Tea Architecture Terminology

The space in which the host and the guests meet for making, serving, and drinking tea. Considered by some to be a sacred space where host and guests meet, separate from the profanity of the secular world.

Standard flooring for traditional Japanese rooms, including tea rooms. The standard size is approximately 90 cm x 180 cm, although sizes vary from region to region with Kyoto-sized mats being larger than Tokyo/Edo-sized mats.

Generally speaking, a tatami room that is 4.5 tatami mats (approx 270 sq cm) or smaller.

Generally speaking, a tatami room that is 4.5 tatami mats (approx 270 sq cm) or larger.

The place in the tea room where the host sits to make tea.

Generally speaking, a tatami mat that is only 3/4 length (approx 135 cm) of a standard tatami (approx 180 cm).

A space in the tea room, often recessed, where a hanging scroll, flowers, and sometimes other items are displayed.

A small guest entrance to a tea room (approx. 60 x 66 cm) raised above the floor of the garden. Before entering, guests remove their sandals, place their knees on the threshold, and scoot into the tearoom.

A tall entrance through which guests may enter by only slightly bowing their heads.

Most tea rooms have windows of different sizes and shapes. The primary purpose is usually to let in light, not for viewing what is outside of the tearoom.

Depending on the size of the room, the construction of the ceiling varies. In a small tearoom, the ceiling is often of varying levels or angles and made with a patchwork of different materials.

A wooden rack, very close to the entrance of the tea room, where warriors were expected to leave their swords.

A space for guests to literally and figuratively leave their "baggage" before participating in a tea gathering.

A space for guests to gather before walking through the garden and entering the tea room.

(lit. water room) Space near the tea room where the necessary utensils, food, and other materials are prepared by the host.

Refers to a general garden. A cha-niwa 茶庭 (lit. tea garden) has specific elements unique to the garden of a teahouse.

(lit. dewy ground) A garden through which guests journey on their way to the teahouse entrance. It has all the necessary elements for a formal tea event.

The part of the tea garden that is spatially closer to the outer gate and the outside world; it usually includes a waiting bench for guests (koshikake machiai).

The part of the garden that is spatially farther from the outside world and closer to the teahouse; it usually includes a crouching stone basin (tsukubai).

The gate (usually big and sturdy with a large bolt) that separates the tea space from the outside world.

The gate (often partial with a symbolic latch) that separates the outer garden from the inner garden. It is a signal to the guests that they are entering an area that is closer to the tea room.

A fresh-water basin near the entrance to the tea room. Before entering the tea room, the guests crouch down here and, using a ladle, purify their hands and mouth.

(lit. dust pit) A small crevice next to the tea room entrance. After cleaning the garden, the host places fresh, moist leaves in it to show that the garden has been purified.

A location for tea guests to wait either before the tea event begins or during the break/intermission (nakadachi) before re-entering the tearoom to drink thick tea.

Stone-carved garden lanterns that are placed in various parts of the tea garden.

(lit. snow cover) A euphemistic term for the toilet in the tea garden.