Story: Ancient rituals on the Monte Verità

A corner of Japan in Ticino

Amid Zen gardens and traditional ceremonies

Eri has lived in Ticino for 13 years, but she has managed to hold onto a small corner of her beloved Japan. She shares her culture through ancient rituals and calligraphy courses at the Casa del Tè tea house on Monte Verità, above Ascona.

THE CHARACTER

Eri-san, the housewife bringing ancient traditions from Japan to Ticino.

Eri-san, the housewife bringing ancient traditions from Japan to Ticino.
The Casa del Tè reminds me of my homeland.

Eri has lived in Ticino for 13 years, but she has managed to hold onto a small corner of her beloved Japan. The Land of the Rising Sun boasts a fascinating combination of ancient traditions and great examples of modernity, from densely populated cities to nature parks full of temples and sanctuaries. And it was in a place just like the latter that Eri decided to work: the Casa del Tè tea house on Monte Verità. A hill with an interesting history and a special energy that's home to the only tea plantation in Europe, as well as a cultural centre dedicated to this millennia-old drink. 

THE COMPLETE STORY


Eri performs the Japanese tea ceremony: an art form that embraces numerous Buddhist principles to create the ideal moment of being. She welcomes visiting guests with these elaborate, ancient rituals.

This makes her feel almost like she's at home and lessens the bittersweet nostalgia for her family and the places where she grew up.

Monte Verità - Casa del Tè
Monte Verità - Casa del tè

She practices and teaches the ancient art of calligraphy and proudly wears the kimono, a traditional Japanese garment, to feel close to her roots.

"When friends or relatives come to visit me from afar, I like to take them to the Verzasca Valley and to Ticino's 'grotto’ taverns to try the culinary specialties."
Pro tip
Why not take part in a guided tour with tasting and try teas processed in different ways? In the shop you can buy the tea or the tea-making implements to prepare it.
The Monte Verità Park is definitely worth a visit, especially to be guided through the energetic places on this hill and to recharge one's batteries.
Beautiful Ascona is not far away. A walk along the lake and then into the centre is really worth it!

"Here I can practice my culture and feel close to home."

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