An afternoon with chadō: Tea demonstration

Discover the Japanese Way of Tea through matcha-making demonstrations and workshops expertly led by members of Tankokai UK, an association of tea practitioners of Urasenke School.

The Japanese Way of Tea or chadō boasts more than 400 years of history with many practitioners in Japan and all over the world. Considered a way to socialize, the practice of preparing and serving matcha tea to guests involves deep attention to isolated movements and gestures, an appreciation of the craft objects involved and how they are used in the process, and an awareness of the surrounding environment.

There are two ways to participate in this event. You may either attend the demonstration in the Hall only, or attend both the demonstration and the workshops with tasting. Kindly select your preferred option when making your booking.

Demonstration in the Hall

All tickets for this event include the introductory talk and chadō demonstration in the Hall. This lasts up to 40 minutes (including Q&As) and offers an opportunity to gain a better understanding of the values and significance of the Way of Tea. Admission to the demonstration in the Hall is free.

Workshop and tasting in the Tatami Room

In addition to the demonstration, there are a very limited number of spaces (10 per session) for combination tickets for purchase which include a workshop and tasting.

These ticket holders will be led to the intimate space of the Tatami Room upstairs in Japan House London and shown how to make a perfect bowl of matcha.
Guests will froth the tea using a bamboo tea whisk called chasen, before enjoying a bowl of rich and foamy matcha accompanied by Japanese sweets (wagashi), carefully selected according to the season. A member of Tankokai UK then provides an insight into the etiquette of tea gatherings and information about utensils such as tea bowls, kuromoji sticks and kaishi paper. The tastings are conducted in a casual, relaxed atmosphere and we encourage questions.

Tickets for the event are non-refundable. Please read our before purchasing your ticket.

Participants must be over 12 years old to take part in this event. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Please note that prior to entering the Tatami Room, participants will be asked to remove their shoes. Access is via an ascending a step. Inside the Tatami Room participants will be asked to sit on the floor (tatami mats) and move on their knees. To ensure the comfort of all participants, we recommend wearing socks and comfortable, non-restrictive clothing. If you have any concerns about accessing the Tatami Room or any other questions about your participation in this event, please or call on +44 (0)20 3972 7100. We will do our best to offer assistance and to make any necessary adjustments to allow everyone to enjoy this event.
Please note that sweets served during this event include soya, wheat, walnuts, sesame and milk. Please contact us online or call on +44 (0)20 3972 7100 if you are allergic to the above-mentioned ingredients.

Tankokai UK is formed mainly by practitioners of the Way of Tea. The UK Association activities started in 2009 with chadō presentations in schools. In 2011, Tankokai UK was officially launched in London by Urasenke XV Grand Master Genshitsu Sen. Tankokai Associations can be found around the world. Members support the Urasenke activities in their communities as well as deepen their knowledge of chadō through study groups and training.

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