Discover 6 JAPANESE TEA CEREMONY STEPS for a Meaningful Experience

The Japanese tea ceremony, also known as Chanoyu or Sado, is a time-honored practice that dates back to the 16th century.

At its core, the tea ceremony is a ritualized and meditative experience that embodies the principles of harmony, respect, purity, and tranquility.

From the cleansing of the utensils to the final sip of tea, each step in the ceremony is carefully crafted to create a peaceful and harmonious experience.

In this post, we will delve into the 6 Japanese tea ceremony steps, revealing the significance and symbolism behind each one. By the end of this exploration, you will have a clear understanding of what to expect when you attend a tea ceremony, and you will gain a deeper appreciation for the ancient art form.

Tea is quintessentially Japanese. Yet, it did not originate in Japan. It was first introduced to Japan from China in the 700s.

The history of tea dates back thousands of years, with origins believed to be in ancient China. The legend of tea’s discovery is often attributed to a Chinese emperor named Shen Nong, who is said to have discovered the tea plant and its unique flavor and medicinal properties by chance around 2737 BCE. From there, tea drinking and cultivation spread throughout China and eventually to other parts of the world.

Tea is quintessentially Japanese. Yet, it did not originate in Japan. It was first introduced to Japan from China in the 700s.

The history of tea dates back thousands of years, with origins believed to be in ancient China. The legend of tea’s discovery is often attributed to a Chinese emperor named Shen Nong, who is said to have discovered the tea plant and its unique flavor and medicinal properties by chance around 2737 BCE. From there, tea drinking and cultivation spread throughout China and eventually to other parts of the world.

It was not until the 16th century that the tea ceremony as we know it today began to take shape.

Sen no Rikyu, a tea master who lived during the late 16th century, is widely regarded as the father of the Japanese tea ceremony. He refined and simplified the tea ceremony. In particular, he systematized the order of movements, standardized the size of the room, and made uniform the tea utensils.

Sen no Rikyu emphasized the spiritual side of making tea. It was a way to attain a spiritual state of selflessness and peacefulness, leading toward a state of enlightenment. He connected the idea and practice of Zen to the practice of tea. He called it Cha-Zen. Zen and tea as a unified whole.

During the Edo Period (1603-1868), the tea ceremony became even more popular, and tea houses and tea gardens were built to accommodate the increasing number of tea ceremony practitioners.

Tea masters continued to refine and innovate the tea ceremony, developing new styles and approaches to the art of tea.

Today, the tea ceremony remains an important part of Japanese culture and daily life. The tea ceremony emphasizes simplicity, harmony, and tranquility, and it is often used as a way to promote peace, mindfulness, and respect for nature in modern society.

The tea ceremony is also recognized as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.

There are several schools or traditions of the Japanese tea ceremony, each with its unique approach and philosophy. Here are some of the most prominent schools:

• Urasenke: Urasenke is the largest and most widely known school of the tea ceremony, founded in the 17th century by Sen Sotan, the grandson of Sen no Rikyu. Urasenke emphasizes the importance of hospitality and warmth in the tea ceremony.
• Omotesenke: Omotesenke is another major school of the tea ceremony, founded by the younger brother of Sen Sotan, Sen Rikyu’s grandson. Omotesenke places a greater emphasis on aesthetics and the beauty of objects used in the tea ceremony.
• Mushanokojisenke: Mushanokojisenke is a school founded in the 17th century by another of Sen Rikyu’s disciples. It places a strong emphasis on the natural beauty of the surroundings and the appreciation of seasonal changes.
• Sohenryu: Sohenryu is a school founded in the 19th century by a descendant of the Omotesenke family. It emphasizes the importance of creating a serene atmosphere and the spiritual aspects of the tea ceremony.
• Enshuryu: Enshuryu is a school founded in the 19th century by a disciple of the Urasenke School. It emphasizes the importance of the tea utensils and the beauty of the tea ceremony.

Each school has its unique approach to the tea ceremony, but all of them emphasize the importance of simplicity, harmony, and respect for nature.

The person who conducts the Japanese tea ceremony is called a “chashin” or “chajin,” which means “tea person” or “tea master.”

In Japan, the tea master is highly respected for their skill and knowledge of the tea ceremony.

The tea master is responsible for creating a serene and welcoming atmosphere, preparing the tea with precision and care, and guiding guests through the ceremony with grace and hospitality.

The tea master is also expected to be knowledgeable about the history and philosophy of the tea ceremony, as well as skilled in calligraphy, flower arrangement, and other traditional arts that are often incorporated into the ceremony.

Training to become a master of the Japanese tea ceremony can take many years, often spanning several decades. In Japan, it is not uncommon for individuals to begin studying the tea ceremony as children and continue practicing and refining their skills throughout their lives.

The length of the training can vary depending on the individual’s goals, level of dedication, and the teaching style of their mentor. In general, it can take several years to master the basic movements and procedures of the tea ceremony, and many more years to develop a deep understanding of the underlying principles and aesthetics of the art form.

