Japanese Tea Images 37 images Created 10 May 2009
Although Japanese green tea is produced in many localities in Japan, the great majority is produced in Shizuoka prefecture, located about an hour south of Tokyo by the bullet train. What is commonly known in English as the Japanese tea ceremony is called "chanoyu"- literally tea hot water. It is a traditional activity in which powdered green tea is ceremonially prepared and served to others. Zen Buddhism was integral to its development and this influence still pervades many aspects of the ritual.