Australia
USA
Tea ceremony
Discover the ritual of the 'Way of Tea'.
Though many people drink tea
If you do not know the Way of Tea
Tea will drink you up
- famous Japanese haiku by Sen no Rikyu
Could there be anything more Japanese than peeling back a sliding screen door, kneeling on a tatami mat floor and slowly learning the revered art of the tea ceremony? The ancient rituals surrounding the preparation and presentation of macha powdered green tea date back to the 12th century when Buddhist monks began using tea in religious ceremonies. Later the practice spread to samurai warriors in their aim to bring a concentrated level of awareness to everyday activities. There is certainly a controlled meditative element to the tea ceremony and the carefully prescribed movements are based on 4 principles: harmony, respect, purity and tranquillity.
InsideJapan are pleased to offer a hands-on tea ceremony experience conducted in English in a beautiful Kyoto tea house. The kimono wearing instructor will guide you through the preparation and drinking of the tea. During the lesson, you're free to ask questions and take photos.
When to go: The tea ceremony experience is available all year round but is subject to the availability of a teacher. Please ask us and we will be delighted to include this as part of your holiday in Japan.
For more information email us: [email protected] or call: + 44 117 244 3380
Important notice: We are pleased to be able to offer so many amazing experiences in Japan. However, we are sorry that we can only include these as a part of a full Japan holiday package which includes your accommodation and transport alongside the experiences presented in this section of the web site.
Interested in this Experience? It is included in this tour:
-
Join the ranks of the junreisha, or pilgrims, as you explore Ise, Mount Koya and the ancient paths of the Kumano Kodo on this classic trip.
Pilgrim's Paths
This very special journey through Japan will take you from modern Tokyo to ancient Kyoto via a network of ancient pilgrimage paths known as the Kumano Kodo. Along the way you'll stay at a temple lodging on Koya-san and at various traditional ryokan inns.
Tour Gallery
Other Traditional arts & textiles experiences
View more >
Origami
Learn to fold paper like a pro... well like an elementary school kid really... with this beginners class in origami.
Ikebana flower arranging
Discover the finer points of this unique Japanese style of flower arranging with a lesson with a licensed ikebana teacher
Japanese embroidery class
Hone your embroidery skills by attending this private class with one of Japan's leading exponents of 'nuido'
Kimono wearing
The Japanese kimono is perhaps the most exquisite national dress on earth and a real treat to try on.
Calligraphy class
Take your first steps on the road to becoming a master calligrapher with a 'shodo' class.
Pottery class
Get your hands dirty whilst learning some of the techniques of Japanese 'yakimomo' pottery.
Inside Japan UK office
Inside Japan US office
Inside Japan Australia office
Inside Japan - Japan office
