Japanese Tea Day
Food DaysWhat Is Japanese Tea Day?
October 1st is "Japanese Tea Day" in Japan. The date commemorates the "Kitano Grand Tea Ceremony" held by the warlord Toyotomi Hideyoshi on this day in the old lunar calendar in 1587. It was established by Ito En in 2002.
A Holiday Commemorating a Grand Tea Ceremony Hosted by Hideyoshi
The Kitano Grand Tea Ceremony was a massive tea gathering hosted by Toyotomi Hideyoshi at Kitano Tenmangu Shrine in Kyoto, famously open to anyone regardless of social status.
- Origin: chosen to commemorate the date of the "Kitano Grand Tea Ceremony" hosted by Toyotomi Hideyoshi
- Purpose: to help more people discover the appeal and depth of Japanese tea
- Another "Japanese Tea Day": October 31st is also recognized as "Japanese Tea Day," commemorating the priest Eisai bringing tea back from China -- two holidays with different origins share a similar name
The Kitano Grand Tea Ceremony: A Gathering That Crossed Class Lines
At the Kitano Grand Tea Ceremony, a space was created where nobles, samurai, and commoners alike could all enjoy tea together -- a groundbreaking event for its time, symbolizing tea's power to connect people across social boundaries.
Tips for Marking This Day
- Take time to really savor your favorite Japanese tea
- Compare different types of Japanese tea, like sencha, matcha, and hojicha
- Look into the history of tea ceremony and Japanese tea
- Take time to carefully brew tea using a traditional teapot
A Single Cup of Tea Quietly Untangles the Mind
Pausing amid a busy day to brew a cup of tea has a way of settling the heart. October 1st is a day to sit with the rich aroma and flavor of Japanese tea.