Japanese Tea Garden
Japanese tea gardens are a type of garden where a tea ceremony can be performed. These gardens consist of an outer and inner garden. This is one of the more popular gardens to create. The outer garden has an entry gate and a stone path which leads to the inner garden and it is more informal in its plantings. Guests pass through a second gate where there is a water basin which is used in the ceremony. There is another stone path that goes through the inner garden where the plants are not flowered in order to prevent any distractions along the journey. This path leads to the small building where the tea ceremony will be performed. This type of garden is good for average-sized yards or can be incorporated within a larger Japanese garden.
The guests of a tea garden proceed slowly along the garden stepping stones until they reach a Japanese garden bench. This bench is known as a machiai. The guests wait until they are greeted by their host. Japanese teahouses are intended to be places where people can relax, spend time with friends, and enjoy the beauty of the garden.
The host will summon the guests to the teahouse where they will be served Japanese tea by the host. The guests can then drink tea, reflect upon the seasonal beauty of the garden, and enjoy the host’s artwork and tea accessories.
Almost all Japanese people have had some exposure to the tea ceremony. Many Japanese women participate in the tea ceremony regularly. Many tea ceremonies are actually held in Japanese homes as very few people can afford an actual teahouse. Tea groups sometimes meet in restaurants and others rent public teahouses in parks where they can practice this ceremony. Tea garden landscaping is often found around homes and restaurants and not just around formal teahouses.
The Japanese tea ceremony began in the 15th century and has been influenced by Zen Buddhism. This tradition has changed and evolved over the years. The tea ceremony is being actively studied by students of all ages today, and there are tea ceremony clubs in high schools and cities. In the past, the tea ceremony was restricted to only the wealthy, but it is now something that everyone can participate in and most Japanese people have experienced the tea ceremony either through a special event or New Year.