To become a certified tea master in one of the major schools of tea ceremony in Japan, such as Urasenke, Omotesenke, or Mushanokojisenke, typically requires at least several years of intensive training and passing a series of exams demonstrating proficiency in various aspects of the tea ceremony.

When I arrived to attend the tea ceremony, my hostess, dressed in a beautiful kimono and her hair tied in a low chignon, stood smiling in the center of the room. She bowed and I bowed back.

Bowing is an important thing in Japan. Japanese bow when they want to express the feeling of “thank you” “sorry” or “welcome.”

You can learn a lot from each bow. The most polite bow is a shin bow and you bend your body around 45 degrees and you bow from your heart. The second is a gyo bow. It is about 30 degrees bow and you bend your body about 15 degrees.

Breathing is part of bowing, each bow is a breath. It must be calm and calculated.

The Japanese tea ceremony, uses matcha, a finely ground powdered green tea, for several reasons:

• Matcha has a unique flavor and aroma that is highly valued in Japanese culture. It is made from shade-grown tea leaves that are carefully processed and ground into a fine powder, resulting in a vibrant green color and a rich, umami flavor.
• The preparation and presentation of matcha is an integral part of the tea ceremony, which emphasizes harmony, respect, purity, and tranquility. The process of making and serving matcha requires careful attention to detail and a deep appreciation for the beauty and simplicity of the tea ceremony.
• Matcha is also believed to have several health benefits, including high levels of antioxidants and amino acids that can improve cognitive function, boost metabolism, and promote relaxation.

During the tea ceremony that I attended, I was told that the message on the scroll was carefully selected by my host for the tea ceremony to reflect the mood.

I was asked to spend a moment appreciating it.

茶道は、ただお茶を飲むことではありません。心と心が交わる儀式です。茶室に入ると、時間と空間が異なる世界に入ります。その場にいるすべての人が、ただいまという瞬間を共有し、心を静め、お茶を楽しみます。茶道は単なる作法や儀式ではありません。それは、心の教育であり、哲学です。茶を淹れることで、日常から離れ、心の平穏を得ることができます。茶道は、今ここにあることを大切にし、目の前の一瞬一瞬を大切にすることを教えてくれます。

Translated to English, the message reads:

The way of tea is not simply about drinking tea. It is a ritual in which hearts meet. Upon entering the tea room, you enter a different world of time and space. All who are present share a moment of “now,” quiet their minds, and enjoy the tea. The way of tea is not merely about manners or steps. It is a philosophy and education of the heart. By making tea, one can detach from the mundane and attain inner peace. The way of tea teaches us to cherish the present moment and every passing moment before us.

The message on the scroll is not necessarily a required part of the traditional Japanese tea ceremony. However, it is common for tea ceremony practitioners to display artistic scrolls with calligraphy or artwork in the tea room as a way to set the tone and enhance the atmosphere of the ceremony.

These scrolls often feature poetic or philosophical messages related to the principles of the tea ceremony, such as harmony, respect, purity, and tranquility.

The Japanese tea ceremony steps are designed to promote mindfulness, respect, and harmony between the participants, as well as to showcase the beauty and simplicity of Japanese aesthetics.

Before the ceremony begins, the host cleans the tea room. This is done to show respect for the guests and to create a peaceful and serene tea ceremony, where the guests can fully appreciate the beauty and meaning of the tea-making process.

• The host first removes all the objects from the tea room, including furniture, decorations, and utensils. This is done to create an empty and peaceful space for the tea ceremony.
• Using a bamboo broom, the host sweeps the tatami mat floor of the tea room to remove any dust or dirt. The sweeping is done in a specific pattern, starting from the farthest corner and moving toward the entrance.
• Using a damp cloth, the host wipes down the walls and ceiling of the tea room to remove any cobwebs or dirt. This is done to create a clean and welcoming atmosphere.
• The host then returns the objects and furniture to the tea room, arranging them in a specific way to create a harmonious and balanced space. The tatami mat is also sprinkled with water to create a cool and refreshing atmosphere.

In some tea schools, the utensils may be cleaned in a separate room before the guests arrive, while in other schools, the cleaning may be done in front of the guests. The exact procedures may vary depending on the specific tea school or tradition being followed.

The purpose of performing the cleaning of the utensils in front of the guests is to demonstrate the importance of cleanliness and attention to detail in the tea ceremony. It also allows the guests to appreciate the care and skill that goes into including the cleaning of the utensils.

Regardless of the school, the cleaning of the tools is a very important step in preparing for a Japanese tea ceremony. Here are the tools that are typically used in the ceremony:

• Chawan (tea bowl): This is a ceramic bowl used for drinking tea. The host will rinse the tea bowl with hot water to warm it up, then wipe it dry with a cloth. This is done to remove any dust or debris and to prepare the bowl for the tea.
• Chasen (tea whisk): This is a bamboo whisk used to whisk the tea powder and hot water together to create a frothy consistency. The host will rinse the whisk with hot water to remove any tea residue, then gently wipe the prongs with a cloth. The whisk is then left to air dry, with the prongs facing upwards to retain their shape.
• Chashaku (tea scoop): This is a bamboo scoop used to measure the tea powder and transfer it to the tea bowl. The host will wipe the tea scoop with a damp cloth to remove any tea powder or residue, then wipe it dry with a clean cloth. The scoop is then placed on the tea tray.
• Chaire (tea caddy): This is a small ceramic container used to store and dispense powdered tea. The host will clean the tea caddy with a damp cloth, wiping away any residue or dust. The caddy is then filled with fresh powdered tea and placed on the tea tray.

