Kobori Enshu-ryu Tea Offering Ceremony at Kashima Shrine, June 14, 2026

​On a Sunday blessed with a break in the rainy season, the Kobori Enshu School held a tea offering ceremony at Kashima Jingu Shrine.

The ceremony took place on an outdoor stage, where Mr. Sasaki Sōichi, Vice President of the Shōrai-kai, performed the tea offering with a solemn and dignified temae (tea preparation).

Prior to the formal offering, a tea service was held for shrine visitors. A demonstration of the tea preparation was performed using a ryūrei-style table (designed for standing or sitting on chairs) and a glass mizusashi (fresh water container)—a selection of utensils perfectly suited to the early summer season.

Following the naorai (post-ceremony reception), we departed, leaving behind the beautiful, fresh greenery of the Kashima Jingu forest as we made our way home.