The Japanese Tea Ceremony or “Way of Tea” (Chado or sado, as the ceremony is known) is one of Japan’s best-known traditional cultural practices, and something everyone can and should experience while in Kyoto. Yes, Kyoto is where the tea ceremony was born and remains its spiritual heart.
One can just relax with a bowl of matcha (powdered green tea) and a Japanese sweet in numerous temples while admiring their garden or take part in a traditional tea ceremony in a place like Camellia in Gion (Ninen-Zaka street). I kind of enjoy watching a tea ceremony by gorgeous Maiko and Geiko. There are a number of opportunities throughout the year. The “Odori” (dancing) show of each geisha district in Kyoto offers the option of a tea ceremony before the actual show and the Maiko and Geiko of the Kamishichiken geisha district participate in a few events with a tea ceremony. Unfortunately, taking photos is more and more restricted in such events.
