Greater Victoria residents can soon experience a unique Japanese tradition right here in Colwood.
Royal Roads University has announced that visitors to Hatley Park’s hand-crafted Teahouse, located in the Japanese garden, will be able to enjoy matcha tea specially prepared by the Urasenke Tankokai Victoria Association over four seatings this summer.
"Guests will experience Chado — the way of Tea. The term refers to the traditional Japanese tea ceremony which focuses on the preparation and serving of tea to guests in a mindful and aesthetic manner," Royal Roads communications officer Krista Boehnert explained.
Chado has been practiced since the 16th century, with Wa (Harmony), Kei (Respect), Sei (Purity) and Jaku (Tranquility) cited as the fundamental principles of the ceremony.
For its inaugural season, the teahouse will accept bookings for the last Sunday of every month from May to September. Four seatings will be offered at the teahouse on May 25, June 29, July 27, August 31 and September 28 with each ceremony welcoming up to eight guests.
The tea ceremonies come as the latest enhancement for the revitalization of the gardens at Hatley Park. The new teahouse first opened in summer of 2024, and will provide a "serene venue on campus for formal tea ceremonies and special gatherings."
Some of Hatley Park's other summer offerings include daily guided walking tours of Hatley Castle and the gardens. These tours run May to September.
Tickets for tea ceremonies are $16 per person plus GST. Reservations will be required in advance. Bookings can be made through eventbrite.ca.
