The cha-shitsu consists of a small sunken fireplace used to heat water in the winter months and an alcove called a tokonoma . The tokonoma is where the art, calligraphy, and flower arrangements to be discussed are placed. The entry to the cha-shitsu is a small, low door built to suggest humility to the guests. The tea ceremony is supposed to emphasize harmony between the guests and implements used, respect among the participants and for the utensils, cleanliness, and tranquillity. Cleanliness is derived from the tradition requiring participants to wash their hands and rinse their mouths as symbolic gestures of cleansing before entering the chashitsu .
Tranquillity is symbolized by the great care with which the utensils are used during the ceremony.
The host first brings tea utensils into the room. Then the host offers the guests sweets and serves a tea called kolcha . Sometimes a light meal precedes the serving of sweets and the tea. After the tea is gone, the guests ask about the various utensils and artwork. The ceremony concludes when the conversation ends and the implements are carried from the room.