a beautiful tradition called Sencha-dō

Did you know that while matcha tea ceremonies are famous worldwide, Japan also has a beautiful tradition called Sencha-dō (煎茶道)? 🤭

Sencha-dō is the art of brewing loose-leaf teas — such as sencha, gyokuro, and hojicha — using a kyūsu (traditional teapot) and enjoying them in a refined, artistic way ✨

This unique tea practice was born in the mid-Edo period (around the 18th century) 🌷

At that time, the world of matcha had become extremely formal and strict — often used as a political tool by the shogunate, feudal lords, and wealthy merchants 😂

In response, cultured people of the era began to gather with a simple wish:
“Real tea enjoyment should be more free, elegant, and poetic — not bound by rigid rules!”

Instead of overly formal matcha, they turned to the natural beauty of sencha ☺️

From this movement, many schools of Sencha-dō were born. Among them, the Chikuzen-ryū (竹泉流) has its head family here at Sennyū-ji Temple ♡

This school beautifully combines the imperial dignity of Sennyū-ji — an ancient temple with deep ties to the Japanese royal family — with the refined elegance of traditional samurai tea culture. It is considered one of the most noble and graceful styles of Sencha-dō 🪻

When you remember that this very temple has historic connections to literary icons like Sei Shōnagon and Empress Teishi, its profound grace and refinement feel even more special 🥹