What comes to mind when hearing the words “traditional Japanese culture”? For many, green tea is one of the most obvious symbols connected to Japanese culture. Green tea is strongly associated with Japan; it’s more than just a drink, it’s tradition. In particular, the ceremonial preparation of Japanese matcha, the powdered form of green tea, is revered in Japan as a traditional ritual that is preserved to this day. To the foreign eye, the Japanese tea ceremony has long been regarded as something of an enigma: fascinating, yet arcane. Even most Japanese people do not fully know the intricacies involved in performing this ritual.
However, an increasing number of tea houses have begun opening their doors to matcha novices, offering instruction and authentic experiences to Japanese and international visitors. Waraku-An, located just two stops from Shibuya, is one such place that welcomes both Japanese and English speakers the chance to participate in an authentic Japanese tea ceremony!
“Delicious, Enjoyable, Beautiful”: the Japanese tea ceremony
If you have ever been curious about the Japanese tea ceremony but hesitant to venture into unfamiliar territory, Waraku-An is the perfect place to learn and, more importantly, to really experience the tradition for yourself.
The Tokyo tea master speaks a bit of English, and there is an interpretation service available upon request to accommodate English, Chinese, and Korean speakers – make sure to book this service one week in advance. The kind staff will even pick you up right at the nearby Komaba Todai-Mae Station.
While the image of the tea ceremony, called sado in Japanese, is generally a serious one, Waraku-An creates a comfortable atmosphere, staying true to their motto of “oishiku, tanoshiku, utsukushiku,” meaning “Delicious, Enjoyable, Beautiful.”
There is no need to wear a formal kimono; come as you are, in clothes you feel comfortable in. Although geta (traditional Japanese sandals) and tabi (the traditional Japanese socks that are split in two at the toes) will be provided for the ceremony, it is asked that you also bring a pair of socks, as etiquette dictates that bare feet should not come in contact with tatami.
You may have already heard that sado involves long periods of time in the dreaded-by-many seiza position, which involves sitting on top of your folded legs. While this is a sitting style that most Japanese have grown up practicing, people from other countries who are not accustomed to it may find it painful to sit seiza for long periods of time…
