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While many cultures around the world practice some type of tea ceremony, none are as meticulous and detail-oriented as the Japanese tea ceremony of Urasenke. But where did this ancient tea ceremony come from, and why does it take a lifetime to master? It's time to experience one of Japan's oldest traditional tea ceremonies, from the comfort of your living room.
Join New York Adventure Club as we embark on a virtual journey through the customs and traditions of the Japanese tea ceremony of Urasenke, one of the main schools of Japanese tea ceremony.
Led by Marybeth & Philip, two Tea Masters of Urasenke at the Urasenke Chanoyu Center (UCC) — a private organization established in 1967 to promote the rich cultural tea tradition of Urasenke in New York City and teach its members how to master this ancient tradition over the course of 10-15 years — our unique and relaxing virtual experience will include:
Afterward, we'll have a Q&A with Marybeth & Philip — any and all questions about Urasenke and Japanese tea ceremonies are welcomed and encouraged!
Can't make it live? Don't worry, you'll have access to the full replay for one week!
See you there, virtually!
*Immediately upon registering, you will receive a separate, automated email containing the link to join this webinar
**For the best possible viewing experience, please ensure you're using the latest version of your internet browser — Google Chrome is the most compatible. Exact technical requirements and a webinar user guide will be shared in the automated confirmation email upon registration.
***A full replay of the experience will be available to all registered guests for up to a week
About Marybeth & Philip
Marybeth is a Japanese tea sweet (Wagashi) confectioner and Tea Ceremony Instructor who has been studying the Japanese Tea Ceremony for nearly four decades. She has performed Tea gatherings and presented on Japanese cuisine related to tea ceremony throughout the tri-state area for almost as long.
Philip holds a Master's degree in art history focused on Japanese architecture, and is a student of Tea for over 15 years. Part of his Tea education included a year-long fellowship at the Urasenke Gakuen Professional College of Chado in Kyoto, Japan.
Both Marybeth and Philip are certified instructors of the Urasenke Chado Tradition as granted by the Urasenke Grandmaster in Kyoto, Japan.
Matcha Kits (Optional)
If you would like to make matcha at home with us, you have several options depending on your budget and aesthetic preferences. We recommend several shops that have a physical storefront in New York and are also selling online, but you are welcome to search for other options. If you go to somewhere beyond our recommendations, please make sure you are not buying matcha intended to be used in a latte, or for baking/culinary purposes.
Beyond matcha, the other utensil which is very hard to find a substitute for at home is the bamboo chasen tea whisk. Some people have used a handheld milk frother to a modicum of success.
In order of importance, what you should look for to make matcha at home is:
This kit from Kyoto’s Ippodo has everything you need.
This kit includes everything except for the bowl.
This kit from In Pursuit of Tea offers tea from another well-established Japanese producer (Marukyu Koyamaen), but it doesn’t come with a sifter.
This kit is the same as above but without a bowl.
In addition to the above shops, several other places in New York offer matcha, chasen, chawan, and other utensils as separates:
Kettl: https://kettl.co/collections/matcha-green-tea
Tea Dealers (operates 29B Teahouse): https://www.teadealers.com/collections/matcha
Setsugekka: https://www.setsugekkany.com/online-shop/matcha/
Matchaful: https://www.matchaful.com/pages/shop-now
Outside of New York, there are also several options for kits:
Mizuba matcha (kit sold out as of writing, but parts still available):
Harney & Sons (Matcha sold separately)
Tea Dogu (sifter sold separately):
There are also many vendors that ship directly from Japan to the United States, but at this time there are severe shipping delays, so please search and purchase at your own risk.
Many shops also sell in their kits and separately “chasen naoshi.” These ceramic or wooden objects help chasen to keep their shape when not in use. They do their job, but are not a necessity to make good matcha. You can also reshape a chasen yourself after wetting the tines thoroughly and using your fingers to press gently where the tines meet the handle.
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