tiqets blog
  • City Guides
    • All
    • Amsterdam
    • Barcelona
    • Berlin
    • London
    • Madrid
    • New York
    • Paris
    • Rome
    • Rotterdam
    10 Facts About New Orleans to Know Before You Go

    10 Facts About New Orleans to Know Before You Go

    Paella, a famous food in valencia

    Food in Valencia According to Tapas Tours Guru Suzie Añón y García

    Statue in Botero Park Medellin

    What to Do in Medellín: Culture, Nightlife and Hot Tamales

    The 12 Best Things to Do in Orlando Besides Theme Parks

    The 12 Best Things to Do in Orlando Besides Theme Parks

    Emily-Lush-Tbilisi-Abanotubani

    Wonder What the Life of a Travel Blogger Looks Like? Meet Emily at Wander-Lush

    Three Days in Chicago: The Best Things to do in Chicago

    Three Days in Chicago: The Best Things to do in Chicago

    The Best Things to Do in Miami for Couples, Singles and Families

    The Best Things to Do in Miami for Couples, Singles and Families

    9 Romantic Things to do in Berlin

    9 Romantic Things to do in Berlin

    Classic view of historic traditional Cable Cars riding on famous California Street in morning light at sunrise with retro vintage style cross processing filter effect, San Francisco, California, USA

    Your Itinerary for San Francisco: What to Do, See, Eat and More

  • Destinations
    • All
    • Asia
    • Europe
    • Middle East
    • North America
    • UK & Ireland
    10 Facts About New Orleans to Know Before You Go

    10 Facts About New Orleans to Know Before You Go

    Statue in Botero Park Medellin

    What to Do in Medellín: Culture, Nightlife and Hot Tamales

    The 12 Best Things to Do in Orlando Besides Theme Parks

    The 12 Best Things to Do in Orlando Besides Theme Parks

    Three Days in Chicago: The Best Things to do in Chicago

    Three Days in Chicago: The Best Things to do in Chicago

  • Culture
    • All
    • Architecture
    • Art
    • History
    • Museums
    • Venue Guides
    Famous Animal Paintings and Where to Find Them

    Famous Animal Paintings and Where to Find Them

    Independence Hall in Philadelphia, a historical site in the US

    Mounds, Plantations and Battlefields: 10 Historical Sites in the US You Should Visit

    13 Famous Women Artists and Where to Find Their Work

    13 Famous Women Artists and Where to Find Their Work

    Celebrating Women in Art: Curators On Their Favourite Women Artists

    Celebrating Women in Art: Curators On Their Favourite Women Artists

    Photo by Laurie Byrne on Unsplash

    Museums & Attractions Need You: How to Support Local Tourism

    11 of the Best Black History Museums in the US and Where to Find Them

    11 of the Best Black History Museums in the US and Where to Find Them

    Hope the blue whale at the natural history museum London

    The Best Natural History Museums in the World: Bones, Stones, & Questionable Taxidermy

    One World Observatory: An Insider Guide

    One World Observatory: An Insider Guide

    gladiator

    Colosseum Gladiators: Roman History to Know Before You Visit

  • Travel tips
    Paella, a famous food in valencia

    Food in Valencia According to Tapas Tours Guru Suzie Añón y García

    Statue in Botero Park Medellin

    What to Do in Medellín: Culture, Nightlife and Hot Tamales

    Emily-Lush-Tbilisi-Abanotubani

    Wonder What the Life of a Travel Blogger Looks Like? Meet Emily at Wander-Lush

    That Nomadic Life: Long-term Travel Advice From the Broke Backpacker’s Will Hatton

    That Nomadic Life: Long-term Travel Advice From the Broke Backpacker’s Will Hatton

    the Roman forum in Rome

    An Archaeologist Breaks Down Historical Tourism – And How We Can Be Better at It

    Inside Xcaret: An Insider’s Guide to Mexico’s Most Exciting Ecotourism Development

    Inside Xcaret: An Insider’s Guide to Mexico’s Most Exciting Ecotourism Development

    Hikers at the Grand Canyon

    USA Bucket List: 37 Iconic Experiences and Hidden Gems

    Jellyfish at one of the best Aquariums in the world

    The Best Aquariums in the World and Where to Find Them

    Heading to Italy? Visit These Stunning Campania Destinations

    Heading to Italy? Visit These Stunning Campania Destinations

  • Things to Do
    • All
    • Christmas
    • Easter
    • Halloween
    The 12 Best Things to Do in Orlando Besides Theme Parks

    The 12 Best Things to Do in Orlando Besides Theme Parks

    Easter bunny

    Eggs, Bunnies, and Ogres: How to Spend Easter in the UK

    Valentine's day at home on a rooftop with candles

    6 Stay at Home Date Ideas for Valentine’s Day 2021

    European Easter eggs.

