Best Seattle-Area Spots for a Sweet Afternoon Tea Outing With Kids
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The host explains that there are over 100 cuts in the bamboo whisk used to make matcha tea as demonstrators show us the steps of a traditional Japanese tea ceremony. Photo: Natasha Dillinger
Seattle Japanese Garden Tea Ceremony
Seattle Japanese Garden Tea Ceremony offers a glimpse at a beautiful Japanese tradition. The art and ritual of chanoyu (tea ceremony) has been practiced for hundreds of years, and an individual tea ceremony can last as long as four hours. During this much shorter 40-minute presentation, a host shares the ceremony’s history and symbolism.
As many as 10 guests then shed their shoes and kneel on tatami mats for a Japanese sweet, which is followed by a bowl of freshly prepared matcha (finely ground green tea). What makes this unique experience extra special? You finally get to sit inside the Shoseian Teahouse, which is typically off-limits to garden visitors!
Location: 1075 E. Lake Washington Blvd., Seattle, at the south end of Washington Park Arboretum. If you need to get the wiggles out prior to the tea ceremony, make a stop at the playground at adjacent Washington Park Playfield.
Hours: Saturdays, April–October, and select Fridays and Sundays.
Cost: $15 per person, in addition to garden admission ($10 per adult, $6 per youth); tickets can be purchased online. The garden requests that attendees be at least 6 years old.
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