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Tea ceremonies in Japan are rituals of intention and quiet reflection that elevate hospitality into an artform

Coffee culture may have encroached around Japan. But for traditionalists, a good old fashioned tea ceremony still represents the ultimate drinking tradition.

The Japanese tea ceremony (sado or chado: meaning “the way of the tea”) is a traditional ritual that involves the preparation and serving of matcha green tea.

The ceremony has its roots in Chinese tea culture, which was introduced to Japan in the 9th century. However, it wasn’t until the 12th century that the ceremony developed into a distinct Japanese art form.

The tea ceremony became popular among the samurai class in the 16th century and later spread to the merchant class.

The tea ceremony is still practiced in Japan today, and you can experience it at a traditional tea house, or “chashitsu,” or at a special event, such as a cultural festival or tea ceremony class. Many temples and shrines also offer tea ceremony experiences.

Tea ceremonies are significant for several reasons. First, the ceremony is steeped in symbolism and ritual, and each aspect of the ceremony, from the placement of the tea utensils to the way the tea is prepared, has a specific meaning. This gives the ceremony a deep spiritual and philosophical significance.

Second, the tea ceremony is seen to cultivate inner peace and harmony. The slow, deliberate movements and focus on the present moment required in the ceremony are believed to help practitioners achieve a sense of calm and balance.

Third, the tea ceremony is also considered an art form, and the tea master is seen as an artist who creates a beautiful and harmonious environment for the guests to enjoy. The tea ceremony is also considered a way to showcase one’s hospitality and generosity.

Finally, tea ceremonies are also important in Japan’s social context. They are often used to entertain guests, build relationships and network with others. It is a way to show appreciation and respect to others.

Popular places for visitors to experience tea ceremonies include Kyoto and Uji, which are known for their rich tea culture and many traditional tea houses and temples.

Kiyomizudera Temple

First off on our quick-stop photo tour of Kyoto was Kiyomizudera Temple. As it goes with many wellknown photography spots these days, it’s best to arrive here early. We opted to cycle there before sunrise and were lucky enough to have the whole place to ourselves. Whilst the temple itself looks great any time of the day, the backstreets and surrounding pagodas come to life as the sun rises, and the stillness adds to the serenity.

Photographer Jordan Hammond

TAKES HIS CAMERA TO THE ANCIENT CAPITAL FOR A LOOK AT GEISHA, BAMBOO, AND A CITY STEEPED IN COLOR AND HISTORY

Formerly Japan’s capital from 794 to 1868, Kyoto is a city brimming with historical and cultural significance. Today, the city is filled with over 2,000 religious buildings and shrines, and the unique aesthetic of culture and history is what makes Kyoto a must-see destination for so many travelers to Japan. As a photographer, trying to get the right shots in one day (and the following morning) is difficult – but not impossible.

Arashiyama

We then hopped on a short train ride to the quaint town of Arashiyama, which has been a popular holiday destination for centuries. The town itself is charming, but it’s the endless array of temples and quaint tea houses that are the real draw to this beautiful spot, as well as the celebrated bamboo forest. We managed to arrive just before the crowds gathered, and were happy to be leaving as they started flocking in their rented traditional Japanese clothing for photos. On the way back to the station, we strolled past rickshaws and punting boats bobbing down the charming Hozu river. If you’re lucky, you may even be able to catch a glimpse of traditional cormorant fishing.

Fushimi Inari Shrine

On our last day in Kyoto, we took an early morning, coffee-fueled cycle to Fushimi Inari, the network of thousands of torii gates winding to the top of Mount Inari. We decided to arrive for sunrise, so we could catch the priest in his robes gracing the shrine tunnels for his morning chants. Sure enough, at 7am sharp, not only did we encounter the priest, but also a handful of other photographers all running after him trying to shoot like a pride of hungry lions.

Kinkakuji Temple

One of the most popular sites in Kyoto, this Zen-Buddhist Temple looks incredible just about any time of the year. Built in the 14th century, the Golden Pavilion shines on a sunny day, and looks majestic in the winter’s frost. Unfortunately, just about any time you go is going to be busy, but luckily that doesn’t hinder the quality of the photographs. After catching this magnificent temple amongst golden autumn leaves, I’m looking forward to heading back in the snow next year.

Gion

There’s no better way to end a day filled with sightseeing than wandering the historic streets of Gion district, hoping to spot one of the few remaining geisha on her way to her local tea house. Many come with hopes of getting a shot of a geisha, but few succeed. We were lucky enough to spot two during the hour we spent in Gion, although only one was a fully qualified Geisha. The trainees tend to have flowers in their hair where the geisha don’t, have a long kimono belt, and often wear platform sandals, whereas the geisha wear flats. As we stood silently on the side of the alleyway, the geisha glided in front of us, almost too quickly to take a photo. After three visits to Gion without spotting any, we can confidently say that perseverance is key when spotting geisha in Gion.

WHERE TO STAY: Ritz Carlton Kyoto

Inspired by Japan’s traditional ryokans, the Ritz Carlton Kyoto delivers on style, service, comfort and cuisine in a beautiful riverside setting.