Experience the Way of Tea at the Chandler Museum

Chanoyu at the Chandler Museum

This public tea gathering is will include two seatings, with a maximum of 15 participants per session. These tickets will include participation in the ceremony, including a tea and sweets tasting.

In addition, we will be offering a limited number of observer tickets. These tickets will inlcude observation of the ceremony, but not participation. If participant slots are not full, observers will be offered the opportunity to participate on a first-come-first-serve basis.

Join us to appreciate Japanese culture, community, and contemplation — and leave with a renewed sense of beauty, tranquility, and mindfulness.

Chanoyu – The Way of Tea

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.

Please Note:

Each tea seating accommodates up to 15 participants and 30 observers, and reservations are limited. As this is a public tea gathering, all guests who reserve the same time slot will share the experience together.

Our Chanoyu (Way of Tea) program invites guests to observe a period of quiet reflection during the tea ceremony. While complete silence is encouraged to honor the atmosphere of mindfulness and respect, a calm and respectful presence is most important.

The entire experience lasts approximately 1 hour.

Guests must be 12 years or older to participate.

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Host or Publisher Chandler Museum