Gain a New Perspective on Japan's Tea Culture With Japanese and Chinese Tea Ceremonies

Escape From the Everyday into the Fascinating World of Tea

Tucked in a quaint alley just five minutes from Kyoto’s Nijo Castle is Chazen Sodo, a space for people to learn about tea and its significance, which goes far beyond a simple beverage. Located on a site that once was part of the Imperial Palace grounds but burned down during the Onin War (1467-1477）, the tranquil machiya townhouse feels as if it’s a world away from the bustling central streets of Kyoto.

Forget the crowds and find serenity at Chazen Sodo

Chazen Sodo is your gateway to understanding tea as an essential facet of Japanese culture, as well as different perspectives on tea culture. Inside, you will be greeted by Joshin, leader of Chazen Sodo and the first Japanese person to achieve the highest level of China’s nationally recognized tea master certification. In addition to many other qualifications, including being an official instructor of Japan’s Baisa Shin school of sencha tea, she has a deep passion for educating and entertaining people through tea and the culture that surrounds it.

Joshin recognizes tea’s ability to bring people together

Acknowledging that the topic of Japanese tea primarily brings to mind matcha tea ceremonies for many, she hopes to also encourage appreciation for other aspects of Japan’s tea culture and hospitality.

Hospitality That Will Warm Your Body and Soul

From your very first step inside, you’ll immediately take in elements specially prepared to welcome you, like personally blended incense and the suiboku-ga painting paying tribute to the Chinese literati of the Ming dynasty (1368-1644), whose gatherings were the forerunners of sencha tea culture in Japan (the painting may vary depending on the season). 

Guests are greeted by a suiboku-ga painting painted by Joshin herself, hanging above incense also blended by her (may vary depending on the season)

Then, sit down with a refreshing cup of tea brewed with seasonal touches, the perfect welcome to Chazen Sodo. Not only will it help you to become accustomed to the intimate space where Joshin receives guests, but it will also prepare you to explore her world.

A welcome tea with chrysanthemum blossoms, a nod to the flowers of autumn (varieties of tea vary depending on the season)

Savor the Fragrance and Taste of Chinese Tea

After settling down, take in Joshin’s process as she prepares Chinese tea. While varieties like oolong and jasmine tea are commonly enjoyed far and wide, her freshly brewed tea is sure to give you a whole new appreciation of this remarkable drink. Furthermore, Joshin takes care to select appropriate tea for each occasion; for example, you might be served a variety that is known for cooling down one’s body in summer, and the opposite in winter.

Take some time to relish each element of the tea (tea and cups vary depending on the season)

With Chinese tea, the focus is not on the tools used but instead the result: a delicious cup of tea. To achieve this, it is important for the host to first balance their qi, which may be translated as “vital energy.” The guests need only relax and enjoy the atmosphere along with the fragrance and taste of the tea itself. 

Confectionery that enhances the fragrance and flavors of Chinese tea (may vary depending on the season)

Your tea will be followed by a small piece of confectionery, which is traditionally simple in appearance and taste, with a subtle sweetness from natural ingredients. This helps guests to continue savoring the sensations evoked by the tea, even after it is fully consumed.

Experience a Serene Sencha Tea Ceremony

The next step in your tea journey is sencha, a green tea that was introduced to Japan by China’s literati during the Ming dynasty (1368 to 1644). While Chinese tea has constantly changed over the centuries, Japanese tea has historically developed to some extent while preserving forms and traditions. As a result, sencha in Japan has, for the most part, maintained the tea culture of the Ming dynasty.

It’s easy to be mesmerized by Joshin’s elegant movements as she serves the sencha

Preparing and drinking sencha is a chance for not only the guest, but also the host to enjoy themselves. While matcha tea ceremonies generally place great importance on mental concentration and fixed procedures, sencha was originally something that the literati drank as they amused themselves playing koto music, creating ink wash paintings, and other cultural pursuits. Their Japanese counterparts - known as bunjin - also adopted this custom, which eventually evolved into senchado.

Sencha is prepared by infusing green tea leaves, rather than mixing green tea powder with water (tea, cups, and confectionery will vary depending on the season)

After drinking in the rich culture of both Chinese and Japanese tea, relax and chat with Joshin, who will expand on the Chinese literatis’ influence and Japanese perspectives on tea. She is also happy to answer any questions you may have about the ceremonies, how she curates her space, and tea in general.

Discover Tea, Culture, and More With Joshin

Even today, tea is still alive and well in the daily lives of Japanese people. Delving into the cultural significance of both Japanese and Chinese tea will grant you intriguing insights that may not be apparent by simply drinking it normally. Joshin hopes that guests will be able to enjoy the differences between the varieties brewed and see their time here as another kind of stepping stone into the world of tea in addition to matcha. 

Your time at Chazen Sodo will leave you with a better understanding of Japan and its tea