Zen & the Art of Tea in Kyoto

While Zen Buddhism arrived in Japan in the 13th century, it wasn't until the 15th century in the then-capital of Kyoto that it truly flourished, permeating many aspects of Japanese culture and expanding into numerous influential temples. One of the areas profoundly shaped by Zen Buddhism during this period was the Japanese tea ceremony. On this exclusive deep dive into the connections between Zen Buddhism and the tea ceremony, Zen art history expert Eric Luong takes you to the Jotenkaku Museum, part of Shokoku-ji Temple, to explore its collection. Eric will give you a curated tour of the museum’s vast cultural treasures created by Zen priests and followers. After gaining an understanding of Zen Buddhism through its artwork, you’ll move to a 100-year-old machiya townhouse to take part in an exclusive private tea ceremony that demonstrates the concepts you explored at the museum. This experience is led by a Japanese tea master with over eight years of practice both in Japan and abroad.

This experience is perfect for those who want to understand the Japanese tea ceremony beyond a superficial level, as well as for those with a deep appreciation for the study and application of Zen — especially within the arts. Your host, Eric, will give you a thorough and personable perspective on the collection at the Jotenkaku Museum — home to important cultural properties rarely seen outside Japan — and introduce you to his friend, a Japanese tea ceremony practitioner offering a rare, exclusive ceremony in a private machiya setting. The machiya itself is over a century old, offering a serene, authentic atmosphere not usually open to the public. In 2002, Eric came to Kyoto to earn his master’s degree in Japanese Art History and has called the city home ever since. His deep knowledge of Zen art, coupled with his profound respect for Japan’s culture and heritage, makes him a fascinating resource for understanding Zen Buddhism’s history and its influence on the tea ceremony.

Your host Eric Luong has been a resident of Kyoto for over 22 years after earning his Masters degree in Japanese Art History from Kyoto Hanazono University. As a chef, teacher, guide, and event planner, Eric connects with people across a spectrum of professions and experience, sharing with them a passion for promoting the unique culture of Kyoto. Eric has created and hosted dozens of food and cultural events around Kyoto that allow locals and visitors alike to come together to appreciate the richness of Kyoto.

Comfortable walking shoes. A hand towel during summer months. A pair of socks to wear during the tea ceremony. Burning questions you have about Zen Buddhism or Japanese tea ceremony.