The Way of Tea – Sidebar

Sen no Rikyū summarized the spirit of chanoyu in four timeless principles—harmony, respect, purity and tranquility. Together they express a way of living that values mindfulness, humility and genuine hospitality.

Finding balance between people, objects and the surrounding environment.

Recognizing the dignity of every guest through thoughtful gestures.

Preparing both the tea room and one’s mind with sincere attention.

The quiet state that naturally emerges when the other principles become part of daily practice.

Unlike ordinary loose-leaf tea, matcha is produced by grinding specially cultivated green tea leaves into a fine powder. Instead of steeping the leaves, the powder is whisked directly into hot water using a bamboo whisk (chasen), creating a smooth drink with a vibrant green colour and a rich, vegetal flavour.

Because the whole leaf is consumed, matcha offers a more concentrated flavour and retains more of the leaf’s natural components than an infused tea. It later became closely associated with Zen Buddhism, where monks appreciated it as a refreshing companion during long periods of meditation.

Before entering the tea room, guests traditionally pass through the roji, the garden path that prepares them for the ceremony. More than a simple approach to the entrance, the roji represents a gradual transition from the distractions of everyday life toward a quieter and more attentive state of mind.

Its design follows the same principles that shape chanoyu: simplicity, harmony with nature and careful attention to every detail. Stone paths, moss, lanterns and carefully placed plants create an atmosphere of calm, while the act of walking itself becomes part of the preparation.

The tea garden reminds guests that the ceremony begins before the first bowl of tea is served. The journey through the roji is an invitation to slow down, observe the surroundings and become fully present in the moment.

Among all tea utensils, the tea bowl holds a particularly meaningful place. Each bowl is handled directly by both host and guest, creating a connection between craftsmanship and personal experience. Many traditional bowls are valued not for perfect symmetry, but for their character, texture and the traces of the maker’s hand.

The chasen is a delicate bamboo tool used to mix matcha with hot water until it becomes smooth and lightly frothy. Handmade from a single piece of bamboo, it represents the attention to detail and respect for materials that define Japanese craftsmanship.

The chashaku, traditionally carved from bamboo, is used to measure matcha before preparation. Although simple in appearance, it reflects the same philosophy found throughout chanoyu: everyday objects can become meaningful through careful use and thoughtful design.