Tea culture in Hietzing: Shinkoko celebrates the Japanese Zen tradition!

Tea culture in Hietzing: Shinkoko celebrates the Japanese Zen tradition!

At the end of a quiet cul-de-sac in Hietzing, Vienna, the “Shinkoko” tea house stands out, a place that celebrates Japanese tea culture with great dedication. The owners, Andreas Hagn and Susanne Halbeisen, are committed to the mission of making this cultural practice known in the Viennese tea landscape. Both are practicing Zen Buddhists, which is reflected not only in their offerings, but also in the tranquil atmosphere that exists in the teahouse. “Shinkoko” means something like “together in silence” – and this is exactly the feeling the team wants to convey to its guests.

In “Shinkoko”, visitors can expect elegant and simply designed wooden shelves with a selection of high-quality teas, including Sencha, Matcha, Hōjicha and Kukicha. The teas come from selected producers and pay attention to freshness and taste. Samples invite you to discover the different flavors. Guests will also find everything they need for a traditional tea ceremony here: teapots, bowls, cups, specialist literature and even incense are on offer. There really is everything here that makes a tea lover's heart beat faster.

Tradition and mindfulness combined

The Japanese tea ceremony, or “Cha no Yu,” is more than just making tea – it is a symbol of mindfulness and serenity. Its origins date back to the 9th century, when Buddhist monks began bringing green tea to Japan. In the 15th century, tea master Shogū laid down the first rules for the ceremony. Sen no Rikyū, another famous tea master of the 16th century, incorporated the aesthetics of wabi-sabi, the beauty of imperfection, into this art form. This is also reflected in the carefully selected utensils at Shinkoko, such as handcrafted chawan bowls and traditional wagashi sweets that complement the taste profile of the matcha.

The process of a tea ceremony is characterized by respect and harmony. Guests enter the so-called Roji, the tea garden, to mentally prepare for the ritual before entering the teahouse through the yielding Nijiri-guchi, the crawlspace door. Here you sit on tatami mats while the host carries out the ceremony with careful precision. The tea master plays a central role and ensures that everything runs in harmony. This calm practice is booming these days - it is practiced not only in traditional tea houses, but also increasingly in companies and wellness oases to counteract the hectic pace of everyday life.

Modern influences and events

The “Shinkoko” goes one step further and recently announced the opening of a tea house in the garden, which can be used for events and exchanges. Not only is traditional tea brought to the fore here, but modern drinks such as lattes with fruit puree and cold brews are also offered. Guests also receive valuable information on how to prepare the teas to enable the full taste experience at home. The nearby address, Jakob-Steinger-Gasse 17/1, is an attractive starting point for all tea lovers and those who want to become one.

For anyone who wants to escape the stress of everyday life and immerse themselves in the relaxing world of Japanese tea culture, Shinkoko is a perfect choice. Whether for a cozy break or an exchange about the art of the tea ceremony – everyone will find the right opportunity here.

The tea ceremony and its deeply rooted traditions have not only found a place in “Shinkoko”, but are also blossoming in a new light that also reflects the modern desires and needs of our time. It is precisely this harmonious combination of tradition and present that makes the tea house a special place in Vienna.

Visit the website www.shinkoko.at for further information and current offers.