Tea was first introduced to Japan in the 12th century by a Zen monk called Eisai. (Well, tea is central to Zen tradition after all). And Eisai had pretty high hopes for his cup of tea. He suggested that it would cure loss of appetite, boils on the skin and even paralysis. Some say that it was Eisai’s lofty aspirations that helped Japan’s infamous tea ceremony gain popularity during the Muromachi period. Visit Japan today and encounter The Way of Tea in all its authenticity. This traditional art form involves preparing, serving and drinking a Japanese powdered green tea called matcha. (Did you know that matcha is also used to give common Japanese foods its bright green color, like soba noodles and mochi?) Typically, guests will walk through a contemplative garden and cleanse their hands and mouth before entering the teahouse. And because the teahouse has a low doorway, guests are required to bow their heads to get through. Of course, this wasn’t an architectural error. Rather, the act of bowing is to symbolize that everybody is equal in tea. (There’s an ancient story about a Zen Master called Joshu who instructed three traveling monks of different status to “Go and have a cup of tea” with this same metaphor in mind.) Once the guests are seated, the host cleans the utensils and prepares the tea in full view of the guests. He or she then serves it to the first guest who will admire the bowl, drink some tea, wipe the rim and then pass it to the next guest. Once all the guests have taken tea, the host cleans the utensils again before presenting them for inspection. What a beautiful ritual for encouraging mindfulness, simplicity and respect.