"Matcha", the purest form of tea

And the basis of a tea culture unique to Japan, called "Chanoyu" or "Chado"

Tea has been drunk in Japan for more than a thousand years.

And through this long history, Japan has developed a unique tea culture of its own.

Tea was first introduced to Japan from China around 800 A.D..

And it was in the form of "Dancha" (brick tea), which made into a drink by brewing.

"Dancha" was only available to the aristocracy and high-ranking Buddhist priests at that time, and it eventually disappeared.

The next form of tea introduced to Japan, again from China, was "Matcha" (powdered tea).

A tea made by mixing powdered tea leaves with hot water.

"Matcha" was brought to Japan from China by Zen priests around the 12th century.

And is said to have been drunk during "Zazen" meditation to get rid of drowsiness.

Matcha's unique aroma and refreshing green color are due to the fact that the tea leaves are not fermented, oxidized, scented or smoked.

Matcha is the purest of all the teas in the world.

It is just 100% pure tea leaves.

Matcha was initially drunk by Zen priests and high-ranking Samurai warriors.

But gradually it spread down to the populace.

It has been enjoyed by a broad spectrum of the Japanese people for centuries, and it remains popular today.

And most importantly, Matcha also became the basis for the development of a tea culture unique to Japan, called "Chanoyu" (literally, "hot water for tea"), or "Chado" (literally, "Way of Tea").

"Chanoyu" ( or "Chado" ) is a "Comprehensive Art Form of Japan"

Chanoyu ( or Chado ) can be described as a "Comprehensive Art Form " of Japan.

It is filled with various elements of Japanese art , such as: calligraphy, flower arrangement, architecture, landscaping, cooking, sake, waka poetry, pottery, kimono, and other fine arts.

"Chanoyu" ( or "Chado" ) is fully packed with the basic characteristic of the Japanese culture

What are the basic characteristics of the Japanese culture?

1. It is a " Lunar culture"

Meaning that, like the moon which shines by reflecting the light from the sun, Japanese people have not been the radical source of original ideas.

Rather, they have almost solely made use of ideas borrowed from the outside.

However, once the Japanese have accepted the idea, they have added their own inventive touch.

2. The influence of buddhism is strong

3. The people coexist with nature

4. " Mutual accord " is highly valued

5. " Form " is considered important

Chanoyu ( or Chado ) encompasses much of the basic characteristics of the Japanese culture mentioned above.

In other words, Chanoyu is packed with the unique characteristics of the Japanese culture.

And in Chanoyu you can find various genres of Japanese culture.

Therefore, to know Chanoyu is to know the basic characteristics of the Japanese culture.

"Chanoyu", a social gathering place, a business tool for the Samurai Warrior Lords ( = Politicians ) and Merchants (= Financiers )

Packed with wisdom to open up and enrich people's life

In the modern times, tea masters are often thought of as living in a world of "Wabi" and "Sabi".

A world away from the ordinary world we live in.

However, during the" Sengoku " (Warring States) period in which "Sen Rikyu", the founder of the Senke school who perfected the "Wabicha" style of Chanoyu lived, tea masters were the closest to the center of politics and economics.

At that time, samurai warriors were politicians, and Sen Rikyu, a merchant, was a financier.

Rikyu was involved in foreign trade, closely associated with politicians, and as a producer of culture, he created a whole new set of values.

In other words, Chanoyu was a social gathering place, and a business tool, for the Samurai Warrior Lords and Merchants , the people who run the country.

How to show courtesy. How to win the hearts of others. And how to present yourself while entertaining others with a cup of tea....

The wisdom to open up and enrich one's life is packed into the Chanoyu.

- "Chazen-ichimi" ( tea and zen, one taste )

The Deep Relationship between Chanoyu and Zen

- "Wa Kei Sei Jaku " ( Harmony , Respect , Purity, Tranquility )

The ideal to be embodied through the Zen mind

As the saying goes "Chazen-ichimi" ( literally, tea and zen, one taste ) since ancient times, Chanoyu has had a deep relationship with Zen since its beginnings.

