At the tea ceremony, you have to be careful not to step on the border of tatami (Japanese straw mat).
Details of the etiquette can slightly vary between the different schools.
Sit in seiza style.
Listen to the host’s greeting and respond by bowing.
When the sweets is served, say “Osakini” to the next guest and bow once.
Place the sweets on your kaishi (pre-inserted paper between your kimono collar) and eat them.
When the tea is served, say “Otemae chōdai itashimasu” to the host and bow once.
Lift the tea bowl with the right hand.
Place the bowl on the left palm and hold it with the right hand.
Turn the bowl clockwise two times to avoid having the front of the bowl .
Drink the tea quietly.
Finish the tea in three or four sips.
Make noise at the last sip as you finish it.
Wipe the edge of bowl with your first finger and thumb.
Clean your fingers with kaishi (paper sheet).
Turn the bowl counterclock-wise two times.
Give back the bowl and bow once to express your thanks.
Say “Kekko na otemae deshita” (it was a good tea) to the host.
The number of rotations of the tea bowl is different from schools.
If your legs go to sleep, it’s OK to sit in a relaxed position.
Please take the ocha gashi.
Please have the tea.
How should I drink it?
You can do it your way.
I’ll show you how, please copy me.
Place the tea bowl in between the next guest and say ‘’Excuse me for going before you”
Take the tea bowl with your right hand , place it on your left palm, turn the tea bowl clockwise twice.
Thank you for making the tea.
Excuse me for going before you.
I have been satisfied with the tea. Please finish it up.
Thank you very much for showing us the beautiful and precious Tea utensils.
You are welcome.