茶道 – 錦折鶴屋 – Nishiki Orizuruya

About Traditional
Japanese Tea Ceremony

The Japanese tea ceremony is a traditional culture for conversation and enjoyment of matcha green tea were a carefully selected assortment of seasonal sweets, tea bowls, hanging scrolls, flower vases and tea flowers. It can be said to be the aesthetics of "hospitality" and "setting", in which the owner of the tea house pours his heart and soul into making his guests enjoy the tea ceremony.
At Nishiki Orizuruya, guests can make their own matcha tea and experience the Japanese world while enjoying delicious sweets and matcha tea.

History of the Japanese
Tea Ceremony

Tea culture in Japan dates back to the Heian period(794-1185) when tea was brought over from China by monks such as Saicho and Kukai. The culture of the Japanese tea ceremony was established in the latter half of the Kamakura period (1185-1333), when Zen Master Eisai introduced the Matcha method together with Rinzai Zen, and the tea ceremony developed into a unique Japanese culture, where people did not just drink tea, but gathered at a certain place to hold tea ceremonies and began to pay attention to tea ceremony rule and utensils, making and serving tea to their guests.
The tea ceremony (Sado) was originally called sanoyu/chanoyu, but the name became "Sado" in the Edo period(1603-1868). Sado can be translated in English as tea ceremony, the tea of way, chanoyu, etc.
Until the early Edo period, it was a pleasure for the high profile people, such as feudal lords and wealthy merchants, but from the mid-Edo period it became popular among ordinary people. From the Meiji era(1868-1912) onwards, the tea ceremony developed in various classes as a education and etiquette.
The experience of the Japanese tea ceremony, in which guests are treated with hospitality, is also a part of the modern Japanese Spirit of ”Omotenashi”.

Flow of the Japanese tea
ceremony experience

Dressing

You can select the kimono of your choice and we will dress you.
For female clients, a hairdressing service is also available.
Lecture

In the Japanese tea room, you will learn about the history of the Japanese tea ceremony and how to prepare tea.
Demonstration

You will be able to observe a professional tea ceremony method by the master of the tea house.
Make tea

You can actually make the tea by yourself.
Our staff will assist you.
Enjoy tea

Enjoy the tea that you brewed with the delicious sweets.

Japanese Tea and Sweets

The confectionery and tea served at the Orizuruya are from one of Kyoto's oldest and best-loved Japanese confectionery and tea shops.

Traditional Japanese Sweets

KOUFUKUDO

A long-established Japanese sweets shop in Kyoto opened in the first year of the Meiji era and has been in business for 156 years. We offer seasonal Japanese Tea and Sweets.