Last summer, I had the opportunity to experience a tea ceremony with my children in Tokyo. As we sipped tea, I was captivated by the blend of ambiance and sensory delight—the thoughtful pouring of tea, the order of serving tea and traditional sweets—all following a precise ritual.
This afternoon, I brought the children to the seaside APA accommodation in Mihama, not far from the hotel. We’re heading to the ‘Shoraito’ tea garden, tucked away on the left side of the massive new gate.
Our goal is to explore and experience Japan’s tea culture. We hope to find that ‘from the way of tea, even in the scorching summer, brings a serene and naturally cool heart.’ This tranquil courtyard is deeply secluded, shielding us from any noise.
The ‘Way of Tea’ (茶道 or Sadō) is a significant cultural asset in Japan. As you approach the entrance of the tearoom, the delicate sound of wind chimes dances on the breeze.
In many of Tokyo’s municipal parks, you’ll find tea houses where you can immerse yourself in Japan’s rich tea culture. Amidst traditional Japanese gardens, sip tea while gazing into the distance at lush green lawns that stretch out like a soft carpet.
When summer arrives in Japan, you absolutely must try the seasonal specialty: ‘Iced Matcha.
If we want to experience the intricacies of a tea ceremony, we need to make reservations in advance. Even if we don’t participate in the actual ceremony, the host can still explain the essence of tea culture to us.
What the Japanese refer to as ‘洗心’ (sen shin) is akin to our concept of ‘清心寡欲’ (qing xin gua yu), which involves keeping the mind free from distractions. Over time, this practice cultivates gratitude, contentment, and unwavering determination.
Keep your heart in the present moment—wherever you are, your mind resides there. When your heart settles in a particular place, you enter a state of meditation. For children, maintaining that focused presence is even more challenging!
Cultivate a state of mindfulness, where your heart resides in the present moment. With practice, gratitude, contentment, and unwavering determination naturally emerge.
We often find our minds restless due to overthinking about small matters. Through meditation and mindfulness, we can help ourselves find inner calm and stillness. 🧘♀️
When savoring matcha, the indispensable companion is wagashi, traditional Japanese confectionery. In ancient Japan, matcha was regarded as a precious beverage with healing properties.
Pure matcha is slightly bitter. Pair it with some sweet treats to balance the pure, robust flavor of matcha. High-quality matcha leaves a pleasant, lingering sweetness.
This delightful treat resembles a red bean-filled mini steamed bun. Its texture is authentic Japanese mochi, and the outer layer boasts a pristine white hue
Luckily, our entire family shares a deep love for authentic Japanese matcha. A cup brimming with vibrant green energy like this contains a wealth of nutrients, including catechins, theanine, vitamins, and minerals.
As we delve into the art of drinking matcha, let’s explore its remarkable components that offer beauty-enhancing effects. Matcha is known to:
Brighten Skin: Its antioxidants contribute to a radiant complexion.
Boost Metabolism: By aiding in cellular processes, matcha supports a healthy metabolism.
Combat Bad Breath: The chlorophyll content helps prevent unpleasant mouth odor.
Enhance Skin Glow: Matcha promotes cell activation, leaving your skin luminous.
Support Cognitive Health: Matcha could play a role in preventing dementia.
And many people are unaware that pure matcha can also prevent tooth decay and improve gut health. The most delicious matcha is made from freshly ground matcha powder, sifted through a fine mesh, and then whisked into a frothy concoction.
When crafting desserts with matcha, we typically take a small amount of this vibrant green powder and savor it directly. Our taste buds become the canvas, allowing us to experience matcha’s aromatic nuances, its delicate flavors, and the interplay of bitterness and subtle astringency.
In the world of tea ceremonies, there exists a beautiful concept known as “一期一會” which translates to “one time, one meeting.
Therefore, at this moment, I recommend setting aside all distractions, especially your mobile devices and other electronic gadgets. Seize the opportunity to quietly savor the present moment.
Each sip is a revelation, a fleeting encounter where every moment is unique.
At this venue, visitors from over the world aso come to experience it.
