Portland Japanese Garden will offer a free public demonstration of Chado, the Way of Tea, in the Kashintei Tea House (in the Tea Garden) from 1:15 – 2:15pm. The Way of Tea is intrinsically linked to Japanese gardens and understanding the kokoro (heart) of Japanese gardening.

Kashintei (literally “Flower-Heart Room”) is the name of the authentic Tea House that sits in the heart of our Tea Garden. The structure was made in Japan, shipped in pieces, and reassembled in the Garden. Tea houses are composed of several strictly defined spaces: the anteroom [mizuya], where the utensils for the ceremony are readied beforehand; the sitting room [zashiki], where the tea ceremony is performed; the alcove [tokonoma] where flowers and a calligraphy scroll are displayed.  Four-and-a-half tatami mats, which are the standard dimensions of a traditional tea house, cover the floor.