After cleaning, the host will arrange the utensils in a specific order on the tea tray, according to the type of tea being served and the season of the year.

Once the guests enter the tea room, the host will greet them and invite them to take their seats. In a traditional Japanese tea ceremony, the guests will typically sit on tatami mats, which are a type of straw mat commonly used in Japanese homes.

In some tea ceremony schools and traditions, a period of silence and meditation may be observed before or after the tea is served. This period of silence is known as “zazen”, which is a type of seated meditation commonly practiced in Zen Buddhism.

During zazen, the participants sit quietly and focus their attention on their breath or a particular object, with the goal of calming the mind and achieving a state of inner peace. This period of silence and stillness can be a powerful way to cultivate mindfulness and presence, and it is often seen as an essential aspect of the tea ceremony.

However, not all Japanese tea ceremonies include a period of silent meditation, and the specific steps and practices may vary depending on the style of the ceremony and the preferences of the host and the guests.

The process of preparing tea in a Japanese tea ceremony is a highly detailed and deliberate process that requires a great deal of skill and attention to detail. Here are the steps involved in preparing the tea:

• Heating the Water: The first step is to heat the water in a kettle, known as a “kama”, over a charcoal fire. The temperature of the water will vary depending on the type of tea being served.
• Warming the Teapot and Tea Bowl: The host will then warm the teapot and tea bowl (chawan) by rinsing them with hot water.
• Measuring the Tea: Using a bamboo scoop (chashaku), the host will measure the appropriate amount of powdered green tea (matcha) into the tea bowl.

• Adding the Water: The host will use a “hishaku” ladle to transfer the hot water from the “kama” to a “yakan” (teapot). Then, the host will use the “hishaku” to transfer the hot water from the “yakan” to the “chawan” (tea bowl). Then, the host will use a small cloth called a “chakin” to wipe the “hishaku” and the “yakan”. Using a bamboo whisk (chasen), the host whisks the tea vigorously in a zigzag pattern until a frothy layer forms on top.

In a Japanese tea ceremony, the act of serving tea is considered an art form that requires precision, grace, and a deep appreciation for the ritual.

Once the tea is ready, the host will present the bowl to the first guest with both hands as a sign of respect. The guest will receive the bowl with both hands, bow, and admire the bowl by turning it clockwise twice, then take a sip of the tea.

The bowl is then passed to the next guest in a clockwise direction until each guest has had a turn. The host will use a “chakin” cloth to clean the rim of the tea bowl before offering it to the next guest.

Throughout this process, the host and guests move with deliberate and mindful movements, paying close attention to each step of the ritual to create a sense of calm and tranquility in the tea ceremony.

Cleaning and putting away utensils is an important part of the Japanese tea ceremony.

After the tea has been served and enjoyed, the host will clean and put away each utensil in a specific order, with each movement and action having a symbolic meaning.

The host will begin by wiping the tea bowl with a cloth, which is called a “chakin.” The chakin is folded in a specific way and used to clean the inside and outside of the bowl. Once the bowl is cleaned, the host will rinse the chasen, or tea whisk, in hot water and carefully dry it with a cloth.

Next, the host will clean the chashaku, or tea scoop, and the futaoki, which is a lid rest used to hold the lid of the tea container. These items are also wiped clean with a cloth, and the futaoki is placed back on top of the tea container.

Finally, the tea container and other utensils are carefully put away in a specific order, often in a wooden box or container that is designated for the tea ceremony. The utensils are wrapped in a cloth, and the box is closed with a specific type of knot.

Each step of the cleaning and putting away process is done with great care and attention to detail, and it is a way for the host to show respect for the utensils and for the tea ceremony itself.

The reflection ritual is a moment of quiet contemplation and reflection that typically occurs at the end of the Japanese tea ceremony. It is a time for guests to reflect on the experience they have just had and to appreciate the sense of calm and mindfulness that the tea ceremony can bring.

During the reflection ritual, the guests may take a few moments to be silent and appreciate the surroundings, the tea utensils, and the tea itself. They may also reflect on the meaning behind the tea ceremony, which promotes harmony, respect, and tranquility.

The reflection ritual is a way to bring closure to the tea ceremony and to leave with a sense of calm and mindfulness. It is a way to appreciate the present moment and to find beauty in the simple things in life, such as a cup of tea and a peaceful setting.

In some tea ceremonies, the reflection ritual may also involve a short discussion or sharing of thoughts among the guests, allowing each person to express their feelings and thoughts about the experience. This can further deepen the sense of connection and appreciation for the tea ceremony and for each other.