    Easter in Europe: The Most Eggcellent Easter Holiday Destinations & Traditions

    Flowers at Keukenhof park

    Keukenhof 2021: The Full Guide

    29 Unusual Christmas Traditions, New Year Rituals and Festive Activities

    12 Christmas City Breaks for Singles, Couples, and Families

    12 Christmas City Breaks for Singles, Couples, and Families

    40 Halloween Amusement Parks and Activities to Celebrate the Ghoul-est Day of the Year

    40 Halloween Amusement Parks and Activities to Celebrate the Ghoul-est Day of the Year

    How to Spend Halloween 2020 in Amsterdam: Attractions and More

    How to Spend Halloween 2020 in Amsterdam: Attractions and More

No Result
View All Result
tiqets blog
  • City Guides
    • All
    • Amsterdam
    • Barcelona
    • Berlin
    • London
    • Madrid
    • New York
    • Paris
    • Rome
    • Rotterdam
    10 Facts About New Orleans to Know Before You Go

    10 Facts About New Orleans to Know Before You Go

    Paella, a famous food in valencia

    Food in Valencia According to Tapas Tours Guru Suzie Añón y García

    Statue in Botero Park Medellin

    What to Do in Medellín: Culture, Nightlife and Hot Tamales

    The 12 Best Things to Do in Orlando Besides Theme Parks

    The 12 Best Things to Do in Orlando Besides Theme Parks

    Emily-Lush-Tbilisi-Abanotubani

    Wonder What the Life of a Travel Blogger Looks Like? Meet Emily at Wander-Lush

    Three Days in Chicago: The Best Things to do in Chicago

    Three Days in Chicago: The Best Things to do in Chicago

    The Best Things to Do in Miami for Couples, Singles and Families

    The Best Things to Do in Miami for Couples, Singles and Families

    9 Romantic Things to do in Berlin

    9 Romantic Things to do in Berlin

    Classic view of historic traditional Cable Cars riding on famous California Street in morning light at sunrise with retro vintage style cross processing filter effect, San Francisco, California, USA

    Your Itinerary for San Francisco: What to Do, See, Eat and More

  • Destinations
    • All
    • Asia
    • Europe
    • Middle East
    • North America
    • UK & Ireland
    10 Facts About New Orleans to Know Before You Go

    10 Facts About New Orleans to Know Before You Go

    Statue in Botero Park Medellin

    What to Do in Medellín: Culture, Nightlife and Hot Tamales

    The 12 Best Things to Do in Orlando Besides Theme Parks

    The 12 Best Things to Do in Orlando Besides Theme Parks

    Three Days in Chicago: The Best Things to do in Chicago

    Three Days in Chicago: The Best Things to do in Chicago

  • Culture
    • All
    • Architecture
    • Art
    • History
    • Museums
    • Venue Guides
    Famous Animal Paintings and Where to Find Them

    Famous Animal Paintings and Where to Find Them

    Independence Hall in Philadelphia, a historical site in the US

    Mounds, Plantations and Battlefields: 10 Historical Sites in the US You Should Visit

    13 Famous Women Artists and Where to Find Their Work

    13 Famous Women Artists and Where to Find Their Work

    Celebrating Women in Art: Curators On Their Favourite Women Artists

    Celebrating Women in Art: Curators On Their Favourite Women Artists

    Photo by Laurie Byrne on Unsplash

    Museums & Attractions Need You: How to Support Local Tourism

    11 of the Best Black History Museums in the US and Where to Find Them

    11 of the Best Black History Museums in the US and Where to Find Them

    Hope the blue whale at the natural history museum London

    The Best Natural History Museums in the World: Bones, Stones, & Questionable Taxidermy

    One World Observatory: An Insider Guide

    One World Observatory: An Insider Guide

    gladiator

    Colosseum Gladiators: Roman History to Know Before You Visit

  • Travel tips
    Paella, a famous food in valencia

    Food in Valencia According to Tapas Tours Guru Suzie Añón y García

    Statue in Botero Park Medellin

    What to Do in Medellín: Culture, Nightlife and Hot Tamales

    Emily-Lush-Tbilisi-Abanotubani

    Wonder What the Life of a Travel Blogger Looks Like? Meet Emily at Wander-Lush

    That Nomadic Life: Long-term Travel Advice From the Broke Backpacker’s Will Hatton

