Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on October 2009

As part of the wide-ranging Tokyo Culture Creation Project, the TMG brings us… the tea ceremony. Novelty factor aside, the Tokyo Grand Tea Ceremony presents a nice opportunity for English speakers to learn about the esoteric ritual in the placid setting of the Hamarikyu Gardens. Tea came to Japan from China in the 12th century, and the quintessentially Japanese chanoyu tea ceremony had acquired its classic form by the 16th. For two days, visitors can enjoy a special nodate open-air ceremony and also take in traditional music and dance performances by geisha from Asakusa.

Tokyo Grand Tea Ceremony

Event teaching that the art of the tea ceremony goes beyond simply green tea and Japanese sweets. Try learning the art of the tea ceremony yourself, and enjoy various traditional musical performances. English guidance is available at the event in Hamarikyu Park. Edo-Tokyo Open-Air Architechtural Museum: Oct 10 & 11, 10am-3:30pm. Nearest stn: Musashi-Koganei. Hamarikyu Park: Oct 17-18, 9:30am-4pm. Nearest stn: Shiodome. www.tokyodaichakai.jp