“Ippuku” means a small pause—a short, mindful tea break that recenters you. Brewing with a kyusu (Japanese teapot), watching the steam rise, and taking a slow sip becomes a simple mindfulness tea ritual that helps you breathe, reset, and return to what matters.
Why “Ippuku” Works
Mindfulness with tea: a five-minute “ippuku” to pause, breathe, and reset.
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Back to the senses: hold the kyusu, smell the aroma, feel the rim of the cup—your five senses return to the present.
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Calming rhythm: pour → wait → sip. A steady sequence slows the heart and the mind.
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Quiet by design: one breath with eyes half-closed—mindful breathing + tea.
How To: A Five-Minute Ippuku
Green Tea (Kyusu) Version
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Heat water to ~80–90°C. Cool briefly; notice the sound as you pour.
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Tea leaves: 1 level teaspoon per person.
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Brew in a kyusu for 60–90 seconds, attending to steam and scent.
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Pour a little at a time into each cup for an even taste.
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Sip + breathe: track aroma → warmth → taste → finish.
Matcha Version (Quick Focus)
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Add one scoop of matcha to a bowl (chawan).
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Pour hot water, then whisk to a soft foam.
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Take one quiet sip; follow the breath out.
Choose Your Tea Set (What to Buy)
Kyusu (Japanese Teapot)
Shiboridashi & Hōhin / Hohin (Handle-less Teapot)
Tea Cups or Matcha bowl
We recommend using your favorite teapot and tea set!
Want a softer mood?
Orin / Singing Bowl (Sound for Stillness)
Strike once and follow the fading sound—attention settles, then sip. A small size fits a desk for a mini-ritual.
singing bowl Japan, meditation bell Japan,orin bell meditation.
gentle fragrance (a single stick of incense)
to deepen relaxation.
A Small Ritual You Can Keep (Travel & Home)
How to start a five-minute tea ritual at home (matcha or green tea).
Where to Buy in Kyoto
TSURU-IPPUKU — a small local shop walkable from world heritage Nijojo Castle.
We curate kyusu, tea cups, matcha bowls, and orin (singing bowls) so you can build a tea ritual you’ll actually use.
All photos in this article feature items photographed at our Kyoto shop, TSURU-IPPUKU. Some pieces may no longer be available, as our collection changes with the seasons.
Located near the UNESCO World Heritage Site Nijo Castle, we specialize in traditional and modern Japanese tea sets, handmade matcha bowls, Kyoto teapots, Nambu iron kettles, SAKE ware (cup & pot) and tea ceremony accessories. Whether you’re looking for an authentic matcha bowl (chawan) or a high-quality Japanese teapot (kyusu), you’ll find the perfect piece to take home as a Kyoto souvenir. We provide secure packaging to ensure safe transport, and international shipping is available. Visit us and explore the beauty of Japanese craftsmanship!
FAQ (Quick Answers)
Q. What is “ippuku” in Japanese tea culture?
A. A short mindful tea break—breathe, reset, and return to the present.
Q. How do I start a tea ritual at home?
A. Get a kyusu you like + cup; brew daily or weekly. Focus on aroma, warmth, and one slow sip.
Q. Where can I buy a Zen tea set or kyusu in Kyoto?
A. TSURU-IPPUKU —check Google Maps for directions & hours.
Q. Can I use a singing bowl (orin) with tea mindfulness?
A. Yes. Strike once, follow the fading sound, then sip—sound → breath → taste helps attention settle.
