On Jun 7, 2:43 pm, Alex > wrote:
> On Jun 6, 2:00 pm, "Dominic T." > wrote:
>
>
>
> > On Jun 4, 4:16 pm, Alex > wrote:
>
> > > Hi all,
>
> > > I'm going to be in Japan at the end of the month, and I was wondering
> > > if any of you could recommend some tea-related activities or
> > > destinations in either Tokyo or Kyoto. In particular it would be
> > > great to have recommendations for specialty stores in Tokyo, as I'm
> > > spending a lot more time there than in Kyoto and I'd like to bring
> > > some tea back as gifts. Also, it would be good to hear opinions on
> > > whether or not it is worth one's time to seek out a demonstration of
> > > the tea ceremony (leaving aside the fact that I can't sit seiza for
> > > more than about 18 seconds).
>
> > > thanks in advance
>
> > > Alex
> > > (on second bowl of cold matcha)
>
> > Uji FTW! I had a friend who lived near Uji and the photos were
> > amazing. So were the teas I used to get from him.
>
> > on a different note, if you are a "geek" at all or into electronics
> > Shinjuku is pretty cool. I worked in the gaming media for a few years
> > and Shinjuku was always a kind of Mecca.
>
> > Enjoy the trip, it will be two years before I can go to Uji but it is
> > already planned.
>
> > - Dominic- Hide quoted text -
>
> > - Show quoted text -
>
> Thanks everyone for all the great suggestions. I will definitely try
> to drop by Uji.
>
> Dominic - I'm not that much of a geek but my cousin lives near
> Shinjuku so that's where I'm staying in Tokyo. It's a pretty amazing
> place.
>
> Thiterflit - I don't suppose you could recommend a book or article
> about the tea ceremony? I read a bit of anthropology so perceived
> dryness or academic tone is ok. Also, thanks for the recommendation
> on Nezu, I will definitely check that out.

As always I recommend "The Book of Tea" by Okakura. It is available
for free online or for only about $4.00 at a bookseller.

Also, you lucky dog, I'd kill to have family by the Mecca of
geekness

The shots of Uji I saw were awe-inspiring and I can't see how anyone
could go wrong with a trip there.

- Dominic