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.

[Deleted User #5636]

There is a tremendous range of ceremonies that you can experience in Japan. The most formal lasting hours as you said, and the most simple can barely be called a real ceremony, more of a demonstration.

They are all valid ceremonies, though some will argue what is "official" and what is not. The most formal are not something you will likely have the chance to attend, as invitation is rare. Such a formal ceremony demands that the guests know just as many details as the one serving the tea; basically everyone is a performer.

I have experienced a small range of the less rigid ceremonies; some in blue jeans, some in kimono. There are always new styles being innovated and developed; they don't all involve matcha and they don't all have the same rules. Japanese tea is still very much a living art, and the contemporary styles should be respected just as well as the old.

[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..