Tea Ceremony in a Traditional Kyoto Machiya

The ancient capital, Kyoto, is one of the world's most popular cities. Located in west Japan, Kyoto is well known for its temples, shrines, and gardens. It is recognized as the cultural center of Japan and is the origin of many traditional Japanese cultural arts. "Chanoyu,” or the “tea ceremony” as it's commonly known in the West, is perhaps the most representative of them. It has been a strong influence on many other arts and crafts from architecture and gardening to kaiseki and Zen. That influence cannot be overstated! In the central district of Kyoto, in the longest covered arcade in Japan is a shop, ran Hotei. It is owned by tea master Randy Channell Soei. He is the highest ranking non-Japanese actively teaching and promoting the tea ceremony in Japan. He is also the author of the "Book of Chanoyu…Tea the Master Key to Japanese Culture" which delves into the profound influence tea has had on various arts and crafts of Japan throughout history. Soei Sensei has been teaching the way of tea over 20 years in Kyoto. Here in his exquisitely renovated townhouse you can experience the Japanese tea ceremony in a traditional setting, using tables and chairs. This style of tea ("ryurei" in Japanese) was developed in 1872 by the 11th generation grand tea master of Urasenke to show “omotenashi no kokoro” (the heart of hospitality) of the way of tea to dignitaries visiting from overseas who were attending a world's fair held in Kyoto. So come and have a truly unique experience with Randy Channell Soei at ran Hotei. See why the four ideals of tea, Harmony, Respect, Purity & Tranquility are as valid today as they were hundreds of years ago. It is sure to be a memorable highlight of your visit to Japan!