Located in Uji, just south of Kyoto, Manpukuji Temple is the main temple of the Ōbaku sect within Rinzai Zen Buddhism. It was established in 1661 by the Chinese Zen master Ingen Ryuki (1592–1673). For centuries, Manpukuji has served as a cultural bridge between Chinese and Japanese cultures, influencing various fields such as art, calligraphy, diet, and medicine. It is also renowned for its beautiful pine trees and is home to the headquarters of the Japan Sencha Tea Ceremony tradition, which holds a large annual gathering every May.¹
This year, on May 17th, I had the honor of participating as a helper during the special Senchado event held at Manpukuji.
I have been studying Senchado online for almost a year with the Obaku Baisa Ryū school, but this was my first time meeting my teacher in person. She kindly lent me a kimono and helped me dress in it before we headed to the temple early in the morning to begin preparations.
From 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., a series of tea ceremonies took place, each welcoming around 20 guests. I had the privilege of assisting my sensei and the other hosts. Everyone I met was incredibly kind and welcoming – it felt like being part of a community with a shared love for tea and tradition.
One of the highlights of the day was attending the Kencha ceremony – a special offering of tea to Buddha. It was a truly spiritual experience: monks chanted as the host performed the ritual, starting with a flower arrangement, followed by tea sweets, and finally, the tea itself. The harmony between the chanting and the tea preparation was deeply moving.
To my surprise, there was also a Chinese tea festival happening at the temple grounds. I had the chance to taste a variety of teas such as Shou Pu’er, Lapsang Souchong, Bai Mu Dan, and Da Hong Pao. They even showcased powdered tea inspired by the style used during the Song Dynasty!
This day at Manpukuji was unforgettable – an enriching blend of tradition, culture, and connection. I am truly grateful for the opportunity to have been part of it.
Text and images by our Tea Fellow Diana Juárez. You can follow Diana on instagram.
¹ Source: Japan Experience