Tea ceremony guests from San Francisco at Karasuma Kyoto Hotel

We were delighted to recently welcome guests from San Francisco for a tea ceremony experience held in the tearoom on the first floor of the Karasuma Kyoto Hotel. We were truly honored by the significant turnout, likely aided by our hotel's excellent accessibility, directly connected to Karasuma Station in the heart of Kyoto.

A Glimpse into the Profundity of Tea Ceremony

Our guests displayed a deep interest in the spirit and history of the tea ceremony. They listened attentively to the host's explanations, and their eagerness to learn about traditional Japanese culture was truly impressive. It was a joy to observe them whisking matcha repeatedly, savoring the nuanced flavors each time, which beautifully encapsulated the profound depth of the tea ceremony itself.

Accessible Tea Ceremony Experience Without Seiza

While the term "tea ceremony" often conjures images of seiza (kneeling), our hotel provides tables and chairs, ensuring that even those who find seiza challenging can comfortably participate. We've made every effort to create an environment where guests can fully immerse themselves in the world of tea. At the beginning of the experience, some guests appeared a little uncertain and nervous when encountering the tea utensils for the first time. However, they gradually became more at ease, and by the end, everyone was whisking matcha surprisingly well. Their adaptability was truly remarkable.

Wagashi: A Perfect Companion to Matcha, with Natural Sweetness

Wagashi, traditional Japanese sweets, are an indispensable part of the tea ceremony. While some international guests might be unaccustomed to wagashi, ours feature a natural, subtle sweetness that highlights the inherent flavors of the ingredients. They were highly praised as "healthy and delicious," and it seemed our guests thoroughly enjoyed both the matcha and the wagashi.

The Karasuma Kyoto Hotel will continue to offer opportunities to easily experience traditional Japanese culture. When you visit Kyoto, we warmly invite you to experience an authentic tea ceremony with us.