Urasenke Konnichian of Kyoto, Japan is one of three major establishments that have preserved and furthered the rich cultural tradition known as chanoyu, or the Way of Tea. Indeed, the first generation of Urasenke, Sen Rikyu (1522-1591), was a seminal figure in the transition of the Way of Tea from a medieval practice to its modern form. The principles of chanoyu that Rikyu enumerated—wa [peace], kei [respect], sei [purity], jaku [tranquility]—have remained the foundation of this cultural form for over four hundred years.

The Urasenke Foundation was established in May of 1949, by the fourteenth generation master Tantansai. Thus began an unprecedented committment to advancement of the Way of Tea, sparked by the realization that although the Way of Tea is a distinctly Japanese cultural form, its basis is a set of values and concepts that could be followed by anyone, regardless of nationality.

In 1964, Tantansai’s son Hounsai Genshitsu succeeded to leadership of the Urasenke Tradition. His experiences as a student overseas and his friendships with many non-Japanese convinced him of the validity of his father’s ideas. Under his guidance, the Urasenke Foundation has made great strides, especially in the international sponsorship of the Way of Tea.

The Urasenke Foundation has donated educational materials to numerous cities, universities, museums, and other institutions. But things alone can only begin to convey the philosophy of Tea. Beginning in 1964, the Urasenke Foundation has trained qualified tea instructors and sent them to teach the Urasenke Tradition of Chanoyu outside Japan.

Over the years Urasenke offices have been established in twenty-one cities worldwide. A major contribution to Tea in the West is the New York Chanoyu Center, re-dedicated in 1981 upon completion of tearooms and other faciltities in an historic building on East 69th Street. Also in 1981 the Foundation established a presence in San Francisco. The Urasenke Foundation San Francisco maintains a beautiful tearoom in the heart of North Beach. In addition, the Urasenke Foundation provides support to many, many small Urasenke Associations on every continent.

Intensive study is offered to individuals at the Urasenke Chado Senmon Gakko, an institute of higher learning at the Urasenke Headquarters in Kyoto Japan. A special training center for non-Japanese students comprises part of this institute.The Foundation has published Chanoyu Handbook One and Two, as well as eighty-eight volumes of the journal Chanoyu Quarterly: Tea and the Arts of Japan, and an Urasenke Newsletter in efforts to make information about the Way of Tea available in English.

Zabosai Genmoku Soshitsu (b. 1956) succeeded his father as sixteenth generation master of the Urasenke Tradition in December 2002. He is dedicated to teaching Tea and organizing groups and tea activities throughout Japan and the world. His sponsorship with his late brother Izumi Sosho of a major exhibition of works of art for Tea, titled the New Way of Tea, in New York City in 2002, has already been mentioned.

The grounds of the Urasenke house have been designated an Important Cultural Property by the Japanese government. Within are many historic tearooms dating from the time of Sen Sotan, the third generation. In fact, Sotan planted a ginko tree next to the Yuin tearoom which survives to this day. Thus the ginko has become a well known emblem of the Urasenke Tradition.

Across the street from the main entrance, called Kabuto mon for its resemblance to a helmet, is the Chado Kaikan where students of Tea meet daily to study. Built in 1952, this building features many tearooms and gardens used as classrooms and for serving guests. Another building of tearooms used for educational purposes, slightly north of main quarters, was inaugurated in 1983.

Facing on to Horikawa Street is a six-story building that houses the offices of the Urasenke Foundation. It also holds the Chado Research Center and a large gallery for exhibitions each spring and fall. The exhibitions are often accompanied by superb catalogues with thought-provoking essays. The Konnichian Library on the second floor of the building has an extensive collection. The top floor is home to Kyoshinan Temple, which provides a hall for Zen meditation.