The Origin of Matcha —
and the art of the Song tea ceremony

Most people think matcha is Japanese.
They are almost right.

The tea whisked into a bowl, the careful preparation, the ceremony of foam and stillness — these practices were brought to Japan by a Buddhist monk named Eisai in the twelfth century. He learned them at a monastery in the mountains above Hangzhou. That monastery is called Jingshan Temple. And it is still there.

"A thousand years ago, the monks of Jingshan perfected the art of whisking powdered tea into a bowl. Japan called it a ceremony. China called it an afternoon."

During the Song Dynasty, tea was not simply a drink. It was one of the four essential arts of the cultivated person — alongside incense, painting, and flowers. The technique of diancha — whisking powdered tea with hot water in a dark ceramic bowl until a pale foam rises — required skill, attention, and a particular kind of slowness.

This experience takes you there. To the mountain where it began. To the temple that sent it across the sea. And to the tea bowl in your own hands.

The story

Four hours.
A thousand years.

09:30 Meet at Jingshan Village

We meet at the foot of Jingshan Mountain. A brief introduction to the day — the history, the mountain, and why this particular place matters.

10:00 Visit Jingshan Temple

We walk together through the temple grounds. You will learn about the Chan Buddhist tradition that gave rise to the tea ceremony — and how a monk named Eisai carried it across the sea to Japan in 1191. One hour of quiet, guided time in one of China's most historically significant monasteries.

11:30. Walk to the Tea Workshop

A short walk through the village to the workshop — past tea gardens that have been cultivating the same varietal for centuries.

12:00 The Song Dynasty Tea Ceremony

Our master demonstrates the full ritual of diancha — the powdering, the heating of the bowl, the precise angle of the whisk, the moment the foam rises. Then it is your turn. You will prepare your own bowl of Song-dynasty tea, using a hand-made chasen crafted in the village by an artisan who has spent his life making them. You will drink what you make.

13:30 Close of experience

Time to linger, ask questions, or simply sit with a second bowl before making your way back to Hangzhou.

The DAY

Everything you need.
Nothing unnecessary.

English cultural guide

Full-day narrative in English — the history, the philosophy, and the living craft behind what you experience.

Jingshan Temple entry

Temple admission included. Guided time with context — not a self-guided visit.

Song Dynasty tea ceremony

Full hands-on experience with a master. All materials provided. You make your own bowl.

Handmade chasen demonstration

A local artisan introduces the tea whisk — one of the most specialised objects in the tea world.

What is included

Not included: Transportation to and from Jingshan (approx. 1 hour from central Hangzhou by taxi or private car). We are happy to recommend drivers on request.

Priced for the experience,
not the itinerary.

Investment

£85

per person · standard rate
Minimum 2 guests

• Groups of 2–8 guests. Private group bookings welcome — contact us to discuss.

• All payments via bank transfer or PayPal. Full payment on booking confirmation.

• Cancellation with 7 days' notice: full refund. Within 7 days: 50% refund.

• Dates are released monthly. Enquire for availability.

Join us

A morning worth the journey.

To enquire about dates, availability, or private group bookings — send us a message. We respond within 24 hours.

Or write to us directly at info@lannhome.com