A Japanese Tea Ceremony at Tea Room Ju-An

I planned a couple activities for our first day in Kyoto. Our first stop was Tea Room Ju-An to learn about the Japanese Tea Ceremony and the traditional way to make and drink matcha tea.

Ju-An Tea Room

In the midst of the busy streets of Kyoto, we stepped into a quiet and relaxing Japanese garden with a koi pond and the tea room.

Ju-An Tea Room

Tea Room Ju-An

Ju-An Tea Room

Koi Pond

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Japanese Garden

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There are six group sessions daily and you can see the times on their website. Each ceremony has a maximum of 6-7 visitors. I booked a private session for me and my sister.

Ju-An Tea Room

Entrance

We entered the simple tatami room of the chashitsu (Japanese tea room) where our nice host Masumi taught us everything about the tea ceremony and demonstrated how to make and drink the tea.

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Chashitsu (Tea Room)

Ju-An Tea Room

Tatami Floors

Ju-An Tea Room

Sunken Hearth

Ju-An Tea Room

Our Host, Masumi

I underestimated just how much goes into a traditional tea ceremony. After Masumi did her demonstration, we had an opportunity to make the tea ourselves.

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Tea Master

Ju-An Tea Room

Hot Water

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Tea Scoop and Caddy

Ju-An Tea Room

Matcha Powder

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Tea Bowl

Ju-An Tea Room

Matcha Tea

Ju-An Tea Room

Wagashi (Japanese confections) are usually served with the tea and made into shapes from nature such as flowers, fruit and leaves, and include seasonal ingredients. The sweets enhance the taste of the tea.

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Wagashi

Ju-An Tea Room

Japanese Sweets

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Tea Whisks

Ju-An Tea Room

Our Turn!

Ju-An Tea Room

Ju-An Tea Room

Add Hot Water

It’s important to whisk the matcha powder and water until it’s smooth and frothy.

Ju-An Tea Room

Whisk until Frothy

Ju-An Tea Room

The tea bowls come in a variety of sizes and styles. The best bowls are handmade and many are extremely valuble. Wait, you paid how much for that bowl?!

There are certain ways to hold the tea bowl and you must rotate it to avoid drinking from its front.

Ju-An Tea Room

We were officially Japanese Tea Ceremony certified! Masumi even emailed us our certificates with our names and picture a few days later.

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We had a lovely experience learning about the Japanese tea ceremony. Masumi was a great host and very informative. I highly recommend Ju-An Tea Room if you’re in Kyoto. It’s one of the few places where you can experience the Japanese Tea Ceremony in a genuine and truly authentic Japanese tea room.

Ju-An Tea Room

The other experience I booked for our first night in Kyoto was a unique private dinner. I couldn’t wait!

Ju-An Tea Room


Tea Room Ju-An
508 Shiokojicho, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto
Kyoto Prefecture 600-8212, Japan
+81 90-1138-4480
Website

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