The Japanese tea ceremony , also called the Way of Tea , is a Japanese cultural activity involving the ceremonial preparation and presentation of matcha , powdered green tea. In Japanese, it is called chanoyu or sadō, chadō . The manner in which it is performed, or the art of its performance, is called otemae . Zen Buddhism was a primary influence in the development of the tea ceremony.
Tea gatherings are classified as chakai or chaji . A chakai is a relatively simple course of hospitality that includes confections, thin tea, and perhaps a light meal. A chaji is a much more formal gathering, usually including a full-course kaiseki meal followed by confections, thick tea, and thin tea. A chaji can last up to four hours.