Monday Meditation

Meditation can take many forms. Today, on a Monday afternoon in Kyoto, my mediation was simply being present and taking in the breathtaking beauty of his natural space, while savoring each and every drop of this Japanese Sencha tea. When I arrived at Toraya Ichijoji, a traditional tea house since 1628, just walking distance from my home, all thoughts dropped away as I was greeted at the door and guided to my seat next to the window of this carefully cultivated zen garden. In the background was the softest hint of peaceful music and the scent of incense was just barely detectable.

As other guests quietly visited amongst themselves, I quietly turned my chair to face the window where I sat for well over an hour and mindfully sipped my tea while losing all sense of time and place. Prior to the Sencha tea I was served a small glass of berry tea which was sufficient on its own. The green mocha tea was served with every careful attention to detail on a black Japanese tray with a tiny glass of syrup.

This was truly a five-star experience for the cost of 8 dollars. I look forward to spending many more afternoons here, particularly when the Japanese Maples turn their colorful shades of red. Toraya Ichijo-dori served as a purveyor of tea to the Imperial Palace located just across the street.

Learn more about Toraya Ichijoji here: https://www.insidekyoto.com/toraya-ichijoji