    That Nomadic Life: Long-term Travel Advice From the Broke Backpacker’s Will Hatton

    the Roman forum in Rome

    An Archaeologist Breaks Down Historical Tourism – And How We Can Be Better at It

    Inside Xcaret: An Insider’s Guide to Mexico’s Most Exciting Ecotourism Development

    Inside Xcaret: An Insider’s Guide to Mexico’s Most Exciting Ecotourism Development

    Hikers at the Grand Canyon

    USA Bucket List: 37 Iconic Experiences and Hidden Gems

    Jellyfish at one of the best Aquariums in the world

    The Best Aquariums in the World and Where to Find Them

    Heading to Italy? Visit These Stunning Campania Destinations

    Heading to Italy? Visit These Stunning Campania Destinations

  • Things to Do
    • All
    • Christmas
    • Easter
    • Halloween
    The 12 Best Things to Do in Orlando Besides Theme Parks

    The 12 Best Things to Do in Orlando Besides Theme Parks

    Easter bunny

    Eggs, Bunnies, and Ogres: How to Spend Easter in the UK

    Valentine's day at home on a rooftop with candles

    6 Stay at Home Date Ideas for Valentine’s Day 2021

    European Easter eggs.

    Easter in Europe: The Most Eggcellent Easter Holiday Destinations & Traditions

    Flowers at Keukenhof park

    Keukenhof 2021: The Full Guide

    29 Unusual Christmas Traditions, New Year Rituals and Festive Activities

    12 Christmas City Breaks for Singles, Couples, and Families

    12 Christmas City Breaks for Singles, Couples, and Families

    40 Halloween Amusement Parks and Activities to Celebrate the Ghoul-est Day of the Year

    40 Halloween Amusement Parks and Activities to Celebrate the Ghoul-est Day of the Year

    How to Spend Halloween 2020 in Amsterdam: Attractions and More

    How to Spend Halloween 2020 in Amsterdam: Attractions and More

No Result
View All Result
tiqets blog
No Result
View All Result

The Japanese Tea Ceremony: Where to Go and What to Expect

Neesha Kanaga by Neesha Kanaga
May 20, 2019 - Updated on November 10, 2020
in Travel tips
Reading Time: 5min read

Ever wondered what all the hype surrounding the Japanese tea ceremony is about? Trust us when we say that there’s a lot more to it than just putting the kettle on and dipping a tea bag into some hot water. Join us while we spill the tea on what this ceremony is all about.

Skip to a section

  • sadō, The way of tea
  • Purify yourself
  • Enter the tearoom
  • The host
  • Enjoy the tea
  • Best places in Kyoto for a tea ceremony

sadō, The way of tea

Tea has been drunk in Japan for more than 1,000 years, however, its highly ritualized and performative aspect only came into play around the 16th century. This can be attributed to the country’s wealthy elite; merchants, warlords, and intellectuals, who all competed against one another to host the most lavish and sophisticated tea ceremonies.

In their efforts to outperform each other, form took precedence over function, and the enjoyment of actual tea became an afterthought. Instead, the Japanese way of tea is all about etiquette, with predetermined conversation, stylized movements, and luxurious props. It’s more theater than tea really.

For all its relative strangeness, the tea ceremony is a quintessentially Japanese experience, and Kyoto is at the heart of it. Much of Japan’s famously delicious matcha is grown in the southern suburb of Uji, where you’ll also find the best schools that specialize in the art of sadō.

Purify yourself

The details of each tea ceremony vary slightly, but they all start with a purification ritual. In traditional venues, this begins in a garden. However, most modern venues lack a garden. Instead, you may be led into a tranquil room, aimed to calm your spirit, where you must wash your hands and rinse your mouth with water from a stone basin. This is done to symbolically rid yourself of the dust and dirt of the outside world.

Enter the tearoom

The tea ceremony is traditionally held in a tatami room, a minimalist space with sparse decor. The entrance to the room may be low, so watch your head! This is done so that entering guests have to bend over, showing humility. Once you are seated seiza-style (sitting on your heels) on the mat, bow your head to those who you’re sharing this experience with.

