Sen-no-Rikyu is believed to have created the tea ceremony we recognize today. His descendants further codified and shaped the ceremony into its current form.

“Matcha originally came to Japan to keep monks awake during long services. It then evolved into a ritual that became important to the court and the warrior class,” Atsuko explains.

“Tea ceremony wasn’t just a hobby. It was a symbol of sophistication. The ruling classes sponsored tea instructors and collected tea utensils themselves. Slowly, it spread to the general public.”

For centuries, men predominantly practiced tea ceremonies. Nowadays, more women than men are learning the art of the tea ceremony.

Tea ceremony’s essence

The tea ceremony begins with the host cleaning and arranging utensils—the tea bowl (chawan), whisk (chasen), and scoop (chashaku). Hot water is poured into the matcha, whisked until frothy, then served to guests with precision, often alongside traditional sweets.

“It is better experienced than explained,” Atsuko says.

Brewing matcha is more than just combining hot water and matcha. Specific movements and symbolic gestures, each imbued with delicate nuances, turn the process into a ritual.

“Tea ceremony is more than just matcha. It incorporates different elements and disciplines such as lower arrangement, sweets, meal preparation, calligraphy, and pottery,” Atsuko explains.

Tea gatherings often have a theme, either appreciating the season or celebrating a traditional festival or special event.

For those short on time for a full tea gathering, Atsuko recommends a shorter tea ceremony experience that provides visitors with an equally complete and authentic experience. They also cater to formal and private gatherings by request.

Uji: Home of matcha in Japan

Uji is a historic city in the Kyoto Prefecture of Japan and the undisputed heart of Japan’s matcha production. At Camellia, only the finest Uji matcha is used in the tea ceremonies.

Unlike most teas, matcha is made by grinding the entire tea leaf into a powder. This means you consume the whole leaf, not just an infusion, which is why many believe it has health benefits.

“Matcha is believed to have medicinal properties,” Atsuko explains. “It has a very strong flavor, but good matcha shouldn’t be overly bitter. Instead, it should have a smooth and delicate side. Many guests are surprised by the nuanced taste of fresh matcha, a unique combination of boldness and unexpected smoothness.”

The tea room reflects the world outside

The matcha, sweets, and flowers should all be fresh. Utensils and scrolls change with the season.

“The tea room mirrors the world beyond its walls. Even if you don’t know the season of the year, the room itself gives it away through subtle cues that hint at the current season,” Atsuko says.

Specially designed sweets, utensils, and furnishings are used in the tea ceremony, and many remain unique to it today.

It isn’t just for Geisha and Maiko

Over the past decade, there has been a growing public understanding of the tea ceremony. Central to the tea ceremony, matcha has gradually gained acceptance and become a unique and popular drink worldwide, even for those unfamiliar with the tea ceremony.

Many assume that the tea ceremony is strictly performed by Geisha and Maiko. But in reality, it is open to anyone to participate in and host.

Transcend into a state of  Zen

For tea instructors, the most rewarding moment is seeing guests moved by the experience.

“It’s really rewarding to see how the tea ceremony intrigues the guest from the beginning to the end,” Atsuko says when asked about her motivation in this profession. “The feeling is priceless!”

Performing the tea ceremony puts many instructors in a meditative state. The movements become so memorized that their minds empty, and a sense of calm washes over them.

“I often find myself lost in the tea ceremony. It’s like I disappear into another realm for a bit and then reappear when it’s time to serve tea to the guests,” Atsuko describes.

Kyoto is the heart of Japanese tea culture

The tea ceremony was refined in Kyoto, and the three main schools of tea ceremony developed here.  The history of both the tea ceremony and matcha is deeply woven into Kyoto’s fabric.

Many businesses in various sectors, including tea producers, confectioners, potters, artists, and architects, continue to support and benefit from the tea ceremony.

“Even in my modern house, we have a traditional space with an alcove that allows me to practice tea ceremony at home,” Atsuko says.

While Kyoto remains the heart of tea culture in Japan,” Atsuko clarifies, “it doesn’t mean tea ceremonies outside Kyoto are any less authentic. There should be no snobbery about the location. It’s simply that tea ceremonies are more accessible and evident in Kyoto.”

Authenticity isn’t a concern

Tea ceremony shares a fundamental core across different schools, with only minor variations in aspects such as movements and utensils.

“At Camellia, all our instructors hail from one of the three major Kyoto tea ceremony schools. It’s interesting to see how their styles differ, and none of them claims their school to be more authentic than the others.”

“I don’t see any tea gathering as more authentic than another,” Atsuko points out. “To worry about the authenticity of a tea ceremony is to miss the point of the tea ceremony completely.”

A special occasion for guests

There has been an increase in the use of the tea ceremony for marriage proposals. Though initially appearing odd or inappropriate, over time, Atsuko came to understand its significance.

“Why not pop the question during the tea ceremony? It’s such a special occasion for them, maybe even a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!” Atsuko says in amusement.

“The tea room is designed to feel intimate and special, so I’m not surprised many people have been inspired to propose here,” Atsuko continues.

Tea ceremony offers calm in our chaotic world

“It’s about taking a quiet moment for yourself, at its heart, it’s about mindfulness,” Atsuko explains. “Tea ceremony teaches us to respect each other, to treat one another as equals, regardless of our differences.”