Edo Saryo and the History of Tea: Why Is It Loved by Japanese and International Visitors Alike?

Edo Saryo and the History of Tea—Why It Is Loved by Japanese and Foreigners Alike

1. The History and Cultural Background of Tea in Japan

Tea is said to have been introduced from China and took root in Japan during the Heian period. In the Kamakura period, Zen Master Eisai promoted the health benefits of tea, and it came to be valued in Zen temples alongside “zazen” meditation. During the Muromachi period, Sen no Rikyu elevated it to an art form and philosophy known as “sado” (the way of tea), and in the Edo period, it spread as a popular culture. Rather than being merely a beverage, tea became an important part of Japanese life for calming the mind and connecting with others, embodying the spirit of “ichi-go ichi-e” (a once-in-a-lifetime encounter). Against this historical backdrop, Edo Saryo emphasizes the experience of “making your own tea utensils, brewing the tea yourself, and savoring it yourself.”

2. Why Do Japanese People Love Tea?

Japanese people love tea for three reasons: culture, custom, and health. First, it is deeply rooted in daily life and is an essential part of homes, workplaces, and formal occasions such as weddings and funerals. Furthermore, drinking tea creates a sense of emotional stability and connection with others through relaxation, a change of pace, and hospitality. In addition, the catechins and theanine found in tea have antioxidant and relaxing effects, and over time, a common understanding has developed among Japanese people that tea is naturally “good for you.”

3. Why Do Foreigners Also Love Tea?

People in Europe and the United States also have the custom of “tea time,” but Japanese tea offers the unique value of combining a “cultural experience” with “health benefits.” For foreign tourists in particular, Japanese tea is associated with “wabi-sabi,” “Zen,” and “Japanese aesthetics,” giving it an appeal that goes beyond that of a mere beverage. Furthermore, the global matcha boom, featuring matcha lattes and sweets, has expanded Japanese tea culture worldwide. Edo Saryo’s “experience of painting your own tea utensils on the spot and brewing the tea yourself” has become particularly popular as an “Instagrammable cultural experience.”

4. Why It Is Good for Your Health

The health benefits of tea are supported by scientific evidence.

• Catechins: Have antioxidant properties and help prevent lifestyle-related diseases.

• Theanine: Has a relaxing effect and improves concentration.

• Caffeine: Helps prevent drowsiness and boosts metabolism.

• Vitamin C: Effective in improving immunity.

In this way, tea meets all the modern demands for “beauty, health, and stress reduction,” and is widely supported not only by Japanese people but also by foreigners.

5. The Experiential Value Offered by Edo Saryo

By offering a three-stage experience of not only “drinking” tea but also “making,” “painting,” and “savoring” it, Edo Saryo allows visitors to experience the cultural background and health benefits of tea firsthand. Whether Japanese or foreign, visitors can rediscover “the meaning of drinking tea” while creating their own unique tea utensils. This is not merely a cafe experience, but a special time that blends traditional culture with modern values.

⸻

Edo Saryo / History of Tea / Japanese Tea Culture / Tea Ceremony Experience / Matcha Popularity / Popular with Foreign Tourists / Health Benefits / Shibuya, Aoyama, and Harajuku Experiences / Same-Day Reservations Welcome / Souvenirs Available to Take Home

⸻