Matcha was introduced to Japan by the Zen monk Eisai, from the Zen monasteries of the Song Dynasty.

Later, a monk in Nara named Murata Shuko is said to have advocated a quiet form of Chanoyu, that reflected Zen teachings.

And the use of Zen priests' calligraphy for hanging scrolls in Chanoyu also seems to have begun around this time.

The Four Principles of Chanoyu, "Wa Kei Sei Jaku " ( Harmony , Respect , Purity, Tranquility ), represent the ideals to be embodied through Zen.

Not only Rikyu, who sought and perfected the world of "Chazen-ichimi" ( tea and zen, one taste ), but all of the tea masters who played a major role in Chanoyu practiced Zen.

This historical fact shows how deeply Chanoyu is related to Zen.

In the Azuchi-Momoyama period of the 16th century, Sen Rikyu (1522-1591) unraveled the spirit of "Wa Kei Sei Jaku " ( Harmony , Respect , Purity, Tranquility ), which is said to encapsulate all the spirit of Chanoyu.

"Wa” means to be open-minded and friendly with one another.

"Kei” means respect, complimenting each other with respect.

"Sei” means to be not only visibly pure, but also pure in heart.

"Jaku” means a mind that does not waver under any circumstances.

The "Wa Kei Sei Jaku " transcends borders and time, showing that the values of Chanoyu are universal.

The host of the Tea Gathering should serve tea to the guests while doing his or her utmost to ensure that the encounter is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and that the teachings of "Wa Kei Sei Jaku " are engraved in the mind through every single cup of tea.

A unique, condensed experience of a "real" authentic Tea Gathering

In a private tea room of a Tea Master located in a valley with a deep connection to the history of Samurai and Zen

A “once in a lifetime” opportunity to experience the authenticity of Chanoyu, a "treasure chest" of Japanese art and culture

Kamakura is the historic capital of the Samurai society and the Japanese Zen.

Surrounded by the greenery of Kamakura, the Urasenke Tea Master's private tearoom is located in a quiet “Yatsu” (small valley) with deep ties to the history of both Samurai and Zen.

This is the place where you will experience the "real" authentic Tea Gathering.

The tea room is a space dedicated to Chanoyu, constructed in a special “Sukiya-zukuri” style, made of natural materials such as wood and soil.

It looks very simple at first glance, with a sense of “Wabi”, but in reality it is very elaborate.

There is a simplistic beauty in the design of the tea room, in its design trimmed down to the bare essentials.

It is a unique space where the host and guests share time together through the Chanoyu Tea Gathering, without thinking about the mundane details of daily life.

The tea room is an extraordinary space to sharpen the five senses.

In this tea room, this experience offers a special moment to enjoy an "real" authentic Tea Gathering, and the accompanying "Koicha" (thick tea), which can only be experienced by those who have experience in the Way of Tea.

There are two styles of Tea Gatherings: the formal “Chaji” and the less formal “Chakai”.

Actually, “Chakai” is an abbreviation of the “Chaji”, the main Tea Gathering style in Chanoyu.

In a Chaji, the number of guests ranges from one to four or five.

It includes food and alcohol, and both Koicha and Usucha (thin tea) are served, and last about four hours.

Koicha is the powdered green tea served only at formal Tea Gatherings.

The essence of Chanoyu lies in this Koicha.

Usucha is the common way to drink matcha, and at most casual Tea Gatherings, only this type of tea is served.

The formal tea gathering is divided into three parts: "Shoza", the first seating, an intermission called "Nakadachi", and the second half, "Goza", the latter seating.

During the Chaji, charcoal is prepared, food and sake are served to prevent stomach upset from drinking Koicha on an empty stomach, and after the sweets, Koicha is served, followed by Usucha.

