Practice That Leads to a Full Tea Gathering — At Chitose Ruri-an

Practical training to learn the essence of Chanoyu

Step by step, toward the art of heartfelt hospitality through a formal tea gathering

In the past, the word chaji (tea gathering) referred to Chanoyu itself. Today, it typically denotes a formal occasion for hospitality, accompanied by a full-course kaiseki meal. A chaji is the culmination of one’s tea practice — the ultimate setting in which the spirit and skills of Chanoyu are most fully expressed.

At Chitose Rurian, our lessons emphasize practical content with the goal of preparing students to serve as both host and guest at a chaji. Following the style of instruction used in the grand master’s teachings, each session focuses on a specific theme, covering essential elements such as charcoal procedure (sumitemae), display and preparation of the tea room (kazari), thin tea (usucha), and thick tea (koicha).

The first session included the initial charcoal setting (shozumi), flower arrangement, and usucha procedure. I've heard that some teachers no longer include charcoal practice because of the high cost of charcoal today — but I believe it is an essential element of tea and should be practiced whenever possible.