Senshin’an Japanese Tearoom

The art of tea, or chanoyu, was developed in the urban areas of 16th-century Japan. The tearoom, in which it is practiced, came to be known as a “mountain dwelling within the city."

Washington and Lee University’s Japanese Tearoom was named Senshin’an 洗心庵 “Clearing-the-Mind Abode” by Sen Genshitsu, 15th-generation Grand Master of the Urasenke Tradition of Tea. This architectural treasure was built in the Watson Galleries on campus, where it serves as a classroom laboratory for the study of Chanoyu 茶の湯, or the Way of Tea, and a center for cultural activities relating to the arts of Japan. 

W&L students interested in taking the LIT course on “Food and Tea in Japan” or groups interested in scheduling a tea ceremony demonstration should contact Professor Janet Ikeda.

For Watson Galleries hours and accessibility guidelines, contact the Reeves Museum of Ceramics at 540-458-8034.