My friend was learning to become a tea master someday and she invited me to a tea ceremony where she and other staff would wear Kimono.
So I went to Saishoji Temple, Ibaraki. Omg, the place was a hidden gem.
About 5 years ago, my friend’s parents were taking care of me. They drove us around Tochigi & Ibaraki, her dad took many photos of us wearing Kimono, after which I had dinner with her family at her house - a very BIG one.
This time, it was her aunt who picked me up at the station and drove me to the temple. While my friend was busy preparing for the event, we explored every corner of this harmoniously beautiful place.
Everyone (except for me) was so formal and classy.
Sadly, no one was able to use my mirrorless camera so the only picture I had with my friend was taken with a smartphone.
And the tea they made for the event was AUTHENTIC!