I brought my two friends here to experience a tea ceremony, or better said, get a taste of the “way of the tea”. First thing you need to know is that the entrance to the school is like most Japanese gems a bit hidden in a residential area. It’s handy to bring a photo from the building from their website with you on your mobile phone.

When you enter the school you are greeted by multiple hosts in traditional clothing.

The experience is split up in three parts; a brief history of the history of tea, a demonstration of making the matcha tea and (if you want), making the tea yourself. This last part is optional if you don’t want to be the center of attention.

We had the pleasure of being taught by two well English spoken hosts in traditional clothing. You can sit on the tatami mats or take place on a pouf if you are not that flexible. It is also allowed to take pictures.

What really stood out is the fact it did not feel like a tourist trap where you are just one of many passing trough. You can ask questions at any time. Also, although the way of tea is taken very seriously (obviously), we had a few laughs en jokes as well. Seeing an expert making tea with gracious movements was fascinating. The atmosphere during the experience was very relaxing and tranquil. My friend actually said it was hard to imagine there was a busy city in rush hour just outside the front door.

At the end of the tour it is possible to buy some of the tea making appliances. We had an amazing experience and I really encourage anyone interested in Japanese culture to enjoy this experience..

From the first moment I stepped into the tea room, I felt I was in an authentic, local and traditional place. I met So Kay and her daughter Reina, who welcomed me with a warm smile. Before starting the tea ceremony they explained to me the history of it and the various parts of the ceremony. It was very beautiful and interesting; at the end, I also had the chance to try to make my own bowl of tea under their supervision. I am very happy and satisfied to have been able to participate in this experience, a memory that I will certainly carry with me forever since this was my first time in Japan. I thank Kay and Reina very much for their professionalism and availability in answering all my questions.

I recommend everyone to come here and experience the real way of the tea. Indeed, the main activity of Kay is to teach local people this art during all year; so you could not ask for a better teacher! I will definitely come back.

Thank You very much for The amazing experience we had today. We are all very grateful that we were able to get this opportunity to experience such exiting cultural aspects as well as gratefulness towards the things in life that are the most important. You were a superb host and we felt very welcome. Again thank you very much for giving us a once in a lifetime experience. 

My sister and I were looking for a traditional tea ceremony during our time in Hiroshima, and we are so happy that we found Kay! We had such a lovely time learning the cha do (way of tea) and getting the opportunity to make tea ourselves. Kay and her students were very knowledgeable in the tradition and welcoming and encouraging to us during the process. We will definitely be back on our next visit to Hiroshima and absolutely recommend this experience to anyone traveling here. Thank you again, Kay!

We met with Kay and Erica and experienced a Japanese Tea ceremony, also known as 'the way of Tea.' Understanding 'ChaDo' with Matcha tea was truly enlightening and enjoyable. Kay, the host, was incredibly friendly and knowledgeable, providing in-depth explanations about the history and significance of Japanese tea. Erica's demonstration of the tea-making process was both captivating and educational. It was a first-class participation experience that left me with a newfound appreciation for Japanese tea culture. I highly recommend Urasenke to anyone seeking an authentic and enriching tea experience.

We loved our tea ceremony with Kay . She was so nice and informative and her English was excellent. We learnt about the history, the process and we even made our own tea. It was a very relaxing and very authentic and intimate experience . Kay went above and beyond the class , she also gave us information about Japanese culture from the Sakura to the meaning of specific Japanese words. She even did some bilingual Japanese / English explanations for my daughter who is studying Japanese . I strongly recommend Kay’s tea ceremony. Thanks again Kay and see you next time !

I had a great experience at Kay’s place.
Learned history of tea ceremony, mindset and actual behaviors.
Most importantly, I had fun with a great meal and matcha!

Would recommend to anybody with any level of knowledge on tea including people who have never touched it.

Kay and her staff were very welcoming and made us feel at home. The ceremony was a moment of true and traditional Japan that we will carry forever in our hearts

Thank you so much! Both of us agreed that this was the most memorable experience during our 9 day stay in Japan. 

Thank you very much!

I had a wonderful experience practicing chado tea ceremony with other learners and Mrs. Kaneko. She spoke English with me which allowed me to learn even more as I can't speak Japanese. Thank you so much!

We had a truly pleasant time together with Kay Kaneko and her students. With her great knowledge in the art of Japanese tea ceremony and her very empathic teaching skills, we were able to get a glimpse into the Japanese culture and hospitality. All our questions were answered and the taste of the tea and the sweets was fantastic. We highly recommend to pay a visit to Kay if you visit Hiroshima.

Kay Kaneko was an excellent teacher of the Way of Tea. She and her assistant were endlessly hospitable! Every gesture was mesmerizing. We all felt more in tuned with this wonderful art form by the end of it. I would recommend this experience to anyone, there is so much to learn from the Way of Tea.

Thank you so so much, Kay! I had such a wonderful time enjoying Chado with you and your team- it was the perfect end to a wonderful trip. 

After your recommendation, I went to Miyajima yesterday! You are so right- SO beautiful. 

I'll be sure to come back if I'm back in Hiroshima one day. Best of luck to you (and your daughter!) in the meantime. Thank you again

We LOVED our experience with Kay and her staff. We were taught the historical relevance of the tea ceremony and were then able to experience it ourselves and even try our hand at it. Our time spent there was the highlight of our time in Hiroshima. Highly recommend!!

It was a wonderful experience and the staff were so kind and welcoming! Gave great insight into the history behind tea and the practice of preparing tea in Japan. Would definitely come again!

On arrival we were greeted by Kay and her colleagues, Erika, Eri, and Akiko. After traditional Japanese greetings we were ushered into a room for a tutorial by Kay on the history, implements and cultural significance of the Way of Tea (cho-da). Then into a different room which was set up for the actual service. Eri first presenting us with a sweet, then conducted the choreographed preparation, brewing and presentation of tea to the guests (us!), we were coached by Kay in the correct responses in Japanese each step of the way. It was very rewarding to taste matcha prepared by an expert, as we’d been searching for it in the first 5 days of our Japan trip. It of course was excellent with a refreshing grassy taste. Then the hard part - preparing a matcha tea for each other! We were under the tutelage of Erika who coached us through admirably and we each enjoyed our second cup. We came to Hiroshima to pay respects at the Peace Memorial and used the visit to Kay as an uplifting end to our stay in Hiroshima. I recommend it as a way to understand the importance of tea, an insight into the culture and to meet the wonderful Kay. By the way, pay attention to every move that the conductor of the service makes; it was like a dance. Recommended.