My First Encounter with the Tea Ceremony

I first discovered Sado, the tea ceremony in high school.
As a club activity, I wanted to try something traditionally Japanese. There were two options: Kendo or Sado (tea ceremony).

To be honest, I joined the tea ceremony club simply because the sweets and tea looked delicious.

In my grade, I was the only member of the club. Normally, the president would be chosen from the second-year students, since the third-years were busy preparing for university entrance exams. Because I was the only one, the responsibility fell to me. Feeling nervous, I persuaded a friend to join, and together we kept the club alive.

Our teacher was an elderly lady who always wore the most beautiful pale-colored kimono. Once a week, she came to guide us with kindness but also with unwavering standards—never cutting corners.

When I graduated, she invited my friend and me to her home for a tea gathering (chaji). From the garden’s stone basin where we washed our hands, to the scroll and flowers carefully chosen for the occasion, every detail was arranged to celebrate our graduation. We were served a full kaiseki meal, seasonal sweets, and exquisite matcha.

At the time, as beginners, we didn’t realize the depth of what we were experiencing. Looking back now, I understand—it was an incredibly thoughtful, elaborate, once-in-a-lifetime form of hospitality. That day left a lasting impression on me, one that I carry to this day.

We hope you’ll enjoy a taste of this tradition with us.
To share in this quiet moment of tea, we invite you to make a reservation in advance online.