How To

FAQ

  • 1

    How much does it cost to learn our tea ceremony?

    There is an introductory fee for getting started and the cost of continuing the practice. Both are different depending on the teachers. If you participate in the chakai or chaji (tea gathering) etc., the participation fee is also necessary.
    ・Cost required for introduction The introductory fees include the first tuition fee as well as the fee for purchasing the minimum required practice tools such as sensu (folding fan), fukusa (silk wrapper for purifying utensils), kashi-kiri (confectionery cutter), kaishi (paper: about 15 cm square. In the tea room, you can use them as a substitute for a plate to place sweets, to wipe the tea bowls after you have finished the drink, or to use them when you wipe up spills).

    As for the expenses required to continue practice, there are a number of fee systems. Please ask the teachers for details.

  • 2

    I am uneasy because it is my first time.

    Everyone is a beginner at first. The teachers were all beginners once. If you have any questions or concerns, you can ask your teacher or ask a question in the contact form (generally Japanese Only) in our website.

  • 3

    I'm not good at sitting on tatami, but is it OK?

    It is true that there are many people who feel that it is painful the first time sitting. However, through the practice, you will be able to sit gradually for thirty minutes or an hour. Some teachers will also be able to teach ryu-rei (tea ceremony with table and chair).

  • 4

    What kind of clothes should I wear for my practice?

    Any clothes are acceptable, but jeans and miniskirts are not recommended. Please wear clean white socks when you enter the tea room. Watches, earrings, necklaces, and other ornaments may damage the tea utensils, so be sure to remove them before entering the tea room. For more information, please ask your teacher.

  • 5

    How long is the lesson time?

    It is about twenty minutes at the elementary stage, but it is about forty minutes to one hour for more advanced stages.

  • 6

    Can I visit the school?

    The schools which are introduced on Our Schools page accept trial visits. Please look for a tea school which is convenient and call. If you do not think that the school is suitable, please contact a different school before getting started.

  • 7

    I learned in a different style before. Can I still get an introduction to the Kobori-Enshu-ryu?

    You are very welcome. There are a lot of people who moved from another sect to our school.

  • 8

    What is the difference between Kobori-Enshu-ryu and other schools?

    The tea ceremony was divided after Rikyu into two forms. Buke-cha (samurai form) and non buke-cha (civilian form). The Kobori-Enshu-ryu belongs to buke-cha which was founded by Oribe, the teacher of Kobori Enshu and which is said to be the tea ceremony of samurai.
    The uniqueness of the Kobori-Enshu-ryu can be found in the tea ceremony itself as well as in the tea tools also. For example we put fukusa on the right waist.

  • 9

    I'd like to read about Kobori-Enshu-ryu in a book, can you recommend any related books?

    There are many books on it including books written by the fifteenth Master Kobori Sotsu.

  • 10

    I am a foreigner, but can I get started?

    You are very welcome. We want to spread the tradition of Japan culture overseas widely. Some of you may have already practiced.