If you'd like to take your next sip of tea in the Japanese tradition, attend one of the tea ceremonies in the Japanese Tea Garden in the Washington Park Arboretum. Tea demonstrations are held every Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday, and are hosted by the Seattle branch of the Urasenke Foundation.
The Wednesday tea presentations are interactive and intimate, with a limit of 10 participants. A bowl of green tea and sweets are provided. This is a participatory event.
The Saturday tea demonstrations were held March through October in the Shoseian teahouse. A demonstration and talk will explain the importance of tea, and the tea ceremony in Japanese culture. Following the demonstration participants will enjoy a bowl of green tea and sweets. There is a limit of 20 participants.
The Sunday tea presentation is an intimate and participatory event, tailored to the individual participants. Tea and sweets are provided, with a limit of 10 participants.
Location: Washington Park Arboretum
Dates & Hours: The Arboretum is open daily. Public tours are offered on Wednesdays at 12:30 p.m., and Saturdays and Sundays at 12:30 and 2:30 p.m. (April through October). An additional tour is offered Monday at 12:30 p.m., May through August.
Admission: $5 adults, $3 youths, seniors (65+), college students (with ID), and disabled, children five and under are free.
Dates & Hours for Tea Events: Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Times vary, so check the schedule here before making plans.
Tickets for tea ceremony: $10 per person, reservations are required. For reservations call Seattle Japanese Garden at (206) 684-4725.