Aesthetic objects are not left on permanent display in Japanese homes, but are brought out for focused viewing and appreciation for specific purposes or seasons. As the season or purpose for display changes, the objects are stored and replaced by others more appropriate. Though Japanese rooms sometimes may appear too bare or simple for Western tastes, a Japanese visiting an a typical American home may feel surrounded and overwhelmed by visual clutter. Tea drinking gains popularity among the Chinese, in part because a hot drink is far safer than water that may be contaminated, producing intestinal disease if not boiled. Tea is also valued for its alleged medicinal values.
Tea is introduced to Japan as a medicine.
Saicho, spends three years visiting Chinese Buddhist temples on orders from the emperor, then returns to Japan with tea. Zen Buddhism is introduced into Japan. Rikyu has formalized the tea ceremony. The first English mention of tea appears in a translation of a Dutch navigator's travels. Tea is referred to as chaa .