Chado (茶道) — the Way of Tea — is the Japanese tea ceremony, a ritual that elevates the preparation of matcha into a complete philosophy of living. Developed by the tea master Sen no Rikyu in the 16th century, Chado is guided by four principles: wa (harmony), kei (respect), sei (purity), and jaku (tranquility).
Chinese vs Japanese Tea Ceremony
While Gongfu Cha celebrates the multi-infusion depth of loose-leaf tea, Chado focuses on a single bowl of whipped matcha — every movement deliberate, every object meaningful, every guest welcomed with complete attention. The Japanese ceremony influenced the aesthetics of simplicity and mindfulness that are now found across global tea culture.
What is Used in Chado
- Matcha — powdered green tea, whisked into froth. The finest grades: ceremonial AAAAAA or AA.
- Chawan — tea bowl, broad and shallow, to allow the chasen to whisk freely.
- Chasen — bamboo whisk, used to blend the matcha with water into foam.
- Chashaku — bamboo scoop, for measuring matcha.
- Chakin — tea cloth, for ritual cleaning of the bowl.
- Kama — iron pot for heating water.
The Basic Ceremony (Simplified)
- Prepare the space — clean, quiet, minimal. Remove all that is unnecessary.
- Warm the bowl — pour hot water into the chawan, let it sit, pour it out, and wipe dry with the chakin.
- Measure the matcha — 1.5–2g (2 scoops with the chashaku) per serving.
- Add water — 60–80ml of water at 70–75°C. Not boiling — it burns matcha and creates bitterness.
- Whisk — using the chasen in a vigorous W-motion until thick, even foam covers the surface.
- Serve — rotate the bowl so its "front" faces the guest, then offer it with both hands.
- Receive and drink — the guest rotates the bowl to avoid drinking from the front, sips, and returns it.
The Spirit of Chado
Ichi-go ichi-e (一期一会) — "one time, one meeting." Every Chado session is treated as a unique and unrepeatable moment, never to occur again in exactly the same way. This awareness transforms an ordinary act into something sacred.
Matcha at Gaba Tea House
We carry ceremonial-grade matcha for authentic Chado practice. Ceremonial Matcha AAAAAA and Moyuan Matcha AA Grade are both suitable for whisking. Shop Matcha →