Tea ceremonies, tea appreciation and tasting services led by skilful tea masters, may feature any of the above.

BBC: The world in six cups

Overall, the selection is wide, but the traditional variety (the kind used in Japanese tea ceremonies) is matcha, a finely powdered green tea.

BBC: Four authentic Asian layovers

To the Westerner, it can seem as if there are two contrary Japans one a slow, peaceful land of Shinto shrines and tea ceremonies, the other a jangling zone of automation, neon signs, and bullet trains packed with commuters.

NEWYORKER: Ootoya