“Ochamori” is a traditional event that happens in Nara’s Saidaiji Temple. Temple monks would serve matcha, which was often used as medicine at the time, to the local villagers. They told the villagers they could bring any container they wanted, so the poor villagers would gather what few rice bowls and earthenware pots they could. The monks would pour tea into the too-large containers, then partake and commune with them. Reportedly, that is how the Ochamori began. The tradition continues to this day, and even now you can bring anything, even a bowl as big as the one in this room, to share in the tea and the spirit of communion. Since it’s no coincidence that you’ve chosen this room, we invite you to visit Saidaiji Temple as well.