A japanese tea ceremony originated in ancient times, 8-9th century. Tea plant was originally imported from China, and the ceremony was founded amid Japanese culture. A Monk serving Zen Meditation in temple somtimes feel sleepy. In such as case, he used to sip a Mtcha green tea. A bitter taste stimulate his body and mind. In 17th century, a tea ceremony bacame an independent culture trend cherising a Japanese-liked thought, Once-In-A-Lifetime mind. A master welcomes guests by serving sweet snacks and bitter tea in the artistica tatami room with beautiful alcove and hanging scroll. Also tea ceramic cups are one of the important elements for a ceremony. When we talk about a story of tea ceremony, it is hard to forget the tea master, named Senno-rikyu, lived in 16th cenruty. To the contrary with luxrious tea ceremony conducted by Hideyoshi Toyotomi, unificater of Japan, 15th century, Senno-rikyu denied gaudy style. He established new concept cherishing simplicity to a tea ceremony. But Senno-rikyu, tea master, was forced to committ suicide with Harakiri because his patron Hideyoshi Toyotomi got angry at him. Nobody knows what happend between them. Please email me , so I will make your original tour in Kyoto my home town!
