Question
I’m planning to visit a traditional Japanese tea house during my trip to Kyoto. I want to experience a tea ceremony, but I’m unsure about the proper way to greet the host when I arrive. How can I politely introduce myself and express my desire to participate in the tea ceremony in Japanese?
Japango Editor Team
茶道（さどう）を体験（たいけん）したいです。どうぞよろしくお願（ねが）いします。
Sadou o taiken shitai desu. Douzo yoroshiku onegaishimasu.
I want to experience the tea ceremony. Please take care of me.
When visiting a traditional tea house, it’s polite to express your interest in participating in the ceremony. “Sadou o taiken shitai desu” means “I want to experience the tea ceremony.” Follow this with “douzo yoroshiku onegaishimasu,” a common phrase that conveys humility and friendliness, often translated as “please take care of me” or “I look forward to your kind cooperation.”
This phrase is a good start to any new interaction in Japan, especially when you want to show respect for the cultural practice you are about to enjoy. Enjoy your tea ceremony experience!
