Sencha-do Experience at the National Treasure Kojoin

A Moment of Serenity and Fragrance at Miidera Temple

The sencha tradition inherited by Miidera Temple is known as Mii Koryū Sencha-dō.
Its origin dates back to the Edo period, when Tsuboiken, a senior monk of Miidera Temple, drew water from “Sacred Spring of Miidera Temple”, and offered a cup of tea to visiting worshippers.

The movements of this tea practice are remarkably gentle—
accompanied by the soft sound of hot water, the graceful performance warms and captivates the hearts of those who witness it.

The venue for this tea ceremony is the National Treasure Kojoin.
It is a prime example of shoin-zukuri style, the foundation of Japanese residential architecture.
The two connected rooms in the southern wing, the first chamber and the second chamber, form a formal ceremonial space, complete with the essential zashiki-kazari (traditional alcove decorations) characteristic of shoin-zukuri style.

Light filtering through the veranda illuminates the sliding-door paintings,
while the serene garden in the Chisen kansho-shiki style (pond-viewing style) quietly unfolds before you.