Has anybody been to a Japanese tea ceremony?

[jashnew]

Has anybody been to a Japanese tea ceremony? I'm posting this here because I figure most Japanese tea ceremonies involve green tea.I heard they last hours.

[scruffmcgruff]

I haven't been to one, but I can assure you they use green tea– matcha, to be specific.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanese_tea_ceremony

[Wesli]

Yep, but we all have our own personal tea ceremonies.

[tomasini]

To one performed by an actual Tea Master? No, but I hope to one day expereince one....if anyone here has I would beg them to describe their expereince

[Trey Winston]

In James Clavell's Shogun there was a description of a tea ceremony, with some of the background and context explained (as I recall). Possibly not the most credible of sources, but I thought it was well written, and kind of atmospheric. Never knew flower arranging was so important

[tomasini]

IF you're interested in the details, the whys and the whats, check out Chado Okakura's The Book of Tea You'll see just how intense the flowers get

[Atypical]

No I've always wanted to, but I don't think there is anywhere in my area that does them.

[Space Samurai]

...and the contemporary styles should be respected just as well as the old.

I do believe Okakura Kakuzo said that very thing.

[Chip]

Very interesting and well said, tjfry!

I see you have been to Japan as well. Perhaps you will enlighten us about your visit.

You can start a new thread if you want.

[evilive]

I would really love to be a part of one, yet it seems unlikely even if I do go to Japan. Reason being the food served if often of meat/fish based nature and I'm vegetarian

[divintea]

I had no idea food was served during Japanese tea ceremonies! Is that really true?

[scruffmcgruff]

Well, I think evilive meant in Japan in general with regard to meat/fish, but yes, they often do serve little traditional Japanese sweets at tea ceremonies.

[Buzz Fledderjohn]

I went to a Tea Masters house in Kyoto a few months ago to attend a small tea ceremony. It was very informal though, more like a demonstration.

[divintea]

Kimonos are definitely conducive to drinking lots! Lotsa room in there. Though I guess sipping is more the style..