“Tea ceremony”, a hospitality that you can experience using tea for guests

Last Updated on 10/31/2021 by てんしょく飯

Basic flow of tea ceremony experience

The tea ceremony experience varies from 45 minutes to several hours. It depends on whether it is done in a hall or a small tea room.

The experience is not a lesson, so it’s okay if you have a feeling of respect and a heart to enjoy tea. The owner (teacher) will surely tell you, so let’s enjoy it once in a while.

Below, I would like to introduce some things that I would like to keep in common.

1: Preparation before visiting

In the tea room, all accessories such as rings, watches and necklaces are removed. This is to prevent the tea set from being damaged by any chance. Let’s remove it in advance.

For women, a skirt or dress that does not cause knees when sitting is recommended. It is convenient to have a belt even in one piece because it will be attached with fukusa.

The upper body should also have a silhouette that makes it easy to bow. Keep your hair tidy, but avoid metal hair clips.

2: Entering and exiting the tea room

When entering or leaving the tea room, it is basic to sit down and then open the shoji (depending on the location). Let’s be casually aware of the upper and lower seats.

In the tea room, we walk in front of people due to space restrictions. When walking, do not step on the edge of the tatami mat.

3: Greeting

First, say hello to the host, “Thank you.”

Keep in mind that bowing has three stages, “true, line, and grass” (shin, gyo, so) in the order of politeness (deep). It’s the same as bowing business etiquette.

4: When sweets come out

If the host recommends sweets, “Please take them,” take them on a pocket paper.

Usually, the number of people comes out on the confectionery container, so say hello to the people before and after, “I will accompany you” and “First,” and take your own share and pass it on to the next person.

Higashi is taken with bare hands, and namagashi such as Neri-kiri is taken with the attached chopsticks and black letters.

Be sure to handle the confectionery with both hands.

5: How to get matcha

When you make matcha, bow to “I’ll give you a matcha”, then take the bowl with your right hand and place it on your left hand.

At that time, the front of the bowl should be facing you. With the feeling of cherishing that, turn the bowl about 90 degrees and avoid the front. It doesn’t matter which one you rotate.

Also, you can take as many mouths as you like (about 3 mouths). However, it would be nice if you could afford to taste a little if you had a bite.

Matcha will sink in powder, so don’t spend too much time.

The last bite is a beautiful action to inhale quickly so as not to leave bubbles.

6: Seeing the bowl

When you finish drinking matcha, you will probably see the bowl. The bowl should have the owner’s feelings.

Place the bowl on the tatami mat (place it on the other side of the tatami mat) and watch it in a low position so as not to lift it high.

7: When the experience is over

After having a good time, say hello to the host (teacher). A good tea ceremony is refreshing and soothing for both the owner and the experiencer. This is called Wakei Seijaku.