by For the first time in my life, I am petrified by the prospect of having tea. I am in Koomon salon sat Tokyo’s Chou-Ku neighbourhood to watch a traditional tea ceremony called sado or chado (meaning ‘the tea way of life’). As my hostess shuffles into the room on her knees, everything I’ve read about how formal the Japanese are comes to mind and I’m hesitant to walk in. But Yukiko-san who has been running the salon for 18 years, instantly makes me feel welcome.
My story on the Japanese tea ceremony in the October issue of National Geographic Traveller – read the rest of the story here.
While living in Japan, I attended many tea ceremonies. For me, the most difficult part of it was to have to sit with my legs folded under me as shown in your photo. It was torture. Thanks for your post. It brought me right back to those days.
Nina, I was ok thanks to years of yoga but yes after a while, it began to hurt – and glad this provided you with a nostalgia trip 🙂
Just a simple cup of warm tea can make you feel the comfortable hospitality given by the Japanese 🙂 It’s a nice country!
It’s such a complex country – yes, they were all unfailingly polite and courteous even if they couldn’t communicate in English
Loved the article. The tea ceremony sounds so fascinating! And hidden meanings behind every little thing – so charming!
Thanks 🙂 It was quite fascinating to see that kind of focus and dedication to an everyday act like making tea!
I just finished reading Memoirs of a Geisha this afternoon so this was lovely to read.
Also hello from another travel blogger in India! You have quite an archive here!