Steam rises from a dark, textured pot in the foreground, with a wooden ladle resting beside it, against a dimly lit, wooden background.

Rinzai-ji Zen Center

Regular Okeiko

Special Event

LXCL:One time drop-in to enjoy tea ceremony and observe Okeiko

Tea 101: The Fundation of Usucha (Drop-In)

LXCL:A Mindfulness &amp; Tea ExperienceThe essence of Chanoyu is mindfulness. This special program begins with a guided meditation led by Myoren-san, offering an opportunity to quiet the mind, cultivate presence, and prepare for the tea experience.After meditation, you'll take part in a relaxed Chaji-inspired gathering, enjoying a traditional meal followed by both Koicha and Usucha. Rather than a hands-on practice class, this experience focuses on appreciating the spirit, hospitality, and beauty of Japanese tea culture. As a result, not every participant will have the opportunity to prepare tea.The program fee includes the meditation session, lunch, and both Koicha and Usucha.Time: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Introduction to Zazen & Chaji 7/25  10:00 - 15:00

LXCL:A Guided Beginner Series

Okeiko Tea Class 7/11/2026 9:00-12:00

Okeiko Tea Class 8/8/2026 9:00-12:30

Okeiko Tea Class 8/29/2026 9:00-12:30

LXCL:A Guided Beginner Series

Okeiko 9/12/2026 9:00 - 12:30

Okeiko 10/3/2026 9:00 - 12:30

Okeiko 10/3/2026 1:00pm- 3:00pm

Okeiko 10/10/2026 9:00 - 12:30

Okeiko 10/10/2026 1:00pm - 3:00pm

Okeiko 10/24/2026 9:00 - 12:30

Okeiko  10/24/2026  1:00pm - 3:00pm

Okeiko 11/14/2026 9:00 - 12:30

Okeiko 11/14/2026 1:00pm - 3:00pm

Okeiko 11/28/2026 9:00 - 12:30

Okeiko 11/28/2026 1:00pm - 3:00pm

LXCL:Last practice of 2026. Special Okeiko Invitation Only.

Okeiko  12/12/2026 9:00 - 12:30

LXCL:One time drop-in to enjoy tea ceremony and observe Okeiko. Please specify which day you would like to come.

Tea 101: Foundation of UsuchaRinzai-ji Tea Program Traditional Japanese Tea Practice with Asami Furugaki Rinzai-ji is pleased to offer Tea 101: Foundation of Usucha, a beginner-friendly introduction to the traditional Japanese Way of Tea (Chadō/Sadō), taught by tea instructor Asami Furugaki. As part of Rinzai-ji&rsquo;s ongoing efforts to preserve and share traditional Japanese culture, this program provides an opportunity to study the art, etiquette, and spirit of tea practice in an authentic tea room setting. Through tea, participants are invited to cultivate mindfulness, attention, hospitality, and appreciation for the present moment&mdash;values that are deeply connected to the Zen tradition. While our classes are open to all, they are designed to provide in-depth instruction in Chadō/Sadō, allowing students to learn the fundamental principles of the Japanese tea ceremony and practice Otemae*. However, even if you simply wish to experience the atmosphere of a traditional tea gathering and enjoy a bowl of tea, you are warmly welcome to participate. Tea 101: Foundation of Usucha is a guided 10-session beginner series designed to introduce participants step-by-step to the preparation of usucha (thin tea). Each session focuses on one new element, allowing students to gradually learn the complete procedure&mdash;from the fundamentals to a full tea preparation. The course also includes learning essential tea ceremony etiquette from the guest&rsquo;s perspective. Students may join the series at any time. Classes Tea 101: Foundation of Usucha A Guided Beginner Series Instructor: Asami Furugaki Location: Rinzai-ji Tea Room Dates: Please click the reservation link to view upcoming class dates and reserve your place. Time: 10:00 a.m. &ndash; 12:00 p.m. Class Fee * $30 &mdash; Tea 101 Instructional Class* $10 &mdash; Tea Gathering / Tea Enjoyment Drop-In Sign-Up Etiquette Please register online at least three days before the class. If you are registering within three days of the class, kindly contact us by email first. Attire Please wear a long skirt if possible and white socks or tabi. We discourage jeans and short skirts and kindly request the removal of jewelry and watches. Please refrain from wearing strong fragrances and secure long hair. Essential Tools Participants are encouraged to have a sensu (folding fan), fukusa (silk cloth), and kaishi (paper) for Okeiko. If you do not yet have these items, they are available for purchase upon request. About Otemae In the Japanese tea ceremony, Otemae refers to the formalized procedures and etiquette observed by both host and guests before, during, and after the serving of tea. It includes the preparation and purification of utensils, the handling of tea implements, and the respectful gestures and movements that create the atmosphere of harmony, respect, purity, and tranquility that characterize tea practice. We look forward to welcoming you to Rinzai-ji and sharing the artistry, discipline, and tranquility of the Japanese Way of Tea together.

