Chanoyu

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Also known as chado, chanoyu is often referred to in English as the Japanese tea ceremony. This contemplative and communal art form has been cultivated over centuries, refining both the physical movements and mental discipline required for each tea gathering.

The word chanoyu means “hot water for tea,” but it represents much more. As beautifully described by the Urasenke school:

“...the Way of Tea concerns the creation of the proper setting for that moment of enjoyment of a perfect bowl of tea. Everything that goes into that serving of tea, even the quality of the air and the space where it is served, becomes a part of its flavor. The perfect tea must therefore capture the 'flavor' of the moment — the spirit of the season, of the occasion, of the time, and of the place. The event called chaji — that is, a full tea gathering — is where this takes place, and where the Way of Tea unfolds as an exquisite, singular moment in time shared by the participants.” – Urasenke Konnichian

A key concept in chanoyu is the phrase ichigo-ichie (一期一会), meaning “one time, one meeting.” This expresses the deep awareness that each moment is unique and will never occur again in the same way. Every tea gathering is, therefore, a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

As the current Grand Master (Iemoto) of Urasenke, Sen Soshitsu XVI, explains:

"Ichigo-ichie is simply a matter of taking in everything we encounter, touch, hear, see, and feel around us, moment to moment, without pretense."

This spirit encourages participants to approach the tea gathering with sincerity, mindfulness, and gratitude, whether they are seasoned practitioners or first-time guests.

At the Japanese Friendship Garden, we welcome all to experience chanoyu with an open heart, embracing each moment as a treasured encounter. $110. 8:40 AM, 9:40 AM, 10:40 AM & 12:10 PM

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