The host

The star of the show will enter the room and greet each guest individually. The host will clean and prepare all the necessary utensils in front of you. What do you do in the meantime? Nothing. Do not attempt to make small talk with the host or fellow tea-tasters. This is considered highly rude and may disturb the spiritual atmosphere of the ceremony. In certain modern venues, however, there may be some allowances made to reduce any awkward tension, but we highly suggest reading the room before you crack an infuriateaing joke.

Tea ceremony in Kyoto

Enjoy the tea

Once your delicious cup of matcha has been prepared, the host will first pass it to the main guest, followed by the other guests. Upon receiving your cup, raise it up and admire it as a gesture of respect. Inspect any fine carvings, the lower it to your lips and sip gently. Avoid finishing the cup, no matter how matcha you love matcha. Once you’re done, wipe the rim of the bowl clean, bow,  and then offer it to the next guest. This is done to avoid other guests drinking from the same spot as you. Some venues may require you to place the tea back on the mat when you’re done.

When everyone has had the chance to drink from the same bowl, the last person will place the bowl on the mat, front-facing, towards the host. This marks the end of the Japanese tea ceremony.

Pouring Japanese tea


Best places in Kyoto for a tea ceremony

Kyoto is rife with venues offering authentic tea experiences. Some may be fraught with tourists, or offer commercialized sub-par experiences. We’ve picked some top venues to enjoy your cuppa at.

Camellia

Camellia is relatively new in the Kyoto tea scene, but their nuanced approach to this traditional ceremony is as refreshing as the tea they serve. Thanks to a bilingual owner, the venue feels more welcoming to travelers. The ceremony is carried out in a relaxing way, without sacrificing tradition, and you’ll have a blast picking out stunning kimonos with the friendly staff.

Wak

Wak offers a tailored experience to guests, from stylish kimonos or opting to stay in your own clothes, to private ceremonies, you can pick the intensity of your experience. Their ‘Way of Tea’ ceremony has been a bestseller for ages.

Tea Ceremony at Temples

Besides formal tea venues, many temples offer modest tea ceremonies with no frills in which you will be served a Japanese-style sweet with a bowl of matcha (powdered green tea). The upside of this experience is that you’ll usually be outside, in nature, looking out onto a traditional Japanese garden. Prices are in the ¥500-1000 range. Two popular temples for this are Nanzen-ji Temple and Shoren-in. If you’re keen on temples, we suggest you check out Enryaku-ji as well, it’s stunning.


Do you know of any cool places in Kyoto for a tea ceremony that weren’t mentioned here? Let us know on Instagram or Facebook!

Tags: Japan
Neesha Kanaga

Neesha Kanaga

Neesha likes clambering up mountains on all fours, pretending she's a skilled hiker. Her other interests include road trips, camping, wall climbing (re: clambering), and putting her life (and her boyfriend's life) at risk by going on advanced hikes completely unprepared.

Related Posts

Paella, a famous food in valencia
City Guides

Food in Valencia According to Tapas Tours Guru Suzie Añón y García

Statue in Botero Park Medellin
City Guides

What to Do in Medellín: Culture, Nightlife and Hot Tamales

Emily-Lush-Tbilisi-Abanotubani
City Guides

Wonder What the Life of a Travel Blogger Looks Like? Meet Emily at Wander-Lush

That Nomadic Life: Long-term Travel Advice From the Broke Backpacker’s Will Hatton
Travel tips

That Nomadic Life: Long-term Travel Advice From the Broke Backpacker’s Will Hatton

the Roman forum in Rome
Culture

An Archaeologist Breaks Down Historical Tourism – And How We Can Be Better at It

Inside Xcaret: An Insider’s Guide to Mexico’s Most Exciting Ecotourism Development
Travel tips

Inside Xcaret: An Insider’s Guide to Mexico’s Most Exciting Ecotourism Development

Next Post
The best things to see in Tokyo, according to Tiqets

The best things to see in Tokyo, according to Tiqets


Get featured on our Instagram

Follow us

  • Get up close to first division Dutch football at @johancruijffarena ⚽️

🏟You can experience a 75-minute guided tour of the Amsterdam Johan Cruijff ArenA, home of AFC Ajax, and the location for concerts from One Direction, Madonna, the Rolling Stones, and more.

