A Peek Inside A Traditional Japanese Tea House
Michalis 'BIG Mike' Kotzakolios


Defined Tag: Tea House.

Once a fixture only in Japan, the Traditional Japanese Tea House has become popular in other parts of the world, too. While these tea houses are usually built using only simple, old, rustic materials, they are often exude a quaint, relaxing atmosphere for those who wish to come, drink tea, and relax. Additionally, to make things even calmer and more relaxing, these traditional tea houses are often surrounded by a garden called a roji, which has a vital function in the actual tea ceremony guests will often participate in.

Teahouses are generally small, and the floors are covered with tatami mats. These mats are made from tightly woven rice straw and have a covering of tightly woven rush grass that make a very smooth surface. The layout of the tatami mats changes according to the seasons. The Japanese do not wear shoes on tatami flooring.

The entrance to the teahouse is very low so that people must stoop in order to go through – this is a symbolic gesture of humility. The teahouse generally has two rooms inside, the mizuya, for preparing the food, snacks and tea and for washing the utensils, and the chashitsu, for the performance of the tea ceremony.

When the guests arrive, they are led into a waiting room, machiai, by the host's assistant, the hanto. Then they are offered sayu (hot water which is used for making tea). While they are here, the guests select one person to act as the main guest. The hanto then leads the guests into the roji. It is here that the guests remove the dust of the world.

Once you enter the actual teahouse, you will find that decorations are scant. The only thing hanging on the walls is likely to be beautiful scrollwork, often covered in symbols and Japanese writing. In general, the host (or the teahouse owner) will select scrolls from time to time. Additionally, the host will choose the name of the tea house; and the name will usually reflect tradition and simplicity.