By Khalida Sarwari
Hakone Gardens recently kicked off a monthly Japanese tea ceremony program, pouring new life into a ritual that dates back to the ninth century when it was practiced by Japanese nobles.
As with the venue’s other programs–such as kimono-wearing demonstrations, origami, storytelling, zen meditation and cultural festivals–Hakone’s aim is to preserve not only the estate and gardens but also Japanese culture.
The tea demonstrations will borrow from the Omotesenke family style of tea preparation and serving, one of three traditional methods used in Japan for centuries. Compared to the Urasenke school, this method whisks the tea less, therefore creating less foam on the top of the tea. Omotesenke also uses both an untreated bamboo chasen and a susudake chasen, or darkened-bamboo tea whisk, while Urasenke uses untreated bamboo for its chasen or tea whisk. The third school of Japanese tea ceremony is Mushakojisenke.
The program takes place Aug. 21, Sept. 18, Oct. 16 and Nov. 20. Three seatings will be offered at each event, at noon, 1 p.m. and 2 p.m.
The cost is $7, in addition to admission to the gardens. Admission is $10 for adults, $8 for students and free for children under 5.
To make a reservation, call 408.741.4994 or email events@hakone.com. Private tea demonstrations can be scheduled for groups of five or more.
For more information about Hakone’s upcoming events, visit hakone.com.
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Los Gatos, Saratoga: Hakone hosts monthly Japanese tea ceremony
