[Japanese traditional culture experience] This is the tea ceremony experience.

This service includes sponsored advertisements.

In the fall of 2023, the JTCA Japanese Traditional Culture Hospitality Association held a monitoring tour to entertain foreign visitors to Japan with Japanese cultural experiences. This is the tea ceremony experience at the Shonan Crystal Hotel banquet.

Written by

Japan Traditional Culture Hospitality Association

◎We will work together with businesses that provide hospitality to foreigners through Japanese traditional culture to realize experiential tours for foreigners visiting Japan and spread the appeal of Japan to the world. ◎We aim to further revitalize the Fujisawa/Shonan area by holding "Japanese Traditional Culture Hospitality Events" in collaboration with the government and operating hospitality activities for foreigners.

“Matcha was used as a medicine in the past,” says instructor Keiko Ibi. ``Tea is an elixir of health. It is a magical art of longevity,'' says Eisai, the founder of the Rinzai sect of Buddhism during the Kamakura period, in ``Kissa Yojoki.''

When Ms. Ibi begins to make the tea, the atmosphere immediately becomes sacred, and all the participants naturally hold their breath as they watch the ceremonial gestures.

The sweet scent of matcha surrounds you, and the atmosphere is peaceful.

The teacher will make tea for each person, and when you drink it, you will say, "Otemae,Choudai itashimasu '' expressing gratitude to the gods and Buddha, and you will enjoy it along with delicious tea and sweets.

The teacher will carefully explain not only the etiquette of tea, but also the meaning of each tea ceremony, posture, and the spirit of Zen. Ms. Ibi also gives lessons in English, so foreigners can also have a deep learning experience.

So, what does it taste like...? It was enjoyed by foreigners as well, with comments such as ``It was sweet and very delicious'' and ``Refreshing and easy to drink.''

We have received feedback that the talk about the history of the tea ceremony was very interesting.

Written by

Japan Traditional Culture Hospitality Association

Kanagawa

The information presented in this article is based on the time it was written. Note that there may be changes in the merchandise, services, and prices that have occurred after this article was published. Please contact the facility or facilities in this article directly before visiting. Some of our articles contain affiliate links. We kindly ask our readers to exercise careful judgement when making a purchase or booking a service online.

The contents on this page may partially contain automatic translation.