A guide to the Japanese tea ceremony experience in Tokyo

Governed by a set of ancient and – for outsiders – seemingly indecipherable rules, the Japanese tea ceremony is an elegant, enigmatic ritual.

An excellent example of China and Japan’s historical, cross-cultural pollination, the tea ceremony is an extension of Zen Buddhism and a tradition that has been followed for more than a millennium. It’s well worth taking the time to attend a tea ceremony in Tokyo in order to learn more about its fascinating heritage.

A crash course in Japanese tea ceremony history

The legacy of the tea ceremony in Japan goes back to the ninth century and has its roots in China’s evolution of Zen Buddhism. Buddhist legend has it that when Bodhidharma, the founder of Chan (Zen), battled sleepiness during meditation, he removed his eyelids, and from where he threw them, tea plants started to grow. Although the exact date is unclear, following this legend, Chinese Chan monks would sip tea for hours on end as a way to stay conscious through long, gruelling meditation sessions. Japanese monks often travelled to China to study during this era of spiritual discovery, and upon their return, they brought with them tools, Chinese tea leaves and a new, enlightened arsenal of knowledge on how to brew tea.

Although the tea ceremony has evolved over centuries, there’s one identifiable godfather of the modern Japanese practice, Murata Shuko (1423-1502). A former Zen monk, Shuko labelled the ceremony wabi-cha, an offshoot of wabi-sabi, the Japanese philosophy of finding beauty in fleetingness and imperfection. In Japanese, the concept of wabi can also be understood as the mutual appreciation of simplicity and the transient nature of everything, and cha means tea.

As time went on, tea ceremonies expanded beyond Buddhist monasteries and gained popularity within Japanese high society. Having space, time and the resources to perform tea ceremonies became a kind of status symbol – somewhat ironic given its roots in Zen ideology. However, the ceremony has remained one of Japan’s most iconic cultural traditions and is now practised throughout the country by people of all social statuses, backgrounds and religious beliefs.

But the original concept of wa still has enduring power, as firm believer Tomoko Kamono, a Yokohama local who has been running tea ceremonies in Tokyo and her home city for the past five years, explains: “One of the things that we value is harmony, wa (和) in Japanese. The Japanese tea ceremony is the harmonious exchange of goodwill between the host and the guests.”

Ceremonial tools form an integral part of the ritual

The tools – known as chadougu – that are used in Japanese tea ceremonies are not just a practical necessity but are also regarded as the physical embodiment of the Zen philosophy. Traditional ceremony cups and bowls are typically made from organic earthenware, and though beautiful, each item has unique imperfections.

The tools that are used most often during a tea ceremony are the chawan (tea bowls), which are designed for preparing and drinking the tea. The bowls are selected according to the season, and most teahouses and tea masters have a range of chawan to choose from. Deep bowls keep the tea warm in cooler weather, while shallow ones suit the warmer months. The bowl is what connects the host to their guests, like a vessel of mutual reverence, as Kamono explains: “When a host sincerely serves a bowl of tea to guests, the guests must take it with respect and gratitude. By handling the bowl with both hands carefully, you can show your respect and gratitude.”

Other tools you’ll see during a ceremony are the natsume (tea caddies), which store the tea before use, a cha shaku (ladle) for scooping the tea into each bowl and the cha sen (tea whisk). Less obvious, but just as integral to the process, are the fukusa, a specific cloth used by the ceremony master to clean the tools, and cha kin, a separate cloth used for wiping down the bowls.

Since tea ceremonies are performed and shared with guests, the quality and ornamentation of the tools, dishes and utensils are a reflection of the host. “Every sound, smell, view, touch and taste you experience in the tea room is representative of the hospitality from the host,” explains Kamono, meaning that a host is expected to use their best equipment for the event. Throughout a ceremony, chatting is kept to a minimum, but it is commonly considered polite to show appreciation for your ceremony master by complimenting the host on their tea, tools and utensils.

Today, tea ceremonies take place in Tokyo for various reasons

Given their appeal as a tourist attraction, it’s fair to say that a lot of ceremonies held in Tokyo today are intended to showcase the tradition to visitors, rather than being a day-to-day occurrence. Ultra-formal tea ceremonies, which occasionally happen today, albeit not as often as in the past, are called chaji, and rather than just being a standalone tea ceremony, these include kaiseki, a traditional Japanese multi-course meal.

