“Why do you think so much preparation is involved in serving just one bowl of tea?”
Behind a single bowl of matcha lies a mountain of invisible gestures and intentions. While most tea experiences begin when the tea is served, this program invites you “behind the scenes” to participate in the meticulous ritual of preparation.
Why do we devote so much heart to these silent moments? We invite you to step into a 150-year-old traditional townhouse (Machiya) in Kyoto—a private space where daily life still breathes—and embark on a 120-minute journey to decode the essence of Japanese culture through mindful dialogue.
Why This Experience is Unique
- Behind the Scenes:
Witness and participate in the host’s private rituals, uncovering meanings usually hidden from the public eye. - Dialogue-Based Discovery:
Rather than a one-way lecture, engage in a thoughtful exchange with a master to interpret Japanese aesthetics through your own lens. - A Living Heritage:
Immerse yourself in the authentic atmosphere of a private, 150-year-old family home—far from the sterilized feel of tourist museums.
Who is this for?
- The Deep Explorer:
Those who have tried a basic tea ceremony and are now seeking the “Why” and “How” behind the Zen philosophy and craftsmanship. - The Mindful Traveler:
Visitors who value authentic, private experiences and want to connect with a Japanese master on an intellectual level. - The Japan Resident:
Foreign nationals living in Japan who wish to deepen their cultural literacy and see the “backstage” of traditions they encounter daily.
Program Details
Phase 1: Preparation — The Art of Setting Intention
Before the first whisk of tea, we prepare the mind and the space.
- Respect for the Material: Sift the matcha and plate seasonal sweets. Discover why they are served in odd numbers and the spirit of Omotenashi hidden in fine details.
- The Silent Message: Decode the “Hanging Scroll.” Through a dialogue about the Enso (Zen circle), we explore how this simple ink stroke connects to the void and the philosophy of the host.
- Bringing Life to the Room: Learn to arrange flowers “as they are in the field.” We discuss why a single, modest bud can hold more power than a lavish bouquet.
- Crossing the Boundary: Understand the spiritual meaning of the Tokonoma (alcove) and how simple tools like the folding fan help us transition from the ordinary to the sacred.
Phase 2: Practice — Sharing a Bowl of Tea
Experience the culmination of our preparations in a state of “Harmony, Respect, Purity, and Tranquility.”
- Demonstration by the Master: Observe a refined performance by a Professor of the Urasenke school. Every movement will take on a new, profound meaning now that you know the preparation behind it.
- Whisking Your Own Tea: Put your insights into practice by whisking your own bowl of matcha under the professor’s guidance.
Phase 3: Reflection — The Lingering Afterglow
Finally, we return to our initial question: “Why was so much preparation necessary?” There is no “correct” answer. We conclude by sharing the new perspectives you have gained, leaving you with a sense of peace and a deeper connection to the Japanese heart.
Your Host
Professor of the Urasenke A distinguished expert with extensive experience lecturing and performing tea ceremonies both in Japan and internationally. The professor is dedicated to bridging the gap between ancient tradition and the modern seeker through the spiritual essence of tea.
Venue: A Living 150-Year-Old Machiya
Our setting is a traditional Kyoto townhouse. Unlike a museum, this is a home where history is still lived every day. Experience the warmth of Japanese daily life in a private, unrefined, and truly authentic atmosphere.
Information
- Duration: 120 minutes
- Price: From 15,000 JPY per person
- Location: Central Kyoto (Full address provided upon booking)
