New Year’s Eve Tea Gathering in the Mountains of Bōsō

Deep in the mountains of Bōsō, I held a Jōyagama tea gathering to mark the final night of the year.

We welcomed 16 guests.

With the generous cooperation of the neighboring Bumon-ji Temple, we were also able to enjoy the sound of the temple bell from its bell tower as part of the evening’s “feast.”

For the koicha gathering, I arranged the room primarily with utensils handed down through the Mori family. For the usucha gathering, I created a more enchanting setting designed to be enjoyed by the gentle glow of candlelight.

Traditional Japanese candles (warōsoku) look particularly beautiful against a vermilion felt carpet and objects in gold.

We had originally planned to hold two sessions of five guests each, but ultimately decided on four groups of four. This put a little strain on the arrangements, and I regret that there were moments when I may have caused some inconvenience or exposed shortcomings.

I sincerely hope to make full use of these lessons when planning the next gathering.

To everyone who applied on the very day registration opened, and to those who even placed themselves on the waiting list, thank you from the bottom of my heart for making the journey deep into the cold Bōsō mountains at the very end of the year.