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 free demonstration in the Hall only, or attend both the demonstration and an intimate (paid) workshop with tasting. Kindly select your preferred option (if available) when making your booking. Spaces for the workshop are extremely limited.

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.

Workshop and tasting in the Tatami Room

In addition to the demonstration, there are a very limited number of spaces (10 per session) for combined tickets 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 chasen (a bamboo tea whisk), before enjoying a bowl of rich and foamy matcha accompanied by wagashi, Japanese sweets, 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 Terms and Conditions for Event Tickets before purchasing your ticket.

Participants must be over 12 years old to take part in this event.

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 contact us online 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 the event on 27 September include chestnuts. Please contact us online or call on +44 (0)20 3972 7100 if you are allergic to the above-mentioned ingredients.  

Please note that filming and photography may take place at this event. Photos and footage of the event may then be used to promote Japan House London, helping more people to discover what we offer. If you have any concerns, please contact us online or contact a member of the team on site.

Event Schedule:

Saturday 27 September 2025, 14:00, 15:30 Saturday (Bookings open at 10:00 on Friday 12 September)

Saturday 13 December 2025, 14:00, 15:30 (Bookings open on 28 November)

Saturday 28 February 2026, 14:00, 15:30 (Bookings open on 13 February)

About the speakers

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.