Tea Ceremony – Chaji

My friend, who has performed the Japanese tea ceremony, Urasenke style, for many years, invited me to a formal tea ceremony, Chaji, which he hosted.

I also asked Kelly to come with me because she previously told me that she had never experienced it in Japan. She immediately answered that she would love to attend. I was very excited to join Chaji for the first time in five years.

It was very nice that we four guests followed the stepping-stone path into a tea garden and then into a very small tea house. Chaji started at noon.

A meal was served, followed by little sweets, Koicha (a thick blend of matcha powder and hot water) and Usucha (thin tea). The whole process ended at around 14:30.

I loved the landscape of the Japanese garden, the simplicity of the tea room and utensils, and the company of the guests. I could not translate some terms and cultural background into English for Kelly very well, but it was a relief that she seemed to enjoy it very much.

After coming home in the evening, I opened my drawers and found quite a few tea ceremony utensils my mum had given me a long time ago, and a handheld mirror my dad had bought for me. I found these things very emotional.

I hope that I can use the tea set. I do not remember the tea ceremony etiquette very well, but I love the philosophy.