Tea brought from China to Japan was drunk for medical purpose as Eisai, who had been to Southern Song (dynasty of China) and explained the effects of tea in his 'Kissa Yojoki' (Drink Tea and Prolong Life, a Note on Drinking Green Tea for Good Health).
中国から日本にもたらされた茶は、南宋に渡った栄西が「喫茶養生記」で茶の効能を説いたように、当初は寺院での修行や薬用として飲用されていた。