We had the pleasure of welcoming a guest from France to our Mindfulness Tea Ceremony program.
It was her first visit to Japan, and joined the session alone — guided by our tea instructor, Miki.

Mindfulness Tea Ceremony in Kamakura — finding calm and peace in mind

This program offers a chance to experience the spirit of Cha no Yu (the Way of Tea) and bring home the essence of mindfulness that you can apply in everyday life.
Through preparing and drinking tea, you learn to appreciate each moment with gratitude and presence — a reflection of the Japanese way of harmony with nature.

It’s a calm, mindful escape in Kamakura, just a short trip from Tokyo, and a meaningful way to connect with Japanese culture.

Orientation

The session begins with an orientation. Miki explains the flow of the ceremony, shares a little history about tea, and adds a few stories that make the learning experience even richer.

Learn As a Guest

Sitting on a chair, our guest first experienced the role of a guest — receiving a traditional higashi (干菓子:dried sweet) and prepared matcha from Miki.
This is the moment to observe, appreciate, and taste the tea with mindfulness for the next practice session.

Practice Learning How to Use Fukusa

Next came the fukusa, a silk cloth used to purify the tea utensils.
Miki demonstrated how to handle it properly,a simple but essential movement that reflects respect and purity in every gesture.Remembering all the steps can be tricky, but that’s part of its charm.

Meditation and Breathing

One special feature of this program is Miki’s guidance on breathing and posture.
By focusing on the breath and aligning the body, our guest find inner calm and prepare their minds for the act of tea-making.

Enjoying the Main Sweet

Before making tea, the guest enjoyed a beautiful omogashi (主菓子:fresh Japanese sweet), appreciating its delicate design and seasonal flavor.

Making Tea Yourself

Then, it was time to make tea.
Following Miki’s step-by-step guidance, our guest carefully whisked the matcha — not for others this time, but for oneself.
It was a quiet, mindful moment to connect inwardly through tea.

(In this program, guests practice the tea ceremony while sitting on chairs at a table. You can also choose to sit on a small raised seating area, as shown in the photo.)

Commemorative Photo

Our guest enjoyed the experience deeply and left with a smile.
We hope she will visit Japan again someday!

Kamakura is just a short trip from Tokyo — a perfect destination for a one-day escape where you can experience the essence of Japanese culture.

Perfect for anyone who would like a genuine tea ceremony experience in a relaxed, chair-style setting — no need to worry about sitting on tatami mats.

Mindfulness Tea Ceremony
https://kamakura-experience.jp/experience/sado_way_of_tea/