In modern society, the tea ceremony can have different meanings depending on the person. For example, it can be an immersive exploration of Japanese culture; a spiritual, meditative practice; a social event; or just a bit of fun. For someone like Kamono, a Japanese native, it’s the former, and the attraction comes from the fact that “through the tea ceremony, we are connected to many facets of Japanese culture”. For her, the ceremony represents “a proud sense of Japanese hospitality, something we call omotenashi“.

Consider attending the Tokyo Grand Tea Ceremony festival

Tea ceremonies take place year-round, but one of the best times to experience the practice in the Japanese capital is in mid to late October, during the annual Tokyo Grand Tea Ceremony festival. This event is an excellent jumping-off point for exploring the world of Japanese ceremonies, especially for beginners and foreigners, with many of the presentations run in English.

Held in the scenic surrounds of the Hamarikyu Gardens, the event hosts a range of demonstrations showcasing techniques, and visitors can attend lessons run by the city’s tea ceremony schools. It’s here where you’ll also find exhibits run by Tokyo’s three major historical schools: Omote-senke, Ura-senke and Mushanokoji-senke. It costs ¥300 (£2.06) to attend one of the ceremonies, and tickets include a cushion seat in the viewing area. For updates on when the next event will be, visit the Tokyo Grand Tea Ceremony festival website.

Each tea ceremony in Tokyo is different, so do your research before you go

There are a number of steps that take place within every tea ceremony. However, the way that they are carried out varies depending on who’s running the show, so the best word of advice is to follow the instructions of your masters. Even if you think you know everything about tea ceremonies, chances are you’ve barely scratched the surface, as Kamono, who’s been practising for years, explains: “There are still a lot of things I don’t know about the ceremony. But learning about them is what’s so much fun for me.” If you want to learn from the masters, Tokyo is home to plenty of ceremony experiences, but here are some of the highlights.

If you’re after an old-world Tokyo experience, consider visiting Yanesen Tourist Information and Cultural Centre. Here you can sign up for a beginner-friendly hour-long lesson that costs ¥5,800 (£39.89) per person. If there are two or more people in your party, the price is ¥4,850 (£33.35) per person.

Nadeshiko, a kimono rental shop in Asakusa, offers a full kimono and tea ceremony experience for around ¥5,000 (£34.36) with reservations. It’s ¥4,000 (£27.49) to attend the tea ceremony alone.

Some public parks in Tokyo are seasonal tea ceremony hubs. For example, Mukōjima-Hyakkaen in Sumida regularly hosts events where you can join, for a small fee, special celebrations like tsukimi (moon-viewing parties).

In Tokyo and its neighbouring areas, like Kamono’s home town of Yokohama, the tradition of the tea ceremony still holds a prominent position in many people’s lives. Traditionalists and those passionate about Japanese culture spend years trying to perfect the techniques to pass on to future generations. Although it may not be as popular as it was centuries ago, as long as there are people interested in the country’s spirituality, culture and history, there will always be a place for the Japanese tea ceremony.

Read more: Tea houses in Kyoto that you need to visit once

Source Alicia Joy/ The Culture Trip

6 places to visit outside Chengdu, China

Even though Chengdu may not be what first comes to most foreigners' mind, this so-called "Land of Abundance" does not have a shortage of wonderful attractions. However, to fully capture what the city holds, tourists may have to go out to the outskirts of Chengdu.

Dujiang Yan

This irrigation project, constructed over 2,000 years ago, is one of the world’s cultural heritage sites recognized by UNESCO. Amazingly, despite its age the Dujiang Yan irrigation system continues to benefit over 40 neighboring counties in Sichuan province. It is the oldest no-dam irrigation system in the world and something of an engineering miracle. As it turns out, China has a historic knack for designing and implementing engineering marvels.

Mount Qingcheng

Located near Dujiang Yan, Mount Qingcheng is one of the most important Taoist sites in the world. The mountain range has 36 peaks, and in Taoist mythology it is the site of the Yellow Emperor’s studies with Ning Fengzi (this sounds obscure but all Chinese know it). Due to its rich Taoist history, the mountain is home to dozens of temples, although many were destroyed in the 2008 Sichuan earthquake. This mountain has been the subject of countless Chinese poets and philosophers, who have called it “The most peaceful and secluded mountain under heaven”. It’s a peaceful getaway.

Flower Town

Located on the Eastern edge of Chengdu, Flower Town (called Sanshenxiang in Chinese) is mostly a weekend destination for Chengdu residents. As the name suggests, Flower Town is famous for being dotted with flower-filled nurseries. If you go on weekends when the weather is nice, expect large crowds. This is a great place to sip tea, take walks, and smell the flowers.

