The sound of the city slowly faded behind me as I walked with the SJMC Japan group toward Shukkeien Garden. Our visit to the garden was a last-minute change to the day’s schedule after our planned tour of Hiroshima Castle was canceled because of ongoing restoration work. Just a few blocks from the Toyoko Inn, the streets of Hiroshima gave way to winding paths, carefully maintained trees and peaceful ponds. Although Hiroshima is known around the world for the tragic events of Aug. 6, 1945, I discovered another side of the city during my visit to a traditional Japanese tea ceremony—one centered on reflection, mindfulness and peace.
Our destination was Seifu-kan, or the Cool Breeze Tea House, located inside Shukkeien Garden. The garden is one of Hiroshima’s most famous cultural landmarks and offers visitors a chance to experience nature in the heart of the city. Depending on the season, guests can enjoy plum blossoms, cherry blossoms, peach blossoms or vibrant autumn leaves. The garden is open daily throughout most of the year, with special evening hours offered during the spring and autumn seasons. Admission to the garden costs 350 yen (about $2.40 USD) for adults and 150 yen (about $1 USD) for college students.
Before our tea ceremony began, I spent time exploring the grounds with my classmates. Every turn revealed a new view of the landscape, from small bridges crossing streams to carefully shaped trees reflected in the water. The peaceful atmosphere felt worlds away from the busy streets outside the garden gates and created the perfect setting to experience one of Japan’s most cherished cultural traditions.
The tea ceremony itself took place inside Seifu-kan and cost 500 yen, which included two types of matcha and traditional Japanese sweets. Before entering, I was instructed to remove my shoes, a common practice in Japan that demonstrates respect and cleanliness when entering indoor spaces. After stepping inside, I was guided to another room covered with tatami mats. Unlike what many people imagine, we were told there was no need to sit formally and that we should simply relax and enjoy the experience.
Soon, our sweets and matcha were brought directly to our seats. Before eating the sweets, we were instructed to use the paper they arrived on as a plate. Between bites, the paper could be placed neatly on the tatami mat beside us. These small details may seem insignificant, but they reflected the attention to etiquette and mindfulness that defines Japanese tea culture.
When the matcha was served, we were taught to say “Otemae Chodai Itashimasu,” which expresses gratitude to the person who prepared the tea. We then carefully lifted the bowl and rotated it clockwise twice in small movements so the front of the bowl faced away from us. Only then were we meant to drink the tea while it was still warm.
After finishing the matcha, the ceremony encouraged us to slow down even further. We were asked to admire the tea bowl itself, appreciating its craftsmanship, seasonal design and artistic details. Tea masters carefully select bowls based on the time of year and the atmosphere of the tea room. To examine the bowl, we gently rotated it near our knees, taking a moment to observe the artwork and design. If we wished to look at the bottom of the bowl, we were instructed to support it with both hands. Once finished, we rotated the bowl counterclockwise twice and returned it to the exact location where it had originally been placed.
This process revealed that the tea ceremony is about much more than drinking tea. Every movement has a purpose. Every object is treated with respect. The ceremony encourages participants to be fully present in the moment and appreciate things that might otherwise be overlooked. The experience reflects values that have been central to Japanese culture for centuries, including gratitude, mindfulness, hospitality and respect for craftsmanship.
The Japanese tea ceremony traces its roots back hundreds of years and was heavily influenced by Zen Buddhism. Over time, it evolved into a cultural practice that emphasizes harmony, respect, purity and tranquility. While modern life often moves quickly, the tea ceremony creates a space where people can slow down and focus entirely on the present moment.
As I sat in Seifu-kan overlooking the beauty of Shukkeien Garden, I found myself reflecting on the city around me. Hiroshima carries a history marked by immense tragedy and loss, yet today it stands as a global symbol of peace and resilience. Throughout my visit, I noticed how the city embraces remembrance while encouraging hope for the future.
The tea ceremony embodied that same spirit. In a city known for one of history’s darkest moments, I found an experience centered on peace, appreciation and human connection. The quiet atmosphere of the tea house, the careful preparation of the matcha and the beauty of the surrounding garden all encouraged reflection in a way that felt uniquely appropriate for Hiroshima.
Looking back, my visit to Shukkeien Garden was one of the most meaningful experiences of my trip to Japan. While I expected to learn how to drink matcha properly, I left with a deeper understanding of Japanese culture and a greater appreciation for the values of mindfulness and gratitude.
Most importantly, I discovered a sense of peace in a city that has transformed its painful past into a message of hope for the world. That lesson, more than the tea itself, is what I will remember most from Hiroshima.
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