Group / Private Tea Ceremony In the 6th century, Chinese monks introduced tea to Japan. Originally it was used for medicinal purposes because the tea contains a large amount of caffeine that keeps the monks awake and alert during mediation. During the 12th century, Zen Buddhism became popular among the warrior class of Japan. People began to draw from Zen principles and the drinking of tea to create the tea ceremony. By the 14th century professional tea masters, such as Sen Rikyu, arose and developed the tea ceremony into a choreographed ritual that draws on ceramics, lacquer, metalwork, calligraphy, flower arrangement, gardening, and architecture.Tea ceremonies at the Japanese House and Garden are lead by Japanese tea masters from the community. The tea master will give a brief history of Chanoyu (the Way of Tea) and a demonstration. Guests will be included in the ceremony and receive a bowl of green tea and seasonal sweet.  To make your visit to the Japanese House and Garden more enjoyable, please take note of the following:- In keeping with Japanese custom, visitors must remove their shoes before entering the House and leave the shoes at the entrance. Shoes must not be worn on the veranda. All members of your group must wear or bring socks. Bare feet are not permitted. However, shoes must be worn in the garden. - The site is not wheelchair accessible. Canes, crutches and walkers must have rubber tips to protect the floor and the dirt removed before entering. - Late arrival will be permitted only if the schedule allows. If you know your group will be late, please call and inform the staff as soon as possible and every effort will be made to accommodate late arrivals. Please note the next scheduled tour will be given priority. - There are no restrooms at the site. A portable toilet is located in the parking lot and a public restroom is available at the Horticulture Center. - Group will be able to visit our gift shop, which includes many unique Japanese items including chopsticks, origami paper, books and toys. TIME The Japanese House and Garden is open for tea ceremonies April 1 through October 31, 2008 Tuesday - Friday 10 am to 3 pm and Saturday - Sunday 11 am - 4 pm. It is possible to make special arrangements for tea ceremonies on Monday. Allow 1 hour for this ceremony. Scheduling is based on availability of the house and the tea master. Therefore, it is recommended to make reservations two months in advance. CAPACITY Tea ceremonies held in the residential area can accommodate groups of up to 30 people. Tea ceremonies held in the tearoom can accommodate groups of up to 5 people. The Japanese House and Garden is a fragile artifact and the FJHG are committed to its preservation. Consequently we only serve tea to groups of 30 people or less. We appreciate your understanding in this regard.  FEES Group tea ceremonies are $450 per group and held in the residential part of the historical house. Private tea ceremonies are $550 per group and held in the tearoom. A $100 deposit and $15 nonrefundable processing fee is due 7 days after confirmation that the tea master is available on your preferred date. The reservation will not be confirmed until we receive your registration form, deposit and processing fee. Send the deposit and processing fee with this registration form to the address below. The balance is due 30 days prior to your ceremony. If you are making tour arrangements less than 30 days in advance, admission fees should be paid at the time of the reservation. Payment may be paid by check or credit card. Please make checks payable to Friends of the Japanese House and Garden. REFUND Refunds of 50% will be made for tours that cancel with at least one-week advance notice. Ceremonies may be rescheduled based on availability. PICNIC GROVE Groups may use the picnic grove adjacent to the Japanese House on Garden to have lunch. HORTICULTURE CENTER The Horticulture Center of Fairmount Park is located in the vicinity of the Japanese House. Tours of the Horticulture Center may be made by calling 215-685-0096. Tours must be arranged in advance. |
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