Kyoto

Kyoto is the cultural capital of Japan and the origin of many of the country's cultural practices. One of these is the art of making tea, or chanoyu. Visit the townhouse of an interesting figure in the world of tea, Randy Channell Soei, who is the highest-ranked master of tea ceremony from outside of Japan. Join him to experience a proper authentic tea ceremony following the traditional ways. His particular style of tea ceremony is called "ryurei" and goes back to the 1870s. It is the formal way of showing hospitality to visiting foreign dignitaries through tea. Experience what it is like to be greeted as a diplomat by an expert in the art of tea ceremony. Then, try it out for yourself under his helpful instructions. Learn the four ideals of tea: harmony, respect, purity, and tranquility through this traditional art.