In Western terms, Chaji is a full-course Japanese meal, that begins with an appetizer or soup served to be enjoyed with alcohol, and ends with dessert and two kinds of tea.

Even tea masters do not have that many opportunities to participate in or host a Chaji.

Chaji is an example of how over the course of more than four centuries, Chanoyu has developed into a tense and complex art form.

Feel the sense of the real Chanoyu

Savor food and sake at "Shoza" (first seating) and experience Koicha, the quintessential Chaji tea gathering

A rare opportunity for even for those new to Chanoyu to relax and enjoy an experience based on the essence of a formal tea gathering

As described above, a formal Chaji, the essence of Chanoyu, requires only those who know the proper etiquette to participate, and lasts approximately four hours due to the nature of the hospitality.

This experience condenses the essence of an authentic Chaji into approximately two hours so that even beginners can experience the atmosphere of an authentic Chaji casually and to the fullest.

This plan follows the formal flow of a Chaji. First, you will enter the tea room from the "Roji" or Garden path, admire the alcove, and take your seat.

Usually, the sitting position called “Seiza” is expected, which is when you sit on your heels with your legs folded under you.

However, as this can be difficult to maintain, a floor chair can be provided to take pressure off the knees and ankles.

When you are seated, after a short greeting from the host, "Tenshin" (simple meal of refreshments) and Sake is served.

The serving of food and sake at the first seating, and the serving of Koicha are the most significant differences between an ordinary tea gathering and an authentic Chaji.

Koicha is good for the body, but because it is very rich, a simple meal and sake to enjoy it, and the "Omogashi" (Main moist sweets) is served before the Koicha is served.

Before drinking Matcha, sweets are always eaten.

This is because the sweetness of the confectionery and the bitterness of the matcha enhances the flavor of the tea.

The colors and shapes of sweets also enhance the enjoyment of the tea gathering.

They can represent the four seasons, or motifs related to the chronicles of the year or classical literature, in subtle hues or abstract shapes to stir up images of the theme of the tea gathering.

The simple meal and "Omogashi" (Main moist sweets) are served together with the Koicha, and are an essential part of the Koicha experience.

After the "Omogashi" (Main moist sweets) and a short break, it is time for the main Koicha experience.

In the tea room with a dignified atmosphere, you will observe the flowing movements of the Tea Master, and then enjoy the freshly made Koicha.

The Koicha is as thick as a kind of paste or pottage, and the spirit of Chanoyu lies in this Koicha.

It is rare to have an opportunity to enjoy Koicha unless you are experienced in Chanoyu.

The taste of mellow Koicha, savored with gratitude, is an unforgettable and precious experience.

After the Koicha, Usucha is served to conclude the Chaji tea gathering.

Usucha is the most common way to drink Matcha, and usually it is the only tea served at most Chakai tea gatherings.

And before the Usucha is served, "Higashi" (dry sweets) are served.

At a Chaji, after the main Koicha, the guests enjoy the Usucha in a relaxing manner.

You can experience a peaceful time that is different from the dignified atmosphere you felt at Koicha.

Higashi are a fitting accompaniment for the casual and relaxing Usucha, lovely in design and light in flavor.

A moment of lively conversation with the Host

A rare “Ichigo-ichie" ( once in a lifetime ) opportunity to discover Japanese art and culture by learning the spirit, manners and history of Chanoyu from the beginning

Time for Usucha is a relaxed time for easy conversation with the Host.

Please feel free to enjoy conversation even while the Host is performing the "Temae" (tea making procedure).

About the hanging scrolls and flowers displayed, as well as about the various tea utensils.

About the meaning behind each procedure of the Host, as well as about the manners of the guests, such as the way they move their feet when receiving the tea and sweets.

About the history of the Chanoyu, its deep relationship with Zen, and the spirit of Chanoyu through key words such as “harmony, respect, purity, tranquility”.

About Chanoyu as a social and business tool in the samurai society.

