This is the view from the hosts’ entrance to the tea room built by Makoto Imai in Ron and Miki Swanson’s Bainbridge Island home. “Water is heated in a kettle that sits in a ro (sunken hearth),” Ron says. “The mizusashi (cold water jar) and chaire (tea container) are placed directly on tatami before the tea event begins.” (Courtesy R.J. Swanson)