Japanese Teahouse "Chashitsu" - Everything You Need to Know

A chashitsu (tearoom) is not merely a place to enjoy powdered green tea and sweets.

Within the confined space of four and a half tatami mats, the room is imbued with the master’s hospitality. Upon entering, you are invited to leave behind the everyday world and step into a different realm, a unique and special experience.

Here, we will explore the inner structure and significance of chashitsu, which contributes to the captivating allure of the tea ceremony.

What is the Japanese Teahouse "Chashitsu"?

A chashitsu is a space dedicated to hosting tea ceremonies, where guests are welcomed and served tea and sweets.

Typically, a chashitsu is covered with tatami mats and features a low entrance (nijiriguchi), symbolizing the spirit of the tea ceremony, where all people, regardless of status, are considered equal in this space.

The size of a chashitsu is generally four and a half tatami mats (four tatami mats and a half tatami mat), and the decorations, though modest, are thoughtfully chosen.

Kakemono (hanging scrolls) and flowers are particularly selected to suit the theme of the day’s tea ceremony and are displayed in the tokonoma (alcove).

Every detail, from the construction of the ceiling to the material and shape of the pillars, is designed to enhance the atmosphere.

History of Japanese Teahouse

The origin of the tea ceremony room dates back to the Muromachi period (1336–1573). During that time, tea was enjoyed in spaces divided by folding screens or other partitions within a building.

Murata Jukou (1336–1573) made a significant contribution to the development of the tea ceremony during this period. He established the Wabicha style of tea ceremony, which used simple hermitages made of straw or thatch, in contrast to the luxurious, large-scale “tea in a hall” style practiced before.

Murata Jukou pursued the beauty of modesty and simplicity, creating a teahouse that embodied this spirit. Later, Sen no Rikyu came along and further refined the spirit of Wabicha, establishing the modern style of the tea ceremony.

Sen no Rikyu is known for simplifying the chashitsu to its utmost limit, preferring small spaces of no more than four and a half tatami mats. The “Taian” chashitsu, said to have been designed by Sen no Rikyu, is the oldest existing chashitsu in Japan and has been designated a national treasure. This chashitsu is deeply imbued with the spirit of wabi-sabi, a philosophy of the Japanese tea ceremony that seeks the ultimate simplicity by eliminating all excess.

During the Edo period (1603–1867), the tea ceremony spread beyond the upper classes to samurai and townspeople. This broader influence led to a diversification in the architecture of chashitsu. While feudal lords sometimes built luxurious and ornate chashitsu, Sen no Rikyu’s simple style remained the mainstream tradition.

The teahouse has continued to evolve over time and has influenced contemporary architects and artists. Architects such as Tadao Ando and Terunobu Fujimori have reinterpreted the traditional chashitsu space within a modern context, creating new designs and functions for chashitsu.

In this way, the teahouse continues to evolve while preserving its essential spirit.

How is Japanese Teahouse Made?

A chashitsu is a space with a unique structure that embodies the spirit of the tea ceremony.

The path leading from the garden to chashitsu, the low nijiriguchi (doorway), the prestigious tokonoma (alcove), and the ro (hearth) for preparing tea all contribute to the rituals and essence of the tea ceremony.

What follows is an introduction to the structure of the chashitsu, which fosters tranquility and harmony within its confined space.

Roji (Dewy Ground)

A roji is a garden attached to a chashitsu and plays an essential role in the tea ceremony.

As the pathway to the chashitsu, the roji is not merely a passageway, but a space where visitors can calm their minds and prepare themselves for entering the chashitsu.

Careful attention is given to the layout and structure of the dew-covered ground, and the walk toward the chashitsu becomes a ritual as participants move quietly, focusing on their steps and the surrounding nature.

Nijiriguchi (Crawling-in Entrance)

The nijiriguchi, the entrance to the chashitsu, is said to have been invented by Sen no Rikyu, the great master of the tea ceremony.

The nijiriguchi is a small doorway, approximately 60 to 70 centimeters square, through which guests enter by bending down and advancing slowly on their knees (nijiru meaning “to inch forward”).

This seemingly inconveniently narrow entrance holds deep significance.

No matter one’s rank—whether samurai or merchant—everyone must bow their head when passing through the nijiriguchi, symbolizing the equality of all people in the chashitsu.

The chashitsu embodies Sen no Rikyu’s aesthetic of excluding everyday status and thoughts from entering this sacred space.

Sadoguchi (Host's Entrance)

In addition to the nijiriguchi, which is used by guests, there is another important entrance to the chashitsu: the chadokuchi.

The chadokuchi is used by the host to bring in tea utensils and prepare for the tea ceremony. It is larger and more practical than the nijiriguchi, measuring approximately 155 cm in height.

Typically, the chadokuchi is located next to the tokonoma (alcove) and is designed to facilitate the flow of the tea ceremony, allowing the teishu (host) to move efficiently.

Tokonoma (Scroll Alcove)

The tokonoma is located at the back of the Japanese room and is a space elevated slightly above the tatami mats.

It is adorned with hanging scrolls, ikebana arrangements, vases, and other items, playing a significant role in enhancing the overall atmosphere of the room.

While it is common in living rooms and bedrooms to decorate with accessories and interior items according to personal taste, this is not the case in a chashitsu.

The alcove of a tea ceremony room is thoughtfully adorned with hanging scrolls and flowers, carefully selected for the invited guests.

In the tea ceremony, the tea master chooses the scrolls and flowers that best reflect the season and the purpose of the gathering, expressing their hospitality toward the guests.

When attending a tea ceremony, it is considered polite for the guest to first observe the tokonoma decorations and appreciate the thoughtfulness behind them.

