50th Joan Tea Ceremony at Joan, Inuyama, October 10th, 2025

On the first day of the Joan Tea Ceremony, visited the morning session at Urakuen Gardens where is near Inuyama Castle. The weather was slightly cloudy, and the National Treasure Inuyama Castle could be seen from Inuyama-Yuen Station.

Joan, one of the three most famous tea rooms designated as a National Treasure, was formerly located in Shoden-in Temple at Kennin-ji Temple in Kyoto and relocated to Urakuen Gardens. This tea ceremony allowed guests to enter Joan, which is normally only visible from the outside.

For the thick tea ceremony, stared admiring the charcoal utensils in the Machiai while waiting to be ushered into Joan. When turn came, proceeded inside the tea room. Reflecting on the history of Joan, bathed only in natural light, enjoyed a special moment. Afterward, enjoyed tea in the former Shoden-in Shoin, an Important Cultural Property.

The thin tea ceremony proceeded from Yoritsuki to Honseki, where admired the utensils and enjoyed tea. The October cherry blossoms stood out beautifully in the picture scroll on the alcove.

Enjoyed a wonderful look at the many former and heirloom items, as well as bancha tea in the Japanese garden and lunch at the hotel.

Headed home, reluctant to leave Inuyama, which was beginning to change color.