Simple Guide to Japanese Tea History

Japanese historians noted that tea first appeared in Japan in 730 A.D. Emperor Shomu offered each of the monks who visited his palace a tea gift.
Surprised by the taste and the refreshing feelings, the monks tried to grow the tea plants in their temples. Tea started to gain its popularity in Japan.

But the journey of tea wasn't so smooth in Japan. Constant changes in regime and government greatly affected tea's place in society. Some people loved it. Others disdained it.

By the 12th century, tea finally had a place in Japanese society, all thanks to Eisai. Eisai was viewed as the founder of Zen Buddhism in Japan. Besides the principles of Zen Buddhism, Eisai also brought back Japanese's passion for tea.

Japanese tea history: Who is Eiai and what role did he play?

Zen Buddhism ties strongly with tea in Japanese tea history. Eisai Myoan wrote the book on tea health benefits in 13th century.
In this book, Eisai claimed that tea drinking could cure many diseases such as loss of appetite or digestive problems. The book "Tea is good for health" was the first book that completely concentrate on the medicinal benefits of drinking tea.

Before that, tea was more known as a subject for art rather than for medicine. From this first book, much is now known for tea's positive effects on heart, cholesterol, and teeth problems.

Another book--"Ten virtues of Tea" also noted the health benefits from drinking tea. One of the virtues in this book stated that tea protects the body from diseases. Thanks to those first books that led the way for scientists to discover more about tea health benefits.

What is the most well known tea ceremony?

The most well known tea ceremony is the Chanoyu - means--- tea in hot water.

Only monks in the temples first practiced this ceremony. But once the tea gained its popularity, common people also practice this ceremony. Often, people would reserve a small room in the middle of the garden for the tea ceremony only.

Simplicity and peacefulness were keys to tearooms' decorations in Japan. In Japanese tea history, Shuko was viewed as the Father of tea ceremonies in Japanese tea history. The first tea ceremony in Japan took place in a 9-by-9 tearoom in which Matcha - green powder tea was served.