Meet your Tea Ceremony Instructor
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Aki Goto
Urasenke Tea Ceremony Associate Professor · Tea Name: Soshu
Welcome to Kyoto Urasenke Tea Ceremony School Aki.
Based in Kyoto — the historic heart of the Japanese tea ceremony — I share the beauty and spirit of Chanoyu with people from around the world.
My students range from preschool children and university students to business professionals, seniors, and international visitors, many of whom are experiencing tea ceremony for the very first time.
Before becoming a tea instructor, I worked for ten years at a major financial institution after earning degrees from Nara Women’s University and Hitotsubashi University. During those busy years, tea ceremony became my place of calm. Through every bowl of tea, I discovered that Chanoyu is more than a traditional art — it is a practice of mindfulness, respect, and appreciation for the present moment.
That experience inspired me to establish Kyoto Urasenke Tea Ceremony School Aki in 2021. My mission is to make authentic Japanese tea culture welcoming and accessible to everyone, regardless of age, nationality, or previous experience.
Whether you visit Kyoto or join from overseas through our online lessons, I hope you will discover not only the techniques of tea ceremony, but also the quiet joy and human connection that have been treasured in Japan for centuries.
I look forward to welcoming you and sharing a bowl of tea together.
Profile
- B.A., Nara Women’s University (2008)
- M.A., Hitotsubashi University (2010)
- Professional career at a major financial institution (2010–2020)
- Certified Associate Professor, Urasenke School of Tea (2020)
- Founded Kyoto Urasenke Tea Ceremony School Aki (2021)
- Lifetime Instructor Member, Urasenke Tankokai
Major Achievements
- Research Collaboration (Kyoto Institute of Technology)
- Tea Ceremony Instruction (Kyoto City Municipal Kindergartens, Maserati, Panasonic Homes, and other companies)
- Tea Ceremony Lectures on Overseas Tours (Kinki Nippon Tourist Blue Planet, etc.)
Experience the Spirit of Japanese Tea Ceremony
Authentic Tea Ceremony Experiences from Kyoto to the World.
Based in Kyoto, we offer traditional Japanese tea ceremony experiences, private lessons, cultural workshops, and corporate programs. Whether in Japan or overseas, we bring the beauty and spirit of Chado to people around the world.
Available for:
Private Tea Lessons
On-site Workshops
Corporate & Executive Programs
University Collaborations
Online Tea Ceremony Lessons
About Us
We are a tea ceremony school based in Kyoto, the heart of Japanese traditional culture.
Our mission is not only to teach the techniques of preparing matcha, but also to share the philosophy of Wa, Kei, Sei, Jaku (Harmony, Respect, Purity and Tranquility) with people from diverse cultures.
Over the years, we have provided tea ceremony experiences and educational programs for international visitors, luxury restaurants, private companies, universities, and cultural organizations throughout Japan.
We are now expanding our activities internationally and welcome opportunities to introduce authentic Japanese tea culture around the world.
Our Services
Tea Ceremony Experiences
Traditional tea ceremony experiences for individuals, families, and groups.
Tea Ceremony Lessons
Regular lessons for beginners through advanced practitioners, available in person and online.
On-site Tea Ceremony
We travel to your location to conduct tea ceremony demonstrations, workshops, and cultural events.
Suitable for:
Fine Dining Restaurants
Corporate Events
International Conferences
Schools & Universities
Cultural Festivals
VIP Hospitality Programs
Corporate & Executive Programs
A unique cultural experience that promotes mindfulness, hospitality, and Japanese aesthetics for business professionals.
University Collaborations
We have extensive experience collaborating with universities through lectures, cultural exchange programs, and hands-on tea ceremony workshops for international students.
Online Tea Ceremony Lessons
Learn the Way of Tea from anywhere in the world through live online sessions.
Sharing the Spirit of Chado Beyond Japan
We believe that tea ceremony is a universal language of hospitality, mindfulness, and human connection.
Our goal is to bring authentic Japanese tea culture to people around the world through workshops, demonstrations, educational programs, and international cultural exchange.
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