Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on September 2012

English speakers can get to grips with Japan’s esoteric tea ritual in two traditional settings at this fall’s Tokyo Grand Tea Ceremony. 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 century. Over four days, visitors can enjoy a special nodate open-air ceremony and take in ancient music and dance performances. The event is part of the Tokyo Traditional Arts Program, which continues with dance and folk music recitals later this fall.

Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum, Oct 7-8 and Hamarikyu, Oct 13-14