Tea 101: Foundation of UsuchaRinzai-ji Tea Program Traditional Japanese Tea Practice with Asami Furugaki Rinzai-ji is pleased to offer Tea 101: Foundation of Usucha, a beginner-friendly introduction to the traditional Japanese Way of Tea (Chadō/Sadō), taught by tea instructor Asami Furugaki. As part of Rinzai-ji’s ongoing efforts to preserve and share traditional Japanese culture, this program provides an opportunity to study the art, etiquette, and spirit of tea practice in an authentic tea room setting. Through tea, participants are invited to cultivate mindfulness, attention, hospitality, and appreciation for the present moment—values that are deeply connected to the Zen tradition. While our classes are open to all, they are designed to provide in-depth instruction in Chadō/Sadō, allowing students to learn the fundamental principles of the Japanese tea ceremony and practice Otemae*. However, even if you simply wish to experience the atmosphere of a traditional tea gathering and enjoy a bowl of tea, you are warmly welcome to participate. Tea 101: Foundation of Usucha is a guided 10-session beginner series designed to introduce participants step-by-step to the preparation of usucha (thin tea). Each session focuses on one new element, allowing students to gradually learn the complete procedure—from the fundamentals to a full tea preparation. The course also includes learning essential tea ceremony etiquette from the guest’s perspective. Students may join the series at any time. Classes Tea 101: Foundation of Usucha A Guided Beginner Series Instructor: Asami Furugaki Location: Rinzai-ji Tea Room Dates: Please click the reservation link to view upcoming class dates and reserve your place. Time: 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Class Fee * $30 — Tea 101 Instructional Class* $10 — Tea Gathering / Tea Enjoyment Drop-In Sign-Up Etiquette Please register online at least three days before the class. If you are registering within three days of the class, kindly contact us by email first. Attire Please wear a long skirt if possible and white socks or tabi. We discourage jeans and short skirts and kindly request the removal of jewelry and watches. Please refrain from wearing strong fragrances and secure long hair. Essential Tools Participants are encouraged to have a sensu (folding fan), fukusa (silk cloth), and kaishi (paper) for Okeiko. If you do not yet have these items, they are available for purchase upon request. About Otemae In the Japanese tea ceremony, Otemae refers to the formalized procedures and etiquette observed by both host and guests before, during, and after the serving of tea. It includes the preparation and purification of utensils, the handling of tea implements, and the respectful gestures and movements that create the atmosphere of harmony, respect, purity, and tranquility that characterize tea practice. We look forward to welcoming you to Rinzai-ji and sharing the artistry, discipline, and tranquility of the Japanese Way of Tea together.

Rinzai-ji Zen Center

Tea 101: Foundation of Usucha

2505 Cimarron St

Tea 101: The Fundation of Usucha (Drop-In)

$10

Okeiko Tea Class 8/29/2026 9:00-12:30

$30

Okeiko 10/10/2026 9:00 - 12:30

$30

Okeiko 10/10/2026 1:00pm - 3:00pm

$30

Okeiko 10/24/2026 9:00 - 12:30

$30

Okeiko 10/24/2026 1:00pm - 3:00pm

$30

Okeiko 11/14/2026 9:00 - 12:30

$30

Okeiko 11/14/2026 1:00pm - 3:00pm

$30

Okeiko 11/28/2026 9:00 - 12:30

$30

Okeiko 11/28/2026 1:00pm - 3:00pm

$30

Okeiko 12/12/2026 9:00 - 12:30

$60

Tea 101: The Fundation of Usucha (Drop-In)

$10

Okeiko 10/3/2026 9:00 - 12:30

$30

Okeiko 10/3/2026 1:00pm- 3:00pm

$30

Okeiko 9/12/2026 9:00 - 12:30

$30

Okeiko Tea Class 8/8/2026 9:00-12:30

$30

Introduction to Zazen & Chaji 7/25 10:00 - 15:00

$60

Okeiko Tea Class 7/11/2026 9:00-12:00

$30

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