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Origins and principles behind the Japanese tea ceremony 

Introduced to Japan in the eighth century, tea was originally enjoyed by the upper classes and priests. Later, Zen monks adopted it to help them stay awake during long meditation sessions — a practice that still remains part of Zen rituals today. 

During the Muromachi period (around the 1300s-1500s), tea became more accessible beyond the upper classes and Buddhist clergy, becoming a drink among all social classes. Zen-influenced tea parties arose, with spirituality and tea rituals becoming more linked. These ceremonies continued to be refined throughout the 1500s and helped formalize the concepts of wabi-sabi, or the appreciation of beauty in simplicity and imperfection. 

Four core principles of wabi-sabi became the foundation of the tea ceremony, which were now held in more intimate spaces, aimed to convey a sense of complete hospitality. These are: 

• Wa (和)  — harmony and balance, oneness with nature and each other 

• Kei (敬)— respect and acceptance for people, objects and surroundings 

• Sei (清)— purity, reflected in both the physical space and one’s spirit 

• Jaku (寂) — tranquility, the natural result of practicing the other three principle

Together, these values turn each tea ceremony into a living expression of grace, simplicity, and shared presence. 

Tea ceremony etiquette 

Over the centuries, a refined etiquette has developed around every aspect of the tea ceremony — from the space itself to the way tea is prepared and enjoyed. 

Location

Traditional Japanese tea ceremonies are held in a chashitsu — a space architecturally-designed for tea ceremonies — or a tatami floored tea house and garden. The setting plays an essential role in cultivating balance, calm, and connection to nature. 

Attire 

Because the tea ceremony emphasizes harmony and respect, participants dress with mindfulness. Guests should avoid strong fragrances, wear modest clothing and clean socks, and remove jewelry that might scratch the tea bowls.

In essence, one’s presence should complement the space and ceremony, not distract from it. 

Preparing the tea 

First, the host begins by cleansing the utensils with a fukusa (silk cloth). The chasen (bamboo whisk) is rinsed in hot water, and the matcha (powdered green tea) is gently whisked in a small tea bowl until it develops a light, frothy surface. The tea is often accompanied by wagashi, delicate Japanese confections that balance the tea’s bitterness. 

Drinking the tea 

Traditionally, those drinking the tea will have a wagashi sweet before drinking any tea as a kind of amuse bouche to prime the palate. 

When presented with the bowl, the guest picks it up with the right hand, places it on the left hand, and turns it 90 degrees clockwise so the front of the bowl no longer faces them. After taking a few small, mindful sips, the guest sets the bowl down, bows, and expresses gratitude to the host.

Generally, the host will offer another round of tea. Once the final cup is finished, the ceremony concludes with the host cleaning and returning each utensil to its original place — closing the ritual with calm precision. 

Creating a homemade tea ceremony experience — and lessons to take away for everyday life 

While a complete, formal tea ceremony is a rare experience outside Japan, many of its values can be woven into daily life. 

At its heart, the Japanese tea ceremony is about savoring a single, fleeting moment in time — with the tea serving as a medium for mindfulness and tranquility. Even without the full ritual or setting, you can prepare and sip your matcha with intention, slowing down and embracing the peace that comes with being fully present.