Site Policy

1. Introduction

This page outlines the policies of Eri's Senchado School, including privacy, terms of use, class and payment policies, and tearoom etiquette.
Our aim is to provide a safe, respectful, and welcoming environment for all participants.

2. Privacy Policy

Eri's Senchado School respects your privacy. Personal information collected through this website —including your name, email address, and payment details — is used solely for communication, class registration, and secure payment processing.

Information We Collect

  • Name and contact information

  • Class registration details

  • Payment information processed through our secure payment provider (Square)

How We Use Your Information

  • Communicating with you about classes and events

  • Processing payments

  • Improving website performance and user experience

Third-Party Services

Square is used exclusively for secure payment processing.

We do not sell or share your personal information with third parties.

Data Protection

We take reasonable measures to safeguard personal information collected through this site.


3. Terms of Use & Disclaimer

Purpose of Website

All information on this website is provided for educational and informational purposes related to Ogasawara-ryu Senchado.

Changes to Classes and Fees

Class contents, fees, schedules, and policies may change without notice.

Participant Responsibility

Registering for any class or event indicates your agreement to follow all etiquette, safety guidelines, and class policies of Eri's Senchado School.

Disclaimer

Eri's Senchado School assumes no responsibility for losses or damages resulting from the use of this website or participation in any programs.


4. Copyright & Image Use

Ownership of Content

All text, photographs, designs, and materials on this website — including the official logo of Eri's Senchado School — are the property of Eri's Senchado School unless otherwise stated.

All written content on this website — including the Senchado introduction and the instructor biography — is the original work of Eri's Senchado School. Unauthorized reproduction, copying, or adaptation of any text from this website is strictly prohibited.

Prohibited Use

The following actions are strictly prohibited without written permission:

  • Copying or redistributing content

  • Editing or altering images

  • Using the logo for any personal or commercial purpose

5. Class & Payment Policies


5.1 Reservation & Payment


To ensure a smooth and secure reservation process, all payments are processed via Square Invoice.

Reservation Process

  1. Submit your reservation request by email using the class page's “Send Reservation Request” button.

  2. Your request will be reviewed, and availability will be confirmed.

  3. A Square Invoice will be sent to you after confirmation.

  4. Your reservation is formally confirmed once payment has been received.

  5. Unpaid invoices are automatically voided after the due date noted in the invoice.

Payment Methods

All class payments are completed through Square Invoice.

If you are unable to use Square due to specific circumstances, please contact us before submitting your reservation request so we may advise you on available options.

Non-Acceptable & Conditional Methods

  • Venmo is no longer accepted for class payments.

  • Cash or check payments are available only for continuing students and only with prior approval.

  • These options are not available to first-time students.

Reservation Window

To allow proper preparation for each class, reservations must be made at least 48 hours in advance.
Requests cannot be accepted after this time.

Class-specific deadlines may apply for certain multi-session courses and will be noted on each course's individual page.

5.2 Courses & Programs


The following policies apply to all classes offered at Eri's Senchado School, including:

  • Cultural Introduction to Senchado

  • Trial Lesson

  • Regular Class - Continuing Study

  • Private Lessons

  • Private Group Lessons

  • Foundations of Japanese Culture (3-Month Course)

Class Participation

  • We welcome adult learners and high school students.

  • Children below high school age are not permitted to attend or observe class sessions.

  • All participants are expected to follow the etiquette and safety guidelines described in Section 6 to maintain a respectful and harmonious learning environment.

Alternative Sessions

Alternative sessions for multi-session classes and the 3-Month Course may be arranged as availability permits.
Please note that not all sessions can be rescheduled.
A minimum of 48 hours' notice is required to request an alternative session.

Course-Specific Notes

Course payments follow the reservation and invoice policies outlined in Section 5.1.
All course payments are non-refundable.

Additional details regarding course content, seasonal themes, and available payment options
(such as monthly installments, where applicable)
are provided on each course's individual class page.

Late Arrivals

Arriving more than 30 minutes late may result in non-participation for that session.
We appreciate your understanding that classes must begin and end on time to maintain the flow and atmosphere of Senchado.

Repeated Cancellations

Eri's Senchado School reserves the right to decline future reservations from participants who repeatedly cancel or do not follow the policies above.

This ensures that class spaces remain available to those who can attend reliably and that all participants enjoy a comfortable learning environment.

5.3 Programs & Events Policies


This section applies to programs arranged individually, including:

  • Private Senchakai

  • Senchado Demonstrations (on-site or off-site)

  • Cultural lectures and educational programs

Details regarding fees, travel requirements, scheduling, and cancellation policies are provided directly during the planning process for each program.

6. Conduct, Safety & Cultural Respect

To preserve the safety, atmosphere, and cultural integrity of Ogasawara-ryu Senchado, participants must follow the guidelines below.

Participation

  • Children under high school age are not permitted to attend or observe.

Footwear

  • Remove your shoes upon entering.

  • White socks are required in the tearoom.

Accessories

  • Remove all hand and wrist accessories (rings, bracelets, watches).

  • Guests who cannot remove accessories for a formal Senchakai or private tea gathering must cover them with protective bandages/wraps.

  • For off-site demonstrations, anyone handling utensils must remove or safely cover accessories.

Cosmetics

Please wipe off lipstick before entering the tearoom to prevent stains on utensils and cups.

Utensils & Conduct

  • Do not touch utensils unless guided by the instructor.

  • Photography or video recording is not permitted without prior approval.

  • Please notify the instructor of any allergies or sensitivities.

  • Treat the tearoom and utensils with respect, honoring the cultural context of Senchado—the Art of Japanese Sencha.

7. Contact

For questions regarding this policy, please contact:
info@erissenchadoschool.com

© 2025 Eri's Senchado School™. All rights reserved.