Nestled in the heart of Kyoto, the ancient capital of Japan, this city is a treasure trove of temples, shrines, and stunning gardens. Apart from its beauty, Kyoto holds the cultural heartbeat of Japan, where traditions like Chanoyu (the Japanese tea ceremony) first blossomed. And honestly, tea isn’t just tea here. Essentially, it’s the thread that ties together so much of Japan’s arts, from Zen to architecture to kaiseki cuisine. It’s kind of a big deal!

Right in the center of Kyoto, tucked away in the longest covered shopping arcade in Japan, you’ll find a cozy tea shop, owned by none other than Randy Channell Soei, a tea master with nearly 30 years of experience and the highest rank of any non-Japanese teacher of the tea ceremony in Japan. He’s also the author of "The Book of Chanoyu Tea… The Master Key to Japanese Culture," which dives deep into how tea has influenced Japanese art and culture throughout history.

At Soei’s beautifully restored townhouse, you’ll get to experience the Japanese tea ceremony in a way that feels both traditional and accessible. You’ll be seated in comfort, at tables and chairs, enjoying the ryurei style of tea ceremony, a format developed in 1872 to welcome international guests during a world’s fair in Kyoto. It’s a perfect blend of hospitality and tradition!

Visit Kyoto and share a cup with Randy Channell Soei. Discover why the four guiding principles of tea: harmony, respect, purity, and tranquility, still hold power today, just as they did centuries ago. It’ll be a highlight of your trip, no doubt!