The Japanese tea ceremony, known as Chado or “the Way of Tea,” is far more than a method of preparing matcha. It is a spiritual discipline, an art form, and a philosophy of life distilled into a single, perfect moment of connection between host and guest.
The Four Principles
Sen no Rikyū, the 16th-century tea master who perfected the ceremony, established four guiding principles that remain central to practice today: harmony (wa), respect (kei), purity (sei), and tranquility (jaku).
These principles extend beyond the tea room into daily life. Harmony with nature and others, respect for all beings, purity of heart and environment, and the tranquility that comes from being fully present—these are lessons the tea ceremony teaches through practice rather than words.
“Though many people drink tea, if you do not know the Way of Tea, tea will drink you up.” — Sen no Rikyū
Wabi-Sabi: Beauty in Imperfection
Central to the tea ceremony is the aesthetic concept of wabi-sabi—finding beauty in imperfection, impermanence, and incompleteness. The most prized tea bowls often bear the marks of age, their glazes crackled, their shapes slightly asymmetrical.
This appreciation for the imperfect stands in contrast to Western ideals of perfection and permanence. In the tea room, a bowl mended with gold (kintsugi) is more valuable than one never broken—its history written in precious metal.
The Tea Room
The traditional tea room (chashitsu) is designed to create a sense of equality and intimacy. The entrance, called nijiriguchi, is deliberately small—approximately 65 centimeters square—requiring all guests, regardless of rank, to bow and humble themselves upon entering.
- Tatami mats cover the floor, their size standardizing the room dimensions
- A tokonoma alcove displays a scroll and seasonal flower arrangement
- Natural materials—bamboo, clay, iron, wood—connect the space to nature
- The hearth position changes seasonally, closer for warmth in winter
The Ceremony Itself
A formal tea ceremony (chaji) can last up to four hours, involving a kaiseki meal, an interlude in the garden, thick tea (koicha), thin tea (usucha), and sweets. Every movement is choreographed, every utensil chosen with intention.
Yet the ceremony is not a performance to be watched—it is an experience to be shared. Guest and host together create the moment, their attention focused on the present, the steam rising from the bowl, the taste of bitter green tea balanced by the sweetness of wagashi.
Experiencing Chado Today
Learning the Way of Tea is a lifelong pursuit. Many practitioners study for decades, continually discovering new depths in movements they have performed thousands of times. For visitors to Japan, even a single ceremony can offer profound insight into this meditative art.
In Kyoto, Kanazawa, and other cultural centers, tea masters welcome visitors for experiences ranging from brief demonstrations to multi-day workshops. The investment of time and attention is repaid in moments of unexpected stillness and connection.