Meditation, Rituals, and Matcha at a Tea House in Takagamine, Kyoto

Meditation in a Secluded Tea House

Takagamine sits on the outskirts of Kyoto at the foot of Mt. Hidari Daimonji and facing the Kamiya River, which is said to be home to a dragon god. Aside from its stunning natural surroundings and history of hospitality, it is known as a place of residence for Hon’ami Koetsu, a sixteenth century artist said to have inspired the Rinpa school of painting. It is the perfect place to come into contact with deep, eternal truths.

The clear waters of the Kamiya River

Your host is Michiyo Fujimura, a tea master born and raised in Kyoto. Using experiences from her daily life alongside professional understanding, she will share and explain some of the seasonal traditions that have taken place in the capital for over a millennium.

Purification Traditions of the Ancient Capital

Guests can experience a traditional purification ritual using sacred gojinsui water. A number of springs in Kyoto produce gojinsui, such as the Seiryu Spring below Yasaka Shrine. These are said to enrich the lives and spirits of the people of Kyoto.

A branch of sakaki is sipped into sacred water and used to purify each shoulder in turn

The host will collect water to be used in the ritual based on their impression of the day’s guests. This is done within two hours of 4 a.m., the period of the tiger in traditional timekeeping. Though dark and sometimes cold, this period is said to be when the energy of the earth is strongest. Using water and branches collected at this time, guests can purify themselves inside and out.

Meditation Surrounded by Spring Water

After purifying body and soul, guests can experience a deeper form of meditation than usual. With your host’s guidance, feel yourself filled by the pure air and water of Takagamine. Even those new to the practice will soon find themselves in a state of deep calm, motivated by the surroundings.

The flickering of candles and gentle murmur of the stream combine to produce a healing effect

The meditation session lasts for about fifteen minutes. As the candlelight fades, the clear tones of the tingsha, also known as healing bells, ring out into the cool air, calling you back from your meditation.

After meditation, some people feel as though they have been reborn, while others find themselves fulfilled and freed from the stresses of daily life. Meditation in the tea room may bring a new sensation even to experienced practitioners.

Just let go into the living presence

Ancient Seasonal Traditions Uncovered

Nowadays, Kyoto is home to many festivals that, at first glance, seem very similar. Nearly all have their roots in Shinto rituals, each with distinct meanings. On June 30, the nagoshi-no-harae ritual is held to purify the body of the impurities that have built up over the past six months and to invite good health and fortune for the remainder of the year. Guests will learn how to perform this for themselves. (As an option, you can also choose to experience traditional Japanese tea ceremony instead of a seasonal traditional event.)

Live plants are used as a substitute for the body

The body's impurities are entrusted to the substitute, called the katashiro, by chanting an exorcism three times and blowing deep breaths onto its leaves. The idea is to fully exhale, so that no impure breath is left in the body. Once this has been performed, the katashiro is floated on sacred water and water washed in the Kamiya River to purify it.

Ms. Fujimura explains seasonal rituals

Kyoto Hospitality in Sweets and Tea

One of the highlights of this experience is tea time, featuring light usucha matcha tea and traditional seasonal wagashi confectionary. The utensils and decorations change to reflect the season, offering another level of depth to the proceedings.

A tea bowl decorated with a thatched ring, associated with the summer natsukoshi purification ritual

The confectionary, too, is chosen to reflect the occasion. A skilled tea master can combine delicate impressions in new and exciting ways, reflecting and responding to the changing seasons, clientele, and context of the meeting.

In June, minazuki cakes call to mind the azuki beans used to repel demons

Those who wish to enjoy an even deeper sense of Kyoto hospitality may request a chakaiseki meal at the nearby restaurant Sanyu-kyo. Traditionally served alongside a tea ceremony, its ingredients change with the seasons.

A chakaiseki meal at Sanyu-kyo

A Sense of the Seasons

Modern life is at times so busy that we lose track of the passage of time. Before we know it, the season has passed. This experience offers an opportunity to slow down, experience the true nature of the Japanese seasons, and learn about some of the ways in which they have been celebrated for centuries.