A Journey into Mindfulness: Launching Our 2026 Wagashi & Tea Ceremony Sessions

I am thrilled to announce that the 2026 season for our Seasonal Wagashi Making and Japanese Tea Ceremony has officially launched! It was a true pleasure to welcome my very first guests for this session: three wonderful travelers from Chicago who joined me via Activity Japan.

The Ritual of Purification

We began our journey at the tsukubai (stone water basin) located near the entrance of the tea room. I explained that using the tsukubai is an act of misogi—a ritual purification of the heart and mind with water, similar to what one performs at a Japanese shrine.

In the Way of Tea, the basin also acts as a kekkai (boundary), separating the secular, busy world from the sanctuary of the tea room. By washing away the "dust" of daily life, my guests were able to settle their spirits before stepping inside.

The Art of Handmade Wagashi

For the sweets-making portion, we used a special craft kit from Morihachi, a historic confectionery from Kanazawa. We followed a video demonstrating the techniques of a master wagashi artisan.

While the artisan’s movements looked effortless and simple on screen, my guests quickly discovered the delicate skill required to shape the dough! There were many laughs as we worked through the challenge together. Despite the difficulty, the atmosphere was warm and joyful. As we say, the effort put into the craft is part of the flavor.

A First Taste of Matcha

After the lesson, the guests enjoyed the sweets they had made themselves. They described the flavor of the omogashi (main sweet) as "elegant and superb." This was their very first time tasting Matcha. I prepared a bowl of usucha (thin tea) for each of them, and I was delighted to hear that they enjoyed the flavor. As we sat together, I shared stories about the long history and philosophy of the Tea Ceremony. They were surprised and moved by the profound depth found within a single bowl of tea.

A Lifelong Path

Hosting this session reminded me that the more I teach, the more I realize how much there is still to learn. The Way of Tea is a lifelong study, and I am committed to continuing my own training so that I may better share this beautiful culture with guests from around the world.

To my guests from Chicago: Thank you for being a part of this special milestone. I hope the

peace you found in the tea room stays with you on your travels!

Keywords: Japanese Tea Ceremony, Wagashi Making, Morihachi, Tsukubai, Matcha, Cultural Experience Japan, Kumamoto, Activity Japan.