Japanese Tea Ceremony - Golden Hour

For centuries, the traditional practice of the tea ceremony has been considered a hallmark example of Japanese life, based on principles of harmony, respect, purity, tranquility and elegant simplicity. Join us for this opportunity to observe and participate in an authentic tea ceremony experience held in the Ella Mullen Weckbaugh Tea House in Shofu-En, the Japanese Garden.

This program connects guests with the changing seasons as well as with plant aesthetics, and it expands the Gardens' existing Japanese Tea Ceremony program as a companion experience for new and returning guests alike.

The format of the program consists of four parts:

1) A guided walkthrough of the inner "roji" tea garden, guiding guests through the basic etiquette of the tea garden.

2) A concise introduction to the "way of tea," and to the architecture of the Japanese tea house, as well as further discussion of seasonality and garden aesthetics in the way of tea, and in Japanese culture in general.

3) A demonstration of the preparation of tea in the tea room.

4) A service of Japanese sweets (okashi) and tea to the guests, with time for observations and questions.

Price: $42, $36 member

Special Instructions: Meet at the tea house at 15 minutes before your program time. Jeans, shorts, short skirts, or sleeveless tops are not permitted. Please turn off all cell phones during the ceremony.