JAPANESE ACTIVITY
Tea Ceremony
A journey begins when a person steps into a tea room. In order to enter through the distinctive small door, the nijiriguchi, of a tea room, the chashitsu, a person has to bend low. Likewise a samurai would leave his sword on a sword rack outside a tea room.
A tea room is a peaceful abode, where you drop your guide, forget your social standing and meet people with a respectful heart. There you reveal your true self to every individual you meet in your heart of hearts.
Journey speaks of the same ideal. When you allow your true heart be touched by the scenery and the people of the new culture, your experience goes beyond a mere travel itinerary and becomes a meaningful journey, profound and sophisticated.
In the world of tea ceremony there is a saying called ichigo-ichie meaning a once-in-a-lifetime encounter.
Each occassion on which hospitality is offered and received is to be cherished as a unique experience, and therefore should be displayed with the highest possible level of generosity and kindness.
The spirit of tea - simple and without pretension - carries the utmost spirit of traditional Japanese hospitality, omotenashi.
Nestled in Shitaya, Tokyo's shitamachi. The Edo Sakura seeks to assist you in creating a memorable journey. We look forward to seeing you soon ... with a humble cup of tea.