WEA: Adult Learning
EXPERIENCE CHADO (JAPANESE TEA CEREMONY)
Japanese Cooking
Healthy Cooking

This class is presented by a qualified tea instructor from Japan. Students will learn an introductory knowledge of Chado; it’s history and fundamental characteristics, how to use special utensils and appreciate matcha tea. The teacher will give a demonstration of matcha tea making where students will learn how to whisk matcha tea correctly. These will be enjoyed with Japanese sweets.

Available Session Times - select from the following sessions:


Fees available for this course:(Which Fee?)
Standard: A$84.00

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Experience Chado (Japanese Tea Ceremony)

Course Description

Step into the serene world of Chado, the Japanese Way of Tea, in this introductory course led by a qualified tea instructor from the Urasenke School in Japan. 

Designed for beginners, this class offers a thoughtful introduction to the history, philosophy, and cultural significance of Chado, including key concepts such as Wabi Sabi – the appreciation of simplicity and imperfection. 

Students will also be introduced to the essential utensils used and gain insight into the rituals that have shaped this refined art form for centuries.

The tutor will demonstrate the correct method for preparing and whisking matcha tea, guiding participants through the process with care and clarity. 

Students will enjoy matcha paired with traditional Japanese sweets, offering a well-rounded, sensory experience. 

Whether you're curious about Japanese culture, seeking mindfulness through tradition, or simply love tea, this course provides a gentle and enriching introduction to Chado.

Course Structure

This is a lecture-style course with demonstrations by the tutor, covering the following topics:

  • What is Chado?
  • History of Chado
  • Tea Hut and its structure and meaning 
  • Four Spirits of Chado
  • How to bow
  • Matcha drinking etiquette
  • How to whisk
  • Demonstration of "Hira Temae Usucha Furo".

Course Learning Outcomes

After attending this course, students will be able to:

  • Understand the difference between Chado and the Japanese Tea Ceremony
  • Gain an understanding of the social conditions, culture, and lifestyle in Japan during the period when Chado developed
  • Grasp the fundamental spirit of Chado
  • Demonstrate the correct manners when drinking matcha
  • Prepare matcha and handle the utensils in the proper way.

Student Testimonials

"Eriko is very knowledgeable and patient. She explained Chado with skill and simplicity. Everyone was included. An outstanding experience."

"Very interesting, enjoyable and informative!"

"Informative and detailed information and presentation."

Your Tutor is Eriko Takefuji-Lawler

Eriko has been with the WEA since 2024.

Eriko is the only qualified Chado instructor belonging to the Urasenke School in South Australia. Urasenke is the biggest Japanese Tea Ceremony School in the world. She practices the threefold training of "Do (道), Gaku (学) and Jitsu (実)." Do (道) refers spiritual cultivation, Gaku (学) means the full spectrum of academic studies concerning the tea ceremony and Jitsu (実) is practicing the tea ceremony procedures. She enjoys researching and learning various aspects of Japanese culture, such as history, philosophy, Ikebana (Japanese traditional flower arrangement), and ceramics, deeping her practice of Chado.