Leshan Giant Buddha

This colossal stone statue of Maitreya has been a UNESCO heritage site since 1996. Standing an incredible 70 meters tall, you will feel like an ant when you’re standing next to this buddha carved out of the side of a mountain. Started in 713 AD by a Buddhist monk named Haitong, the carving of the statue continued for 90 years before it was completed in 803 AD. Today it remains the largest sculpture of Buddha on the planet and attracts pilgrims and tourists from near and far.

High Tech Zone

If you want to see the most architecturally developed region of the city, it’s Chengdu’s High Tech Zone. What many don’t know about Chengdu is that although the city is designed with concentric circles emanating from Tianfu Square at the center, the city’s planners have another idea. They intend for the future center of the city to not be in the geographic center of the city, but in the south.
One of the world’s largest software parks, the Tianfu Software Park to the south of Chengdu has around 50,000 people in it. The rows and rows of office buildings seem to go on forever. Although many of the buildings look very similar, you will see Chengdu’s most architecturally adventurous buildings here.

Giant Panda Research Base

This is a must-see day trip outside of Chengdu. Only in Sichuan province can you see the giant panda in its native habitat, and with over 30 pandas on site, this is the best place to do that.

The base itself is a large facility which will guide you through the panda’s natural living environment. It was designed to recreate the natural habitat as closely as possible, not just for the pandas themselves but for visitors as well.

See more: Top Sichuan street food to try in Chengdu, China

Source: Internet

A guide to Malaysia's regions

Malaysia offers travelers tropical islands, a 130-million-year-old rainforest and (almost) secret diving havens. The country’s many features make it challenging to know where to visit.

Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur is Malaysia’s beating heart. This skyscraper-laden city houses the world-famous Petronas Twin Towers, while Little India and Chinatown offer a taste of its thriving multiculturalism. Malls are stocked with the latest fashion, technology and souvenirs, alluring bargain-hunters inland and overseas. But it isn’t all about the high life: KL is also one of the world’s food capitals, filled with street-side restaurants, vendors and food courts. Away from the skyscrapers, KL Forest Eco Park provides a slice of the rainforest in the city center.

Malacca

Malacca oozes with history and culture, with a celebrated title as one of the most historically important states in Malaysia. Malacca’s 15th-century Sultanate led to the modern Malay identity, accepting three eras of colonial influence (Portuguese, Dutch and British influence) that spanned almost five centuries. Today, UNESCO-listed Malacca City bursts with centuries-old structures, including St Paul’s—Malaysia’s oldest church. It also has a thriving food scene: Many people come here solely to eat their way through Jonker Street and stuff their faces with mountains of Peranakan cuisine.

Penang

Penang, once Malaysia’s colonial jewel and now proud street art and food capital, is split between Penang Island and mainland Butterworth. Capital George Town’s historical center includes dozens of colorful restored British colonial buildings, with traditional two-storey decorated shophouses lining the narrow streets. More curious travelers can stop by Butterworth, the hub connecting Penang and KL. This little-visited city offers colorful Chinese temples and views over the Straits and Penang Bridge.

Sabah

Borneo’s Sabah in East Malaysia showcases the best of Malaysia’s biodiversity. Pre-historic rainforest covers most of the state, where endemic proboscis monkeys and orangutans swinging from the trees. Mount Kinabalu at 4,095 metres (13,435 feet) stands proudly as Malaysia’s tallest peak, with most travelers arriving at Kota Kinabalu (literally Kinabalu City) as a base for scaling this beast. Speedboats connect the city with Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park’s beach and snorkeling opportunities within minutes. Take a day trip to the northernmost ‘Tip of Borneo’ in Kudat and watch the fireflies in Kota Belud. If you want the jungle, spend a few nights in Danum Valley or the rarely explored Maliau Basin.

Kedah

Kedah State covers a section of the Malay Peninsula and the famously duty-free Langkawi Island. World-acclaimed Langkawi receives the vast majority of the state’s tourists, home to beautiful beaches, verdant hills and a colorful nightlife scene. As an alternative, the dazzling white-sand beaches of Pantai Cenang provide the perfect place for relaxation, especially with cheap cocktails in beachside bars overlooking the gentle sea. Mainland Kedah offers a completely different travel package. Alor Setar’s modern city center blends decorative, traditional and Islamic styles of architecture, while paddy fields forming the famous ‘Rice Bowl of Malaysia’ stretch towards the horizon.

Read more: Top reasons why you should visit Malaysia

Source The culture trip