It begins
before the first bowl.
Feel the seasons, think of others,
and learn the way of tea.
A Seasonal Greeting — October
Autumn deepens with each cool morning and evening. The furo (brazier) season is drawing to a close, and at Senrakuan we are savoring its last days with nakaoki lessons. Next month brings robiraki, the opening of the sunken hearth.
October 2026 — Narahara Sōri
What We Value at Senrakuan
Tea ceremony is more than learning the procedures of a temae. It is a slow cultivation of care for others and of sensitivity to the passing seasons.
At Senrakuan, we see everything as part of practice: the spirit of welcoming guests, the seasonal arrangement of the room, the work in the mizuya (preparation room), and our ties with fellow students.
Rather than competing to improve, we respect one another and grow together.
Through tea, we face others, the seasons, and ourselves. We hope that these small steps, taken one after another, bring richness to everyday life.
We warmly welcome those who:
・would like to enjoy seasonal arrangements, tea flowers and Japanese sweets
・wish to learn not only temae but also chaji and mizuya work
・value the bonds formed by learning together
・hope to pursue one thing carefully, over many years
Whether you are new to tea or returning after a long break, you are most welcome.
Lessons at Senrakuan
In lessons, we repeat temae and movements again and again. Memorizing the steps is not the only goal. Through repetition, a feeling for the seasons and a courtesy that thinks of the guest gradually take root.
At Senrakuan, students experience together not only the temae in the tearoom, but also the preparations guests never see and the roles they take on in a chaji (formal tea gathering).
Repeating the Temae
From handling the utensils to posture and movement, Sōri-sensei watches closely and guides each student at their own pace.
Work Behind the Scenes
Cleaning the utensils, arranging the charcoal, preparing the sweets. In a tearoom with its own mizuya, the work behind the scenes is part of practice too.
Taking Roles in a Chaji
In our chaji lessons, held three times a year, students take turns as host, main guest and last guest, coming to know tea from both sides of hospitality.
Narahara Sōri
Drawn to tea in her twenties, she trained for about twenty years before opening a school in her home tearoom, Senrakuan, in 2020. She holds the Omotesenke Bonten certificate and an instructor qualification, and hopes to share the joy of tea passed down from her own teacher.
Trial Lesson & Fees
If you are new to tea, please begin with a tea experience. You can see the tearoom and our lessons for yourself before deciding to join.
Tea Experience ¥4,500
Japanese sweets and usucha (thin tea), basic practice, and watching a temae. About 1.5 hours; all utensils are provided. You are welcome to come with friends.
Monthly Lessons ¥12,000
Three lessons a month. ¥11,000 for those aged 30 and under. No enrollment fee; the mizuya fee is included. Children's class (ages 6–15): ¥9,000 per month.
Chaji & Advanced Lessons
Chaji lessons: three times a year, ¥48,000 (including preparatory lessons). Advanced (sōden) lessons: once a month, with fees depending on the content. Non-members are also welcome.
Everyday Moments
Not only lessons, but tea gatherings, museum visits, seasonal events and life with our dog — everyday moments shared on Instagram (@senrakuan).
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. I have no experience. Is that all right?
Yes. Most students at Senrakuan began with no experience of tea ceremony.
Q. What should I bring to the tea experience?
Nothing at all. All utensils are provided.
Q. When are lessons held?
There are classes on Sunday afternoons, Tuesday evenings and weekday afternoons. For the weekday afternoon class, the next month's dates are arranged together each month.
Q. I find sitting in seiza difficult. Is that all right?
We ask you to sit in seiza while performing a temae and, as a guest, until you have received your tea. At other times, please sit comfortably. Seiza stools are also available to borrow.
Q. Is there a dress code?
Kimono is recommended, but Western clothes are fine. If you wear Western clothes, please bring a pair of white socks. Jeans and tight skirts are not suited to seiza, so please choose loose, comfortable clothing.
Q. Can I join in English?
Yes, guidance in English is available. Please feel free to ask.
Sendagi, Tokyo
7 minutes' walk from Nishi-Nippori Station and about 10 minutes from Sendagi Station. A private house in a quiet residential area. Detailed directions will be sent by email after you book.
A bowl of tea awaits you in our tearoom.
For tea experiences, joining, or chaji lessons, please feel free to get in touch.
© Senrakuan 千楽庵