Kanun Shitu is a classroom of Urasenke Chado, located in a quiet residential area in Sakura City, Chiba Prefecture.
The custom of drinking tea was introduced to Japan from China. The Buddhist priest Eisai, who brought the teachings of Rinzai Zen Buddhism, brought back the tea seeds and the matcha method from the Song Dynasty in China in 1191. Appreciation of tea gradually spread from temples and the court to warrior society and made its own development. It is said that SEN Rikyu, one of the great tea masters of the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries, perfected the Way of Tea with his innovations in the practice of tea incorporating the essence of his Zen experience.
Some of the words of SEN Rikyu that have been passed on are the "Four Principles and Seven Precepts". “Four principles" teach the essential spirit of Chado, the way of Tea, in the the concepts of Wa (Harmony), Kei (Respect), Sei (Purity), Jaku (Tranquility). “Seven Precepts" consist of seven teachings about points to keep in mind for Chanoyu: make a satisfying bowl of tea; lay the charcoal so that the water boils efficiently; provide a sense of coolness in the summer and warmth in the winter; arrange the flowers as though they were in the field; be ready ahead of time; be prepared in case it should rain; be thoughtful of other guests. Based on this spirit, through a bowl of tea, we learn the importance of sharing time and space by the participants.
Through Chado, you will naturally learn etiquette to respect and care for others, cherish tools, and beautiful postures and gestures, calm your mind, and cultivate concentration.
Lessons
We offer lessons in English and Japanese twice a month on Saturday evening.
For beginners, we will start with gestures that can be used in everyday scenes, such as "how to bow," and gradually guide students how to be a host and guest at tea gatherings. Lessons will be conducted according to the level of proficiency and in accordance with the policy of Urasenke.
We also hold new year and seasonal tea gatherings.
Schedule
1st & 3rd Saturday evenings
18:00~21:00 (last entry by 20:00) up to 2 people
This is a regular class to learn tea gathering.
Lessons last about 60 to 90 minutes; 30 to 45 minutes for practicing the role of host and another 30 to 45 mins for practicing the role of guest.
The schedule may be changed occasionally.
* Parking is available.
Fees
Monthly tuition: 6,500 yen
Admission fee is required for one month's tuition.
* Please note that no show will be counted as one lesson.
Attire
Kimono is not necessary.
Smart casual attire is requested. Jeans and T-shirts are not appropriate.
Please bring a clean pair of white socks to wear in the tea rooms.
Lecturer
Associate professor of Urasenke
* Please note that we are not able to sponsor a visa to visit Japan.
Contact us
We will reply within one week after confirming the message.