Year 2026 Enshu Memorial Tea Ceremony at Gokokuji Temple, March 22nd, 2026

Windsock fluttered in the blue sky. On a tranquil spring day, the Enshu Memorial Tea Ceremony was held at Gokoku-ji Temple.

The memorial service was held at the Chureido Hall. Ms. Miyata Sohkyu offered charcoal, Grand Master Kobori Sohho offered tea, and Mr. Kobori Sohshin served as an attendant. After the chanting of sutras and the offering of incense, the service concluded with a chant performed by Mr. Yoshiya Shimizu, a Noh actor of the Kanze school.

There were a total of six tea rooms. These included a thick tea ceremony in the Kaede-no-ma room hosted by Grand Master Sohho; a thick tea ceremony in the Socho-an room hosted by Mr. Watanabe Sohaku; a thin tea ceremony in the Gessou-ken room hosted by Mr. Maeda Sorei; a thin tea ceremony in the Fumai-ken room hosted by Mr. Kobori Soshin; a standing tea ceremony in the Sourai-an room hosted by Ms. Hanzawa Soei and Ms. Miyata Sohkyu; and a bancha tea ceremony in the Rasou-an room hosted by the Teikyo University Itabashi Campus Tea Ceremony Club.

Gokoku-ji Temple features a variety of tea rooms. Socho-an and Rasou-an, which are rarely used, became highlights this year.

The refreshments were provided by Kakiden; the bean rice had a spring-like flavor and was delicious.

Leaving behind the weeping cherry blossoms nearing full bloom, set off on our return journey.