The Japanese Tea Ceremony at Ju-An

The Art of Tea par Excellence

The Japanese tea ceremony conducted at Tea Ceremony Ju-An is located inside the Jotoku-ji Temple and consists of four Grand Tea Rooms: we normally use two of them optimised to provide comfort for our honourable Guests.

The Japanese Tea Ceremony developed inside Zen Buddhist Temples as a way to help monks with their meditation since XVI century. Over time it has become popular with the general public and today it is considered to be a quintessential Japanese cultural experience.

The ceremony is full of symbolisms and wabi-sabi moral meanings but above all it is an exquisite form of the Art of Tea.  We are passionate about the Tea Ceremony and make every effort to ensure that your experience can become the highlight of your trip to Kyoto and an experience that endures throughout your life.

Our guiding spirit is that of Ichigo Ichie, 一期一会, which translated into English means: a once in a lifetime encounter. In the words of one of our Guests, we endeavour to provide a real cultural experience and not just a tourist show. Thank you R.L. for the following testimony:

"My friend and I we really enjoyed the ceremony, specially for me was more than expected. I mean some tea ceremonies in Kyoto looks like a show for tourist, but the surrounds, the peace you share, the explanation and the love you put in the ceremony really transmits the way of tea.

As a Japan culture lover I wanna thank you for the experience, must say: it is one of the best experiences in my life. Hoping will be back soon to Ju-An."

 

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This website contains a lot of useful information but if you are looking for some quick Questions and Answers topics below you will find answers to some of the most popular questions we have been asked.

You can also use these answers as a study aid for Chado students.

Hand Purification
Matcha Preparation
Chanoyu Station 2
Chanoyu Sweets

What does the Workshop Involve?

The scope of the worksop is to explain to you the meaning of this ceremonial practice and its popularity in Japan as a way of socialising and improve one's life. This approach will open up the culture of Japan in a way that you can start to understand and appreciate. We try to make it the highlight of your trip to Kyoto and from the reviews and feedback we receive it seems that we are doing it right.

Each tea ceremony session lasts 70 minutes and is divided into four parts:

  • Guided tour of the Jotokuji Temple built in 1603. We explain the name of the main Edo style buildings and the practice of water purification when entering a temple in Japan so that you know what to do when visiting other temples in Kyoto.
  • Assemble in the Grand Tea Room where an explanation of the Japanese Tea Ceremony, its history and cultural placing in Japan, will be given by the Tea Master.
  • Performance of the  Tea Ceremony and its artistic ritual (otemae) by the Tea Master.
  • Guidance on making and drinking a bowl of matcha by yourself.

 

During parts 1, 2 and 4 you are encouraged to ask questions but during part 3 you are required to watch in silence and absorb the zen spirit of tranquility.

Optionally a photograph will be taken for inclusion in your certificate of attendance.

Book the day and session for the Tea Ceremony you wish to attend. We will send you directions once we confirm your booking or you can find them on this site at the menu: Directions.

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Guided Tour of the Temple

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Explanation of the Tea Ceremony, its history and cultural placing.

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Demonstration of Tea Ceremony

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Guidance on making and drinking matcha for yourself.

How To Dress to Attend The Tea Ceremony?

You can attend the tea ceremony wearing your every day clothes. Etiquette requires wearing a kimono, but in our Workshop this is not required.

However, if you wish to wear a kimono it can only enrich your experience of the Japanese Tea Ceremony and afterwards you can wonder through the streets of Kyoto wearing your kimono and do some shopping to the admiration of the locals.

We have an arrangement with Yumeyakata, a kimono rental company very close to us, and we recommend you to hire through us. You find all the information here.

TESTIMONIALS FROM OUR HONORED GUESTS

We loved the careful way she explained the meaning behind every step of the ceremony. The setting looked very appropriate. It made our visit to Kyoto even more unforgettable. (Scabbier, California, USA)

“It was an unforgettable and magical experience for us. Being in Ju-An was a meaningful part of touching the spirit of Japan for our whole group.” (Arthur Maliszewski-Australia)

"Juan tea ceremony room in Kyoto offers workshops in English that offer an insight into the fascinating ritual and tradition of the matcha tea ceremony." (Fairly from Melbourne, Australia)

Link:  www.feetonforeignlands.com/2015/07/22/juan-tea-ceremony-workshop-in-kyoto/

Dear Masumi and Team Ju-An,

 
From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for the wonderful experience. This is a moment that we will always cherish and remember. In addition to gaining a lot of knowledge about matcha and Japanese tea ceremonies, we were all able to share a lovely memory together. Sincerely, Carolyn, Seajin, Tiffany, and Christina
Thank you for such a wonderful experience. You were so gracious and patient with our large family. We all learned so much - even the kids were captivated! Can't recommend this experience enough while in Kyoto! Thank you!! (Stacey B. Clements)
 

On 29 November 2018 Rose XX recommends Tea Ceremony Juan: "We had such an amazing & special experience today! It is definitely a once in a lifetime opportunity! ❤️❤️❤️

This is a beautiful tea ceremony in a small Buddhist temple in the area around Kiyomizudera-Gojo and Gojo train stations. The host was wonderful, explaining information about the temple and the gardens as well as about the Japanese philosophy of tea. You can choose to wear Kimono (through a company a short walk away) or regular clothes, but the huge plus here is that it is actually in the temple grounds overlooking a garden. A truly memorable experience however you are dressed! Lauren Bowling

Our ceremony at Ju-An explained by Steven, one of our recent Guest.

 

This is an excellent opportunity to begin to understand and experience a Japanese Tea Ceremony, conducted appropriately in a temple. Masumi Kirihata is an excellent guide. She begins by providing a brief tour of the courtyard. Once inside, the session is divided into three parts. Initially, Masumi details the customs associated with a traditional Japanese tea ceremony. This is followed by a demonstration of a tea ceremony prepared for the guests, with an ongoing description of the process, actions, gestures, objects used and the ritual of a traditional tea ceremony. The final part of the workshop involves the participants preparing tea, utilising the information learned and guided skilfully by Masumi. This is a thoroughly enjoyable and interesting way to learn about a part of Japanese social culture and Masumi is engaging, clear and informative.

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Our Mission

Life Cycle Diagram

Matcha is at the heart of the Japanese Tea Ceremony. It is, also, a potent healthy drink and is synonymous with Japan because it was invented here in Japan in the XIII century under the scrupulous  attention to detail and perfection of Zen monks and the Samurai class.

Comparison of Antioxidant Contents

Matcha (100 grams)
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Gojiberries (100 grams)
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Pomegranate (100 grams)
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Blueberries (100 grams)
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Broccoli (100 grams)
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Matcha Light (2 grams)-Usucha
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Matcha Thick (6 grams)-Koicha
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