Japanese Tea Ceremony Classes at Shofuso

Japanese tea ceremony (chanoyu or chado in Japanese) encompasses many of the traditional arts of Japan – ceramics, lacquer, bamboo carving and weaving, calligraphy, textiles, and more – while embracing the principles of Zen. Tea ceremony classes from Shofuso offer a unique opportunity to get hands-on experience practicing this centuries-old art in an authentic setting. Our teachers are licensed by the Urasenke school, headquartered in Kyoto, Japan, and each has over a decade of experience in chanoyu.

Beginner’s Course in Chanoyu*
This course will teach you to perform the simplest form of tea ceremony from beginning to end while covering the history and philosophy of the tea ceremony. Pre-registration required.
Time: Saturdays, 1:30 to 3:30
Duration: 12 weeks
Next class begins April, 2008
Fee: $350 (includes all needed materials)

To register, contact us at: info@shofuso.com or call 215-878-5097

We also offer advanced classes in tea ceremony for those who have studied before. Please inquire for more details.

*Physical considerations: Tea ceremony is performed in a kneeling position (seiza) on the floor. This position puts pressure on the knees and ankles. If you have leg problems that would prevent you from sitting this way even for short periods of time, you may not wish to take our standard class. Please contact us for information about alternatives.

Practicing tea ceremony involves drinking green tea and eating sweets. If you cannot consume caffeine or sugar, please let the teachers know in advance.

Attendance: Each class builds on the skills learned in the class before. If you miss a class, you will be responsible for catching up with the rest of the group. If classes are cancelled due to bad weather or other unforeseen circumstances, an extra week will be added to the end of the course as a makeup.

Cancellation policy: Pre-registration is required to hold your place in class. You may cancel for a full refund at any time before the class begins, or after the first class. After the second class, no refunds will be issued except in the case of personal emergencies.