In this video [4:57] Discover the rich history of the Japanese tea gathering. learn more about Chanoyu: The Japanese Art of Tea. It can be traced back more than 800 years. Japan's close proximity to China and Korea gave it access to the many goods and ideas that traveled over land and sea. One of the most valued imports one that transformed Japanese culture was tea initially around the 12 hundreds. Tea was prized for its health benefits. The Japanese zen priest Issei claim met tea is the ultimate mental and medical remedy and has the ability to make one's life more full.