Foundations of Japanese Culture
(3-Month Course)
Duration: 60—90 min ｜ 6 sessions | Small-group course | Minimum enrollment: 3 participants
Full payment— $340 for all 6 sessions
Monthly payment— $114 × 3 months ($342 total)
Fee:
The Foundations of Japanese Culture course is a three-month cultural program designed to build a structured understanding of Japanese culture through everyday life, etiquette, seasonal awareness, aesthetics, and tea culture.
This is not a course in the procedures or practice of Senchado (the art of Sencha). Rather, it focuses on the customs, ideas, and cultural background that have developed and been passed down in Japan.
For those studying Senchado, the course provides helpful context for understanding etiquette, seasonal arrangements, aesthetics, and the cultural ideas behind hospitality. It is equally suitable for those who are not planning to study Senchado and simply wish to deepen their understanding of Japanese culture.
Course Content
The specific topics covered in each term vary according to the season, the time of year, and the interests of the participants.
Through subjects such as everyday Japanese customs, etiquette, seasonal awareness, aesthetics, and tea culture, students will gradually develop a broader understanding of Japanese culture.
An overview of the topics planned for each term will be provided when you inquire about the course.
Lesson Format
Each session combines a cultural lecture, questions and discussion, and simple hands-on activities.
The course explores not only historical background, but also the ways traditional ideas and cultural practices continue to appear in everyday life and traditional arts in Japan today.
Japanese tea culture and Senchado may also be discussed as part of the course, but this is not practical Senchado training. The emphasis is on understanding cultural background, values, and ways of thinking.
Who This Course Is For
Those who would like to better understand Japanese customs and etiquette
Those interested in studying Senchado or other Japanese traditional arts within their cultural context
Those interested in Japanese seasonal awareness, aesthetics, and traditions of hospitality
Those preparing to study, stay, or travel in Japan with a particular interest in Japanese culture
Course Features
Small-group, three-month course consisting of six sessions
Seasonal curriculum that varies by term
Repeat enrollment welcome
Certificate of Completion for students who complete all six sessions
Make-up sessions may be arranged when possible
Because the themes and materials vary by season and term, previous participants are welcome to enroll again.
Course Availability
This course is generally offered during the Spring and Fall terms.
To preserve the small-group learning format, the course will open when three or more participants have enrolled.
If minimum enrollment is not reached, a private format may be available for those who would still like to take the course, depending on scheduling and availability.
Please check the Class Schedule for the latest course dates and availability.
Completion Certificate
A Certificate of Completion from Eri's Senchado School will be issued to students who complete all six sessions.
Students who choose the monthly payment option are also eligible for the certificate upon completion of the full course.
Reservation & Payment
Please review the current class schedule and send your reservation request by email, including the class you would like to attend.
After reviewing your request, I will confirm availability and provide an overview of the topics planned for that term.
An invoice will then be sent to you through Square. Your reservation will be confirmed once payment has been received.
No payment is required when submitting your reservation request.
If you have questions about enrollment, scheduling, or the minimum number of participants required for the course, please contact me.
Sample schedule from 2026 Spring Term
Wednesday Class
January 14, 1:00 pm
January 29, 1:00 pm
February 4, 1:00 pm
February 18, 1:00 pm
March 4, 1:00 pm
March 25, 1:00 pm
Saturday Class
January 17, 2:00 pm
January 31, 2:00 pm
February 7, 2:00 pm
February 21, 2:00 pm
March 7, 2:00 pm
March 28, 2:00 pm
If you have any schedule concerns, please feel welcome to inquire. Adjustments may be accommodated when arranged in advance.
The next course is planned for Spring 2027.
Updated dates and details will be posted here once the schedule is confirmed.
If you are interested in a future course, please feel free to inquire.
Private lessons may also be available depending on scheduling and availability.
Related Study
If you are also interested in Senchado, please see: