The Japanese tea ceremony (chanoyu) is a centuries-old ritual in which matcha – a finely ground green tea – is prepared and served in an atmosphere of grace and serenity. More than a tradition, it is a way of life that invites presence, contemplation, and quiet connection to the moment.

Keiko has studied the Way of Tea (sadō, Omotesenke school) for over 30 years. She shares this profound practice through intimate ceremonies in Paris, Switzerland, and during workshops in the Alpes de Haute-Provence and beyond – including in Japan. In these peaceful, natural settings, let yourself be touched by the simple beauty and quiet harmony of this timeless experience.

Before sipping the tea, guests are offered kuzumochi – delicate confections of sweet azuki bean paste wrapped in kuzu, a silky starch.

Learn more about the Japanese tea ceremony on Wikipedia: The japanese tea ceremony

Watch a few short videos filmed at Haut Ourgeas during one of our summer retreats.

Here’s what Wikipedia has to say about the Japanese tea ceremony.

Here are a few videos shot at Haut Ourgeas during one of our summer courses (please note that, depending on the speed of your Internet connection, these videos may take a few minutes to load: experience the spirit of the tea ceremony, be zen…):

1. the tea ceremony
2. “Tea tasting
3. “Preparing macha tea by Keiko 1”.
4. “Preparation of macha tea by Keiko 2”.
5. “Tea ceremony during a thunderstorm.