Tea Ceremony (Chadō)

The Japanese Tea Ceremony (茶道, Chadō — "Way of Tea") is much more than drinking tea — it is a meditative art form practiced since the 16th century. Every movement, every gesture, the choice of tea bowl, the arrangement of flowers in the room — everything follows a centuries-old choreography based on the Zen principles of Harmony, Respect, Purity, and Tranquility (Wa, Kei, Sei, Jaku).

In Kyoto, there are numerous opportunities to participate in a tea ceremony — from tourist short versions (30 min., from ¥2,000) to authentic experiences in private teahouses (60–90 min., ¥5,000–15,000). The best places:

• En: Tea ceremony in English in a historic Machiya house. 45 min., ¥3,500. Personal and authentic.
• Camellia Teahouse: In a 100-year-old house near Kinkaku-ji. In English, ¥2,500.
• Jotokuji Temple: Genuine ceremony in a Zen temple, less touristy. ¥5,000.

Procedure of a Ceremony: You enter the tea room through a low entrance (all are equal — symbolic humility), admire the calligraphy scroll and flower arrangement, kneel on tatami mats. The tea master prepares Matcha — the bright green of the powder, the whisking with the bamboo whisk (Chasen), the gentle aroma. You receive a sweet (Wagashi) beforehand, then the tea bowl. Turn the bowl twice in your hand before drinking — this is basic etiquette.