Hi!
So it is my first time in Japan, but I am actually finalizing years of reading (since covid haha) about japanese food/tea as a hobby.
So my question is this: I want to participate in a tea ceremony, but actual one. I don’t want or need to be dressed in any Kimonos or any explanations, I know enough of the basics from different wares, styles, schools historu and masters etc’. I just want an actual ceremony, (which largely Includes silence and not constant explanations…)
I want to experience the real thing, not as touristy gimmick (which there is nothing wrong with! But not with this for me) to FINALLY experience what I read about.
My only points are for the ceremony to be authentic in one of the many various styles it can have. Aka:
1. beautiful authentic utensils and decorations, but not over the top like the stuff i’ve seen in touristy places. A scroll and a vase maybe that’s it. Focus on the beautiful utensils, doesn’t have to be anything too mind blowing or unique, but to leave an impression, the delight from the utensils is part of the ceremony, so just the most simple yet still beautiful thing is good.
2. PROPER Temae: no explanations needed! Just any authentic Temae preformed, as I would probably be irked if I’d go and I’d feel it’s butchered in order to explain the process.
3. All this to say, i want to feel what you’re suppose to feel when participating in Cha No Yu. For real. Not to do an ‘exotic culture consumption checkmark’ but participate in the reason this ceremony exists in the first place and take this moment in, learn it not just in theory. This feeling is what I seek, and it’s my single opportunity to get it !
4. Wonderful tea, which without – the tea ceremony means nothing. Just my single cup of great perfectly made tea please !
No Need for:
– Dress ups
– English speaking (maybe just enough to correct me when I do something wrong. But nodding can do haha)
– Lavish / extravagant decorations.
I fly really soon and I have less than 2 weeks to book, so this is a very hurried attempt (I just had to finish reading everything I could on the tea ceremony prior to scheduling something)
4 comments
I don’t know much about the tradition of Japanese tea ceremony but my wife and I had a beautiful “gosincha” tea experience at Yakumo Saryo in Tokyo. The space is understated and stunning. The tea was memorable and delicious. The service was attentive and watching the tea master brew the different teas was mesmerizing. They discourage photography of the experience, which I believe lends to its “authenticity”. I felt immersed in the moment.
Please have a look into that experience and see if it suits you. You can book via MyConcierge as we did. Our seating still had seats available during our visit, so hopefully it will be available for your dates. Cost was ~$70pp.
This was about 4 years ago so it may have changed now, but Uji is well known for its tea and I went to a beautiful tea ceremony at a place near Byodoin Temple. I found it by speaking to a guide in the tourist office who recommended it. The matcha was delicious, I don’t remember them explaining anything during the ceremony, and I remember it being pretty cheap.
I had an amazing experience with a tea master from Uji. Her mother and grandmother were tea masters as well. This was a while ago but you should be able to find some info when you get into Kyoto.
Maybe not quite what you’re looking for but I found MANDARACHA to be the best tea and educational experience for tea during my trip. The matcha serving size was the most generous and the best tasting. A true gem and one I think you would really enjoy! Don’t miss out on their desserts.