Tea Ceremony in the Grand Tea Room of Jotoku-ji Temple

Traditionally developed to help monks with their meditation practice, the Japanese tea ceremony or ‘chanoyu’ started in Zen Buddhist temples. Overtime became an activity of elegance and refinement for the elite, and since then, it has become a traditional practice that now locals and foreigners alike can experience. A Japanese tea ceremony is best for a moment of mindfulness and ritual, following each step of making and appreciating matcha green tea. Learn about ‘chadou’ (the traditional “way of tea” or “art of tea”) in Japan and the ethics and philosophy that accompany it. What better place than at a beautiful temple in Kyoto, the cultural capital of Japan? As you enter the grounds through the main gates, immediately surround yourself in the peaceful tranquility of the local temple. Met by your friendly hosts, you will take a guided tour of the temple and learn how to purify yourself before the tea ceremony in an onsite tearoom. You can rent a kimono to wear for total cultural immersion (optional at an additional cost). You will be welcomed to enter the grand tearoom and be greeted by the tea master. They will explain the steps of a tea ceremony in-depth with a detailed and relaxing demonstration. This experience includes in-depth learning about aspects of a Japanese tea ceremony, including the meanings of the Japanese terms and their significance. You will learn to prepare the tea carefully by trying this fine art form yourself.