Drinking tea Japanese style in Hasselt

A tea ceremony? It may sound like “watching someone make tea,” but it is so much more than that. In the Japanese Garden in Hasselt, we participated in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony, led by tea master Staf Daems – and what an experience. We arrived an hour early so we could leisurely explore the garden. Spotting koi carp, grabbing a mochi ice cream at the pop-up stall (only on weekends!), ringing the gong, and silently making a ritual bow as demonstrated on the sign – it felt like a mini trip to Japan, right in Limburg. The ceremony itself takes place in a calming space in the middle of the garden. Everything proceeds in silence and according to ancient traditions. Tea master Staf, completely zen, explained step by step how a traditional Urasenke tea ceremony works. Two guests, dressed in beautiful kimonos, participated according to the book – literally. Do you want to see your own matcha prepared live? Make sure to sit as the second or third guest, with your back to the exit. Small detail: that means you have to say the magic words “I go first” and “I follow” while everyone is looking at you. Exciting and funny at the same time. 😅 Everything goes slowly. Very slowly. But it is precisely because of that that you feel it: the attention, the respect, the art. Even the ceramics from which you drink must be admired – and rightly so. A unique experience for those who love silence, ritual, and meaningful matcha. Patience is a must, but you will receive a moment of peace in return that lingers long after. Definitely something to do at least once in your life.

@Eline Maesen

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