Posted by TOKYO MATCHA SELECTION - Chris Young (living in UK) on 11th Feb 2018
Whenever you enjoy a cup of Japanese green tea, you may wish to let your imagination transport you to a traditional 'chashitsu', the space reserved for the tea ceremony. In this tiny, quiet room constructed of natural materials, you can feel temporarily insulated from the hubbub of everyday life. But how did we get here? As you may know, a 'chashitsu' is not a room in a house. It is a separate structure, perhaps no bigger than a garden shed. To reach it, we must pass through a transitional space: the 'roji' or Japanese tea garden.
You may already have an image of a tea garden in your mind. It is not a riot of colour like some gardens. Rather, it is simple and restrained. Stones, moss, ferns and small trees predominate.
Although there are no dramatic water features in the tea garden, somewhere there will be a stone water basin or 'tsukubai' (蹲踞). Here, visitors may cleanse their hands and mouth, as one does when when visiting a temple. Everything contributes to what the scholar D. T. Suzuki once described as an 'atmosphere of solidity, solitude, and ancientness.'
'Roji' (露地), the traditional term for a Japanese tea garden, means 'dewy ground'. This space through which we approach the tea room is designed to evoke the feeling of being immersed in nature. While the tea garden might appear uncultivated - even accidental - it is in fact carefully planned.
Since walking through the 'roji' is a prelude to the tea ceremony itself, the garden's design encourages us to slow down, forget our everyday worries and reconnect with nature. Stepping stones, winding paths and natural stopping points all contribute to this aim. Traditionally, the garden is watered just before visitors arrive. This completes the illusion that we have been transported to a hideaway deep in the damp, fresh atmosphere of the Japanese mountains.
Japanese tea gardens also incorporate a 'machiai' (待合) or waiting area. This is essentially a sheltered bench where we may sit and enjoy the view before being invited into the 'chashitsu'. For those who are used to more formal gardens, the view might seem unremarkable. Here, there are no ostentatious flowers or dramatic symmetry to excite the senses. Instead, the combination of bark, stone and greenery combine to produce a soothing effect.
The walk through the tea garden reminds us why we drink tea in the first place. Ultimately nothing more than an infusion of leaves, tea connects us directly to nature. Even without participating in a formal tea ceremony, we can still benefit from this connection every time we sip this ancient beverage. A cup of tea invites us to enjoy a moment of peace, focus and introspection in the midst of our busy lives.
Below are a few Japanese teas which we recommend for quiet moments. You can enjoy them indoors, outdoors, or wherever you like.
TARUWAKI EN : Organic kawane sencha green tea 200g (7.05oz)
If you are interested in the Japanese tea ceremony, you may also wish to browse our range of beautiful teaware, including teapots, bowls, 'tetsubin' kettles and more.