Tokobashira (Supporting Pillar) and Aitebashira (Partner Pillar)

The tokonobashira is a decorative pillar that stands on one side of the alcove and serves a decorative, rather than structural, purpose.

For this reason, wood with a beautiful grain and a luxurious feel is preferred.

Cedar, cypress, zelkova, red pine, camellia, and other types of wood are used to bring out the natural texture and enhance the prestige of the room.

They are truly the stars of the tokonoma.

On the other hand, the counterpart to the tokonobashira is called the “mata-bashira.” Simpler than the tokonobashira, it is intended to complement the main feature, the tokonobashira.

The mata-bashira is understated, not too assertive, and helps to maintain balance with the floor columns.

The contrast between the tokonobashira and its counterpart highlights the beauty of the tokonobashira even more, creating a unique sense of rhythm and harmony within a Japanese room.

Otoshigake (Lintel)

Ochigake is a lintel installed at the top of an alcove to support the small wall above.

Barked logs and bamboo are often used for this lintel, with natural materials incorporated in their original form.

Ro (Sunken Hearth) and Furo (Portable Brazier)

In the tea ceremony, the “furnace” and “wind furnace” used to boil water serve different functions depending on the season.

From November through April, the tea ceremony is in the “furnace” season, while from May through October, it is in the “furo” season.

Thus, the utensils used to boil water are also selected according to the season.

The furnace is a small hearth placed beneath the tatami mats, where a fire is made directly, and an iron kettle is hung.

It is used in winter and positioned close to the guests to provide warmth.

On the other hand, the wind furnace is used in summer. It consists of charcoal and ashes to start the fire, and a kettle to boil the water.

The wind furnace is a small portable furnace made of ceramic or metal, without a hole in the floor.

It is placed farther from the guests to create a cooler atmosphere, offering relief from the summer heat.

Mizuya (Preparation Area)

The mizuya is an important behind-the-scenes space for preparing and cleaning up after a tea ceremony or tea party.

Here, tea utensils are organized, hot and cold water is managed, and sweets are prepared before being brought into the chashitsu.

The mizuya is typically two to four and a half tatami mats in size, equipped with a washing area for cleaning tea bowls and utensils, and shelves for storing tea bowls, tea scoops, tea whisks, and other tea implements.

Many tasks are performed here before the preparations are complete, such as boiling water for the tea ceremony and serving confectionery.

The room is built with a focus on functionality and designed for efficient movement.

In the mizuya, the Hantou, the leader of the group assisting the master, manages the backstage operations.

Though backstage, the mizuya plays a crucial role in ensuring the success of the tea ceremony by maintaining the same quiet, deliberate behavior as in the ceremony itself, so as not to make noise or disrupt the atmosphere.

Key Elements of Japanese Teahouse

Tea hospitality is more than just serving delicious tea.

Every element that adorns the chashitsu, from the hanging scrolls to the flowers, is imbued with deep meaning.

When these elements are harmonized, they create a unique and special atmosphere in the chashitsu.

In this article, we will take a closer look at the roles of hanging scrolls and flowers, which are central components of the chashitsu.

Kakejiku (Hanging Scroll)

The hanging scrolls displayed in the chashitsu play an important role in symbolizing the spirit and theme of the tea ceremony.

Zen phrases, calligraphy, and paintings are often featured on the scrolls to reflect the seasons, the atmosphere of the tea ceremony, and to express its essence.

The hanging scroll is the first thing guests see during a tea ceremony and serves as the spiritual focal point of the entire room.

The words chosen for the hanging scrolls often include themes such as:

• Harmony, respect, and purity of mind and body
• “Ichigo Ichie” (A once-in-a-lifetime encounter)
• “Nichinichi kore kōnichi” (Every day is a good day)

By displaying hanging scrolls with these words and seasonal poems, guests are invited to experience the deep spirituality of the tea ceremony and gain a greater appreciation of its meaning.

Chabana (Tea Flowers)

Flowers displayed in the alcove of a chashitsu are called chabana.

The master of the tea ceremony selects flowers that reflect the mood, atmosphere, and seasonality of the ceremony.

As Sen no Rikyu taught, “Let the flowers be as they are in the field.” Chabana are not extravagant or ornate arrangements but often consist of wildflowers and other plants that appear as they would naturally in bloom.

There are a few basic rules to follow when arranging chabana.

How to Choose Flowers:

The basic rule is to choose modest buds rather than fully blooming flowers.

Wildflowers are often selected to respect their natural forms.

The flower container and the typical flowers used change according to the season of the furnace and the wind furnace.

For example, camellias are often used in spring, hydrangeas in summer, bellflowers and wild chrysanthemums in fall, and wax plums and narcissus in winter.

Prohibited Flowers Not Appropriate for the Tea Ceremony Room:

There are some flowers considered inappropriate for the tea ceremony, known as “forbidden flowers.”

For instance, flowers with negative connotations such as hexocasualia, flowers with overly strong fragrances like chinkohana, and flowers with thorns or poison, such as roses, are avoided in the chashitsu.

Final Thoughts on Japanese Teahouse

The chashitsu is more than just a space; it is a special place where the spirit of the tea ceremony comes alive.

Through seasonal decorations and the careful attention to detail, visitors can experience a moment of heart-to-heart communication with the master and feel the essence of hospitality.

The beauty of the chashitsu lies in its ability to allow one to leave behind the hustle and bustle of daily life and focus inward on the tranquility within, through the hanging scrolls, tea utensils, and the tea itself.

The chashitsu is truly a place of once-in-a-lifetime encounters, where the significance of human connections is felt, bringing deep peace of mind and a sense of gratitude to those who visit.