My sister in-law was very specific about the matcha powder and said there's cheaper versions but she'd never use them. I liked the tea and I think all the ceremony and formality around it adds to it, making it more special.
The Tatami...yeah, and the room itself. The property she holds the tea ceremonies at is owned by a notable Japanese person who lives in Japan and never comes there. My sister in-law has permission to use it and the room has been designed especially for tea ceremonies and other things. The entire property (it's very big) is designed around the Japanese culture and design features, the buildings and gardens, and there's a big function facility there also, plus a very large home that the owner uses if he ever goes there, which he doesn't very often.
She's fortunate to have the access although, her family are extremely well-connected in Japan so maybe it's not at all surprising they have such opportunities.
It was all rather good to be honest, and something we'll do again.
Ahh so there is a wealthy patron of sorts. That's really cool he is willing to give her the opportunity to use the place.
Your comment about matcha is funny, because I thought similar when I first came here 16-17 years ago. I tried matcha and thought... eh... it's like drinking grass. Not strong as coffee, no hints of fruitiness like Earl Grey, but boring grass. But over the years my taste has adjusted and I now prefer the taste of green tea and matcha.
Did you sit in seiza (Japanese style, sitting on the ankles, legs folded under you) or did they have chairs?
If I sat in seiza I'd still be there, years of doing things my back and knees shouldn't have been doing have taken their toll. Lol.
It's interesting how tastes change, and how we acquire them. There's many things I never thought I'd eat and drink which I enjoy now. I guess that's one of the benefits of the passing of time and having the ability to try things before discarding them as undesirable.