Japanese Tea Ceremony in Subiaco

Posted May 16th, 2015 in Perth WA 2 Comments »

IMG_5911-1

There were Japanese tea ceremony sessions at Green Tea House in Subiaco today, and I headed there to experience my first ever cha-no-yu (tea ceremony in Japanese).

I must say it was a great experience and that 30 minutes gave me a special feeling – surrounded by Japanese instructors and people who have interests in Japan – I felt warm and was reminded what special culture and tradition my home country has.

I didn’t expect to see this many people at the session today.  Some people had to stay stand-up for the whole session.  Tea ceremony is normally carried out where people sit down, but they used chairs due to the height of counter table in the shop.

IMG_5907-1

IMG_5908

IMG_5909

It was actually my first time to come down to this shop.  There’re many beautiful Japanese tea cups, tea pots, plates, kitchenware and ornaments sold at the shop.  They are very well-made (not cheap ones like you get from Daiso) yet the prices are really reasonable.

IMG_5912

The tea ceremony started.  All the guests were focusing on the host’s movement.

Wagashi (sweet to accompany bitter green tea) was served to each guests.

IMG_5913

Tea was served.  Made one-by-one.

The wagashi was quite sweet to balance the bitterness of matcha green tea.

I’ve never had matcha green tea prepared in a proper manner like this.  I imagined the tea would be very bitter but it wasn’t that much.  As I was told by the instructor, I raised the tea bowl (to show appreciation to the host), turned the bowl half way in clockwise, then drank it.  I really liked the tea.  I was imagining, in old time in Japan, people were drinking tea like this, and tea time was very special moment.

The whole ceremony reminded me of beauty of Japan.  As soon as I got home I called my mum and asked if she still have kimono in Japan.  I will bring some kimono to Perth next time I fly there!!    Kimono is very expensive, and it’s such a waste if not worn !

 


2 Comments on “Japanese Tea Ceremony in Subiaco”

  1. 1 David LaSpina said at 2:58 am on May 17th, 2015:

    Interesting to see photos from a tea ceremony outside of Japan. I take tea ceremony as often as possible. I used to teach a woman who gave a tea ceremony once a week in a traditional tea house, so I could often join for free. That was a great experience for me.

    Matcha is becoming popular all over the world, I think. I saw in the news that recently a matcha cafe opened in New York. I make and drink matcha every morning. It is a pleasant way to start the day.

  2. 2 umepontarou said at 6:44 pm on May 20th, 2015:

    Hi David,
    Thanks for your comment. It’s funny that I’ve never experienced tea ceremony in Japan but I did it for the first time in Australia. It was such a wonderful experience…! I LOVE JAPAN!
    I’m flying to Japan next year and I’d like to attend tea ceremony in a traditional tea house.
    Drinking matcha and also making matcha sound a great way to start a day 🙂


Leave a Comment