FAQ
Common questions, answered plainly.
Booking and confirmation
- How does reservation work?
- Pick a date and time on the reservation page and submit your details. You'll receive an acknowledgement email immediately, then a confirmation email with a Stripe payment link once we've reviewed it. Payment locks in your seat.
- Why two emails?
- We host one party at a time and review each request personally to make sure we can give the date its due. The acknowledgement is instant; the confirmation usually follows within a few hours.
- How far in advance can I book?
- Up to three months. Same-week requests are sometimes possible — ask.
Language
- Is the ceremony hosted in English?
- Yes. The host speaks English fluently and conducts the entire ceremony — narration, Q&A, everything — in English. Japanese guests are equally welcome; the ceremony can be hosted in Japanese as well.
- Will I need to know any Japanese?
- No. You don't need to know any Japanese to attend or enjoy the ceremony. A few words you may hear (otemae, wagashi, chawan) will be explained as we go.
Payment
- When do I pay?
- After we send the confirmation email with the Stripe payment link. You are not charged when you submit the request.
- Which cards do you accept?
- Visa, Master, Amex, JCB. We use Stripe Payment Links, billed in JPY.
- Will my UK or US bank charge a fee?
- Most cards charge a small foreign-transaction fee on JPY. We can't waive that. The amount your bank shows in your local currency may differ slightly from the JPY total because of the exchange rate.
- Why JPY and not USD?
- It's the simplest for us and the most accurate for you — your bank applies its own exchange rate, which is usually better than ours would be.
The experience
- Is this the same ceremony Japanese guests attend?
- Yes. Same form, same temae, same wagashi, same utensils — the Urasenke tradition our host has practiced for twenty-five years. The only thing we change for international guests is the language.
- What should I wear?
- Comfortable, neutral, lightly formal — nothing flashy. White or light socks are traditional and help on the tatami. We don't lend kimono.
- Can I take photos?
- Quietly, between movements. The host will tell you when.
- How long does it take?
- About sixty minutes for the ceremony itself. Allow another fifteen minutes either side.
Cancellation
- What's the cancellation policy?
- Payment is taken in advance. 7 or more days before: full refund. 3–6 days before: 50% refund. 2 days or less (including no-shows): 80% cancellation fee. Refunds are processed via the original Stripe charge.
- What if you cancel?
- Full refund and an apology. Rare, but it does happen — typhoons, illness.
Access
- Where is the tea room?
- Sengoku, Bunkyō-ku, Tokyo. Five minutes' walk from Sengoku station on the Toei Mita line. The exact address is sent with the booking confirmation.
- Is it accessible?
- There are two small steps at the entrance. Tell us on the form if mobility is a concern and we'll make it work.