And about Japanese art and culture condensed and encompassed in Chanoyu.

Please feel free to ask anything you are interested in in a relaxed atmosphere.

This special plan only for Waka An, is the perfect place for English speakers to experience an authentic Japanese tea gathering.

The host, Tea Master Souki Koyama, has held a number of important positions in international companies, including president and CEO of several overseas subsidiaries, under the motto of "to be a bridge between Japan and overseas".

Through many years of his experience, he has developed native-like fluency in English and international communication skills.

And through many years of living abroad and interacting with people from other countries, he realized how little he knew about the history, art, and culture of his home country.

As a result, Souki has been training himself in the world of Chanoyu and is a qualified full-time instructor of the Urasenke school, the largest Chanoyu school, and lives in Kamakura to deepen his knowledge of Japanese culture, motivated by his longtime love of Japanese culture.

Due to these reasons, English speakers will have a rare opportunity to hear and learn from a person with actual deep experience, and who understand the spirit of Chanoyu.

Furthermore, if you wish, you can have a simulated experience of a "Teishu" (host of the tea gathering) and actually perform the "Temae" (tea making procedure) and serve Matcha.

Souki will carefully guide you through the process in a friendly atmosphere, so you will not feel nervous, and you will feel as if you were the Host of the tea gathering.

The world of Chanoyu tends to have an image of being difficult to understand and difficult to learn.

However, if you learn the spirit, history, and manners of the Chanoyu through this experience, you will be able to feel the depth of Japanese art and culture.

An important proverb that expresses the spirit of Chanoyu is “Ichigo-ichie", or “once in a lifetime encounter".

It means that the space created by the host and guest is unique in the vastness of time and space, and you will never be able to have a same experience again.

So please enjoy the quiet and gentle moment of “once in a lifetime” experience, where you can feel the Japanese sense of beauty and the spirit of Japanese culture, in an authentic tea room space, along with the thoughtful hospitality of Souki, the Host of the tea gathering.

A special opportunity to fully enhance your ”Five Senses", even if you are new to Chanoyu

Enjoy the whole experience in stress-free English

Limited to the Waka An plan, all experiences, including all the explanations and support for the Chaji tea gathering experience, as well as interesting stories about the spirit and history of the Chanoyu, Japanese art and culture encompassed in the tea ceremony, etc., will be fully supported in English by Souki Koyama, Tea Master and the host of this experience, who is a " Kamakura Local ", with native-like English ability, and is a lover of Japanese culture, and has been involved in international business for over 35 years with the motto "to be a bridge between Japan and overseas".

Of course, you will also receive support for all the interpretation throughout the entire experience, allowing you to fully enjoy the experience without language barriers.

Thus, even those who have never attended a tea gathering before can relax and enjoy a moment of experiencing authentic Japanese art and culture.

Enjoy the stress-free experience without the language barrier, that only Waka An can offer.

And fully enhance your "Five Senses".

Wear a kimono to upgrade this authentic tea gathering experience to an even more "real" authentic level

For those who wish, there is an option of tea gathering experience with traditional kimono dressing.

The authentic tea gathering experience, which is not a typical tourist experience and is packed with time condensed into a"real" authentic tea gathering, need to be experienced wearing a Kimono to truly experience the full charm of Chanoyu.

By wearing a kimono and experiencing a "real" tea gathering experience, this opportunity to deeply experience Japanese art and culture is further sublimated into a valuable “once in a lifetime” experience.

・The types of bowls, utensils, and Japanese sweets will change depending on the season and other factors. The pictures shown is only a sample.

References:

・What is Chanoyu?

Written by Akira Tani

・The Book of Chanoyu　Tea...The master key to Japanese culture

Written by Randy Channel Soei

・Urasenke Chado Textbook

Supervised by Sen Genshitsu and Sen Soshitsu

・If Rikyu Invited You

Written by Sen Sooku