquette of the event, you’ll get to prepare your own matcha tea and enjoy it with Japanese sweets. A light lunch is also included.
This tour includes: Tea ceremony, tea, lunch, sweets, and kimono. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
▶️ This Kyoto Private Tea ceremony with Rolled Sushi near by Daitokuji takes place in Kinkaku-ji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The experience includes a brief history of the tea ceremony and its philosophy before the Tea Master starts the ceremony.
You’ll witness the fascinating ritual, and get the chance to make tea yourself, which will then be enjoyed with a light meal.
This tour includes: Tea ceremony, tea, and lunch. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
▶️ The Kyoto: Private Traditional Tea Ceremony takes place in a traditional tea room, where you’ll be seated in cushions on the tatami to ensure utter comfort.
A Tea Master will proceed to explain the history and intricacies of the ceremony before embarking on the making of tea, a ritual believed to have healing qualities as it fosters inner peace and tranquility.
You will then try your hand at conducting your own ritual, and sip your matcha tea paired with Higashi, dried sweets.
This tour includes: Tea ceremony, 2 cups of matcha, local sweets, and a small booklet about The Way of Tea. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
The Best Tour for Matcha Lovers in Kyoto
The Kyoto tea town for matcha lovers is a half-day tour that’s bound to satisfy all your matcha cravings.
You’ll enjoy a walking tour around Uji, a district known as a tea haven, as you learn about the origins of tea, and other interesting facts about the Japanese tea ceremony from your guide.
You’ll visit tea fields and houses to enjoy tantalizing tea dishes, and cap off the experience by taking part in a matcha tea ceremony in Kyoto, the very land of its creation!
This tour includes: A walking tour, a guide, tea dishes, and tea ceremony. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Tea Ceremony Etiquette
The Japanese tea ceremony etiquette covers everything from the apparel to the aesthetics, phrases used during the ritual, and even the adequate sitting position.
Traditionally, a kimono and hakama are worn during the ritual, and some experiences might include them for guests. You’ll access the tea house wearing socks, and take a seat on the tatami in the Seiza posture, folding your legs under your body and sitting straight with your bottom touching your heels.
The decor and utensils used are selected according to the time of year or the ceremony’s theme, and are usually very intricate and beautiful.
It’s customary for guests to compliment the host on the selection of tools and the aesthetics. Polite questions about the designs and the reasons behind their choice are also encouraged.
The tea preparation is carried out by the tea master, who will offer the bowl to the main guest showing them the front. Upon receiving it, the guest should raise it to the host, and turn it so that the front is no longer facing them when they sip.
After drinking, they ought to wipe the rim and return the bowl in the same manner. Compliments about the tea are also expected.
