Lesson
LessonsWhether you are beginning for the first time or have practised for years — chanoyu, in its proper form, as part of everyday life.
Chanoyu is often thought of as difficult, or as something one cannot approach without preparation. But its real pleasure does not lie in memorising a set of forms. It lies in feeling the season, in handling a bowl and the other utensils, in caring for the person in front of you, and in enjoying a single bowl of tea. We would like to bring that pleasure closer, and make it easier to reach.
At Soyu Mori’s tea school, each student is taught at their own level, from the very first steps through to the advanced okuden teachings. The utensils handed down in the Mori family are used both in lessons and at tea gatherings, so that students may also come into contact with the traditions, the formality and the history of a daimyo house with some 450 years behind it, since the age of the warring states. According to progress and to the student’s wishes, applications are made to Urasenke Konnichian and the licences of the Grand Master are conveyed.
Students may also join the overseas tea missions organised by the Franco-Japanese Tea Ceremony Association (participation is optional).
Three tea rooms to choose from
Kanozan
Surrounded by nature, where black kites and pheasants — and, in season, the bush warbler — can be heard. The tea room was built in his last years by Hisakichi Maeda, founder of the Sankei Shimbun, of Tokyo Tower and of Mother Farm, and was visited by prime ministers of the Showa era, by the Grand Master of Urasenke and by many figures of the arts; it is one of the historic tea rooms of Chiba. Tea is enjoyed here with the seasons, amid the rich nature of Mount Kano.
- Days — Saturday, Sunday and the third Thursday of the month
- Hours — 10:00–17:00
- Location — Futtsu, Chiba
- Level — from complete beginners to advanced and okuden
Tokyo (by introduction)
For those who wish to study chanoyu seriously while keeping up with work and daily life. From the basic procedures through to full tea gatherings and chaji, the study goes as deep as you wish to take it.
- Days — designated days, Monday to Friday
- Hours — 10:00–18:20 / 19:00–21:00
- Location — Minato, Tokyo
- Level — beginner and intermediate
Funabashi (not accepting new students at present)
For those who would like to enjoy chanoyu as part of everyday life. In a quiet atmosphere, the basic movements are taught carefully from the beginning; it suits those studying tea for the first time.
- Days — the second Wednesday and Saturday of each month
- Hours — Wednesday 19:00–22:00 / Saturday 10:00–18:00
- Location — Funabashi, Chiba
- Level — advanced and above
Taught at your own level
Beginners
The names of the utensils and how to handle them, how to move and sit in a tatami room, how to receive a bowl of tea — everything from the beginning, carefully. Those who find sitting in seiza difficult, or who have never touched a tea utensil, are equally welcome.
Beginner and intermediate
Centred on the usucha and koicha procedures, the world of tea opens step by step: the utensils of the season, the hanging scroll, the flowers. At the intermediate level, study becomes comprehensive — practice at chaji and tea gatherings, the disposition of host and guest, the combining of utensils. There is no textbook; what is learnt is passed on by word of mouth from teacher to student. This is the threshold of okuden, where the essence of chanoyu begins to be known.
Advanced
Study turns towards becoming a teacher of chanoyu in the future, carrying the knowledge and skill gained at the intermediate level into the further okuden teachings.
Beyond advanced
The technique already acquired is deepened further, together with the spirit and the tradition of chanoyu.
What is studied in lessons
| Fundamentals | The culture of tea | In practice |
|---|---|---|
| Handling the bowl, the whisk and other utensils | The history of chanoyu | Tea gatherings |
| The basic procedures | Tea utensils | Chaji |
| The manners of a guest | Hanging scrolls and tea flowers | Tea served out of doors |
| Bearing and movement | Combining utensils with the season | The spirit of hospitality |
About the lessons
| Enrolment fee Not required for a trial lesson or for course students | 5,000 yen |
| Monthly fee | From 2,500 yen — varies by tea room |
| Trial lesson | 7,000 yen |
| Beginners’ course (six lessons) | From 47,000 yen — varies by tea room |
| Mizuya fee (paid yearly in advance) Not required for a trial lesson or for course students | From 12,000 yen — varies by tea room |
| Application for an Urasenke licence | Please enquire |
The Kanozan tea room follows the separate fee schedule set by the Kanozan Zen Youth Training Institute (a general incorporated foundation).
If you do not own tea utensils, we will advise you on what is needed.
Please also speak to us if sitting in seiza is difficult for you.
If you feel that chanoyu is not for you
Chanoyu has a long history and a great many rules. But there is no need to learn them all at the start. It is enough to begin by enjoying a single bowl of tea.
“I would like to try chanoyu.” “I would like to touch Japanese culture.” “I would like to move more beautifully.” That feeling is enough. Whatever your age or experience, this school aims to be a place where each person can enjoy chanoyu at their own pace.
Begin with a trial lesson
No special preparation is needed to begin. Handle the utensils, receive a bowl of tea, and see for yourself what a lesson is like. Those entirely new to chanoyu are most welcome.