Chari-tea

If you want to experience the ancient art of the Japanese tea ceremony without having to fly to Tokyo, you can enjoy it closer to home at a charity event at Mount Victoria’s Innermost Garden House this Saturday.

The bazaar aims to raise money for repairs to Kumamoto Castle in Japan, which was damaged in the 2016 earthquakes, so you’ll be sipping for a good cause. Green tea and sweets ($10) will be served, with a rare chance to witness ‘‘Higokoryu’’ – the area’s unique style of tea ceremony, considered to be connected to samurai culture.

Japanese confectionery such as ’’Jindaiko’’ (adzuki red bean covered rice cake), and Japanese crafts and wedding kimono fittings will also be available. The event runs 11am-3pm at 31 Lawson Pl, Mount Victoria. Check the Earthquake Aid Kumamoto Facebook page for more details.