One of the best countries to get tea is Japan. They consider tea as one of their most sacred products and they even have ceremony dedicated to making tea.
The Way of the Tea or Sado is one of Japan’s prized ceremony. More than a ceremony, it is highly considered as an art. Sado is the ritual of preparing and serving matcha or Japanese Green Tea. One must observe proper etiquettes when preparing the tea for the guests as the ceremony is also considered as a spiritual act. The aim of sado is to reach the deep spiritual satisfaction by drinking tea. Contemplations and reflections are also done while drinking the tea to calm the mind and the body. The ceremony is done in a relaxing room to ensure peace and tranquility. The host, or the one who invited the guests for tea, will be the one to prepare and serve the tea for the guests.
The utensils used for making the tea are well kept. Some of the tools needed for the ceremony include a tea bowl, a whisk, a tea scoop, a ladle, and a kettle. Even though most of the utensils used are made out of wood, some of them may cost a fortune but it will surely last for a lifetime. Various tools may be used for making the tea. It differs according to the school or circle where the host learned the way of the tea. The process also varies according to the circle.
Tea houses where the ceremonies are usually done are also scattered all throughout Japan. There are tea houses which are open for all while some are private and limited to those who are part of the circle. The floors of most tea houses are made out of tatami mats and the landscape of the surroundings is really unique. One must also be in harmony in nature while performing sado or drinking tea thus the beautiful architecture of the tea houses.
If you want to be able to relax while drinking your favorite tea, you can look for a nearby tea house and ask if you can join!