Tea Ceremony in Japan: Everything You Need to Know
While we can't be expected to understand all the customs and formalities of a Japanese tea ceremony, if we're going to participate in one, we should at least know how to express our gratitude to the host.
It is important to clarify that it is not necessary to make a sipping sound throughout the entire tea drinking session, it is simply to signal to our host that we have finished the hot drink, and we can also express that we found the tea very tasty.
A tourist's guide to the Japanese tea ceremony
The formal Japanese tea ceremony begins with a kaiseki-style meal, followed by a cup of strong tea, followed by a lighter cup of tea. Although the secret to the whole process lies in its simplicity, it can take years to master the entire ritual. Don't worry, no one expects you to learn it all and be able to do it in practice. In fact, trying to master the different steps can be one of the greatest experiences of a visit to Japan.
Although formalities may vary depending on where you are going, it is always a good idea to dress in a “wabi sabi” style when you arrive for the ceremony. So, the principle is that “simple is best” – or you could say that less is more. This applies not only to clothing, but also to jewelry and makeup, as well as perfume. Upon arrival, you are expected to wash your hands in the garden before entering the tatami room, where you take a seat and bow to the host. The tea is preceded by a sweet that must be consumed before the drink arrives. When the tea is placed in front of you, it is customary to pick it up with your right hand and turn it counterclockwise before taking a sip.
When you're finished, remember to make a sipping sound and place the cup back in front of you, facing your host, to signal that you're finished. This way, they'll know you're open to being offered another drink.
