Enjoy a cuppa in KyotoBy Erin Rigik
Picture a tatami room, empty except for a hanging scroll, vase of flowers and a line of guests padding across the floor, avoiding the corners of the straw woven tatami mats that give the room its name.
In Japan, a full-scale tea ceremony may not be easy to locate or fit into time constraints (a proper tea ceremony can take up to four hours), but a short class may hit the spot for busy travelers. If time allows only five minutes, look for a small shop that offers samples of the frothy matcha and okashi (sweet) without the ritual. Such shops are often located near the most famous temples in Kyoto. Tucked between gift shops, just outside of Kinkakuji Temple (northwest Kyoto), travelers can taste the tea and okashi for 500 yen (about $5 USD), in a small teahouse. The sweet compensates for the bitter flavor of the tea and often contains a sweet bean paste filling, found in many Japanese desserts. Classes are also widely available in Kyoto and teach the basics of participating in a ceremony as well as the tools and history behind it. A class usually begins with a lesson in entering the room and sitting seiza (traditional Japanese style). But not to worry, the Japanese understand this position is difficult for many foreigners and will understand if anyone shifts to a more comfortable position. The host (Otemae) enters the room with a bow. {Insert tea photo 4 here}. Often an assistant (Hanto) assists guests and sees that the class runs smoothly. As the host begins the exact movements of preparing the tea, the assistant presents okashi and teaches the correct way to cut the sweet and pass the tray. As the host prepares each bowl of tea, the assistant offers the tea to each guest with a bow. After bowing in return, take the bowl and set it to either side and say, "Osakini," an apology for going first.
When the tea is gone, rest the bowl on the left hand, wipe the rim with the thumb and index finger and turn the bowl counter clockwise before placing the bowl in front of you. So much work for a cup of tea! The goal of tea ceremony is not just to consume the tea but rather, emphasis rests on the process itself: on making and appreciating tea in the company of the guests and the host. Tea ceremony, which finds its roots in Zen Buddhism, seeks reality and beauty through simplicity. The main principles are explained in four words:
Perfecting the art of tea ceremony takes many years of practice. During the ceremony guests discuss only things related to tea, the ceremony, utensils, and the tearoom. Talk of worldly things is discouraged in order to create an atmosphere of harmony and simplicity. Need one final reason to learn tea ceremony? Green tea contains vitamins E and C, and is known to increase metabolism. For classes in Kyoto: WAK Japan offers classes in English Monday through Friday from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. for the price of 3150 yen a person, although an advanced reservation is required by calling 075-212-9993. The staff speaks English well. If the above times are inconvenient, you may call to arrange an alternate time slot. Classes can also be arranged at a private home for 1200 yen a person, and a service can take tourists from their hotel to the private home. For an extra fee, other famous Japanese experiences can be included, such as flower arranging, calligraphy, Japanese dance, and kimono wearing. To reach the WAK Japan office where classes are held take bus #205 or #17 from Kyoto Station to Kawaramachi-Marutamachi bus stop. For more information on classes, prices and possible discounts visit the WAK Japan website at http://www.wakjapan.com/englishcourse.html. Email questions to wak@wakjapan.com. Kyoto International Community House offers classes on Tuesday from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. for 500 yen. English explanation is available. Reservations are required by calling 075-752-3511. Please call on Tuesday before 11 a.m. For sampling tea without the ritual: For an actual tea ceremony, contact Kyoto Tourist Information for Visitors, open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Closed the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month. Phone number: 075-344-3300. Tea Tools in Japanese
by Erin Rigik |
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Planning a trip to Japan? In between sushi sampling, geisha spotting, temple trekking, and of course shopping, add a bit of Zen to the day with one of the most traditional Japanese Arts: the tea ceremony.
The guests squat before sliding paper doors that open onto a Zen Garden. Legs turn to pins and needles as they twist into the traditional seiza position (legs tucked under the bottom). At the front of the room, the kimono-clad host slowly stirs the matcha (green tea) powder and hot water using a bamboo whisk with a fluidity that commands attention. A silence streaks across the room. The assistant steps to the first guest and presents the bowl of tea with a bow. 
The ritual of tea ceremony has grown as a part of Japanese Culture since the 12th Century when a Buddhist monk carried the tradition home with him from China. Four centuries later, a Zen Monk named Sen no Rikyu perfected the ceremony into what the Japanese practice today.
Tea ceremony consists of three separate schools: URA-Senke, the most renowned outside of Japan, Omoto-Senke, and Mushako Ji. The way of enjoying tea differs between schools, for example the tea may be finished in two to four sips depending on the school. Before drinking, support the tea bowl (chawan) with the left hand and turn the bowl twice clockwise with the right until the shomen (front side, beautiful part) faces away, and drink.
Wa-- harmony with people, tools and nature
Tana—utensil stand