On the day of the ceremony, the guests arrive and assemble in the outer garden. At any given ceremony, there are three to five guests, as prescribed by Rikyu. When the host summons them, the guests enter the tearoom by way of a path intended to produce a quiet and tranquil mood (Piepenburg 39). Before they sit in designated places, the guests admire the calligraphy on a scroll in the alcove (40). After all the guests have taken their places, the host enters through a separate door, and sits to face the guest of honor. The host himself serves the Kaiseki, or simple meal, so there is no disturbing the tranquillity by servants. The guests recess in the garden, to be summoned by the gong for the next phase (42).

Upon the return of the guests, the thick-tea, or Koicha, is ready to be served.

The third, and final phase consists of the drinking of the thin tea. After a departing salutation, the guests leave. The next day, they return to convey their further thanks for their host's hospitality (Piepenburg 45).

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