Japan’s magnificent matcha: October is teatime in Tokyo

(Hama-rikyu Garden)

You have the chance to experience the art of Japanese tea ceremonies at two Tokyo venues this October.

“Tokyo Daichakai,” or Tokyo Grand Tea Ceremony, celebrates the art of chakai tea ceremony and is an annual event started in 2008 by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government and Arts Council. Through the matcha tea ceremony, officials hope to promote Japanese tradition and culture, both domestically and internationally.

In Japan, the manner of serving and enjoying matcha tea are highly and strictly ritualized. Because of its graceful and sophisticated look, it is often considered an art that takes a lifetime to master. Since its establishment in the 16^th century, this art form has been developed by dozens of different schools and organizations.

At Tokyo Daichakai, several schools participate to show the variety of ceremony styles with the “spirit of hospitality” in mind. During the event, you can see and experience an indoor ceremony, “chaseki,” and outdoor ceremony, “nodate.” Fortunately, some of the ceremonies will also be held in English.

The event will be held over two weekends. First, on Oct. 19-20 at the Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum near JR Musashi Koganei Station starting at 10 a.m. on both days. On Oct. 26-27, the venue will be the Hama-rikyu Garden near Shiodome Station of Toei Oedo-line. Admission for the Hama-rikyu Garden is 300 yen, but free at the Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum. In addition, participation fees at the venues range between 500 to 800 yen (around $3.50 to 5.50), which includes matcha tea and sweets.

The event will also have other art demonstrations like kado flower arranging, as well as music and dance performances.

The ticketing period for the indoor tea ceremonies has ended, but you can still purchase tickets for the outdoor ceremonies at the venues.

Delve into Japan’s vibrant tea culture at these festive ceremonies coming up soon!

Tokyo Daichakai (Tokyo Grand Tea Ceremony)