So, I got this idea in my head that I absolutely had to check out a real, traditional tea festival while I was in Japan. Heard about them, you know, saw some pictures, and thought, “Yeah, I gotta do that.” Seemed like a proper cultural thing to experience firsthand.
Finding One Was Step One
First off, figuring out when and where these things happen wasn’t super straightforward. It’s not like they plaster ads everywhere for tourists. I ended up asking around at the place I was staying, did some basic searching online – mostly in Japanese, which was a struggle, let me tell you. Took a bit of digging. Finally, I found out about one happening in a smaller town, tied to some local shrine event. Sounded legit, not too massive or overly commercial.
Getting Myself There
Okay, so the journey. Hopped on a train, then another slightly rattlier local train. It was one of those trips where you really feel like you’re heading out of the big city buzz. Lots of green fields flashing by. Had to ask for directions once I got off at the tiny station – signposts weren’t exactly clear, or maybe my Japanese reading just wasn’t up to scratch. A nice old lady pointed me down a path.
Right, The Actual Festival Bit
Walked for a bit, followed the trickle of people, mostly locals it seemed. Then I saw it. Wasn’t a huge blowout, more like a designated area, maybe in a park or temple grounds, I think it was near a temple. They had these specific spots set up, often outdoors under temporary shelters or sometimes indoors if a building was available.
Here’s what I did:
- Found a spot: Looked for where the tea ceremonies were actually happening. There were usually a few different groups or schools demonstrating. I kinda just picked one that looked welcoming.
- Joined the queue (sort of): It wasn’t always a strict line. More like milling around, waiting for a session to finish and the next seating to begin. Paid a small fee, I remember that. Very reasonable.
- Taking my seat: When it was time, we were ushered in. Usually sat on tatami mats or sometimes low stools if outdoors on a platform (called a mosen, I think? Red carpet thingy). Tried my best to sit properly, folding my legs was tough after a while.
- Watching the preparation: This was the main event. The host, usually dressed in a kimono, did all these precise movements. Cleaning the bowl, whisking the green matcha powder with a bamboo whisk (that thing’s called a chasen). Very quiet, very focused. Honestly, I just tried to sit still and not fidget.
- Receiving the goods: First, they gave us a small sweet, a wagashi. Looked pretty, tasted interesting – sweet, obviously, meant to counteract the tea’s bitterness. Then came the tea bowl. Had to figure out how to accept it, turn it the right way (someone subtly showed me), and drink.
- Drinking the tea: Took a few sips. It’s matcha, so yeah, strong green tea taste, a bit grassy, slightly bitter. Not like the tea bags back home. Finished it off.
- Finishing up: Admired the bowl for a second like I saw others doing (pretended I knew what I was looking at), then placed it back. Gave a little bow. That was pretty much it for the ceremony part.
After It Was Done
Stood up, legs definitely stiff. Wandered around a bit more, saw some other crafts and food stalls nearby, part of the larger local event. It felt… calm. Watching the ceremony was almost meditative, even if I didn’t understand all the symbolism. It wasn’t thrilling like an action movie, but it was genuinely interesting to see people keeping these old traditions going.
Honestly? It was a pretty unique experience. Different from just visiting a temple or a shop. You’re sort of participating, even just by sitting and receiving the tea. Glad I made the effort to find it and go. Felt like I got a small peek into a quieter side of Japan. Totally worth the slightly sore knees from sitting seiza-style incorrectly for too long.