🏆See the Gallery of Fame and learn everything you
  • Visit a waterside medieval castle and museum, close to Amsterdam: @muiderslot 🏰🇳🇱

⚔️Learn about the castle
  • Great news for people in the Netherlands! 🌷 Keukenhof will be open to the public on Friday 9, Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 of April. This is part of a government test program to gradually reopen the Netherlands.

@visitkeukenhof is in full bloom and we are happy to let you experience the beautiful flowers. 💐🌷

☀️ Would you like to take advantage of this unique opportunity to visit?

Click the link in our bio to learn more.

📸: @sarchetrit
  • Step into this delightful timesink: Ripley’s Believe it or Not! Amsterdam 🔮

🙀At @ripleysamsterdam, you can see more than 500 nearly unbelievable exhibits, from actual shrunken human heads to one of the swords used by Mel Gibson in the epic ‘Braveheart’.

🗺Explore 19 themed galleries packed full of curious delights and wax figures of real people that Mr. Ripley encountered in the 201 countries he visited.

🧠Interact with dozens of attractions, like the brain-twisting vortex tunnel, the shooting gallery, and the rage-inducing mystery gate.

📸: @isnefashion

🏆 Ripley’s Believe it or Not! Amsterdam won the Best Onsite Experience Award in the Netherlands 🇳🇱 during the @Tiqets #RemarkableVenueAwards.
  • The famous Scheveningen Pier just got a lot more exciting! 🎡Now you can enjoy panoramic views from the luxury ferris wheel, or test your nerve on the gigantic zipline and vertiginous bungee platform with @skyviewdepier! 🙌

🌊Prepare to be swept away – literally – as this luxury Ferris wheel carries you high above the North Sea. This isn
  • Happy Easter, everyone! 🌷 And thanks to everyone that participated in the @Tiqets Easter Egg Hunt 🐰 We will be announcing the lucky winners in our Stories in the coming days! ✨

Remember that to be eligible for the draw, you need to follow us. Get ready for a summer full of thrill and culture. ☀️
  • Pose, play, & explore along an hour-long tour through 30 eye-catching installations. At @youseum.art, ✨you✨ are the artwork, the artist, & the critic. 

🤳🏼Youseum is Amsterdam’s Social Media experience all about you and your world. Take eye-catching photos for Instagram and create unforgettable content for TikTok, solo or with a group. 

🦄It has become one of the most sought-after things to do in Amsterdam for visitors and locals alike.

📸: @deathd0tt99 @suziealshoman @shannaaan @kreati0n

🏆 Youseum won the Best Hidden Gem Award in the Netherlands 🇳🇱 during the @Tiqets #RemarkableVenueAwards.
  • Visit the second most popular attraction in Amsterdam: @vangoghmuseum. See more than 200 paintings, drawings and letters from Vincent van Gogh - it
  • Everyone gets something with Efteling tickets! From gentle rides for the little ones and haunted houses and rollercoasters like Baron 1898 (one of Efteling
  • Did you know there is only one way to explore The Three Bridges, a UNESCO World Heritage Site? That
  • Have you ever heard of @irishwhiskeymuseum? 🥃Learn everything there is to learn about the nectar of life on a fun and highly interactive tour of this Dublin
  • Let the hunt begin! 🐰

Join our online Easter Egg Hunt to win a summer’s worth of FREE tickets to museums and attractions! ✨🆓➡️🎟✨

🔍 How to join the hunt – and stand a chance to win!

1. 📲 Follow us here on Instagram: @Tiqets.
2. 🥚From 26 March to 5 April, look for the Easter eggs hidden in our Instagram Stories and Posts.
3. 🚨When you spot one, comment on the post or the story saying “SPOTTED”.
4. 🕵🏻‍♂️The more eggs you spot, the better your chances of winning! Every time you spot one, that
Tiqets logo, more ways to culture

Culture at home

Virtual Museum Tours
Get Creative at Home with Social Media
Kew Gardens Video Tour

Video Games with Real-World Locations
Art Activities for Kids

Cities we're dreaming of

Barcelona
Paris

Amsterdam
London
New York City

Trending

Prado Museum Highlights
Gladiators and the Colosseum
Borghese Gallery Highlights
Famous Art in Advertisements
What to See at MoMA

No Result
View All Result
  • City Guides
  • Destinations
  • Culture
  • Travel tips
  • Things to Do

© 2020 Tiqets

en English
en Englishes Spanishit Italiannl Dutchpt Portuguesefr Frenchde Germanja Japanesezh-CN Chinese (Simplified)