About Omotesenke Domonkai Northern California Region

In June 1969, seven dedicated teachers reached out to Omotesenke tea practitioners throughout the Bay Area with a simple yet profound invitation — to share a cup of tea and deepen their understanding of Chanoyu together. From that humble beginning, Omotesenke Domonkai Northern California Region has grown and flourished for over 56 years, offering the Bay Area community a living experience of the Japanese spirit — not merely through words, but through the timeless practice of tea.

In 1971, with the approval of Omotesenke Domonkai Main Office in Kyoto, Japan, it was officially established as "Omotesenke Domonkai Northern California Region."

Although the 50th anniversary fell in 2020, celebrations were postponed four years due to the pandemic. Today, with approximately 200 members drawn from the San Francisco Bay Area, and across western North America, including Canada, our organization continues to grow as a community united by a shared love of Chanoyu, Omotesenke.

We are committed to carrying forward the tea culture of Omotesenke Fushin’an and to sharing with the people of the Bay Area the spirit of harmony so dear to the heart of Sen no Rikyu.

At this milestone anniversary, our president offered a vision for the future: “To share the spirit and beauty of Chanoyu with the local community and help it take root in the next 50 years.” As ambassadors of Japanese tradition, each member is devoted to bridging cultures and generations through tea — honoring the timeless essence of Chanoyu while embracing the possibilities of the years ahead.

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The Golden Gate Bridge spanning across the blue water with a city skyline in the background, viewed from an elevated perspective.

Omotesenke Domonkai Northern California Region Annual Events

The Omotesenke Domonkai Northern California Region holds several tea ceremony events throughout the year. In August each year, we welcome a Sosho from the Omotesenke headquarters for three days of instruction during the summer seminar.

In addition to annual events such as Hatsugama and Rikyuki, we also provide opportunities for the general public to experience the spirit of Chanoyu through demonstrations at schools and businesses, Cherry blossom festivals, and public tea gatherings, etc. We are  expanding our activities to spread the joy of tea.

  • January: Hatsugama

  • March: Rikyuki

  • April: Cherry Blossom Festival Chanoyu Demonstration and Matcha making workshop　　

  • June: Omotesenke Domonkai  Northern California Region Day, Public Chanoyu demontsration and tea gathering

  • August: Summer seminar (3 days)

  • September: Tennenki 

  • October : Hakone Tea Gathering　

  • November: Robiraki

  • December: Shiwasu Tea Gathering

    (Hosted by Nichibeikai)

    In addition to these annual events, we offer Chanoyu demonstrasion and workshop

    at schools and businesses.

Interior of a traditional Japanese-style room with tatami mats, a hanging paper fan with Japanese characters, and a flower arrangement on a wooden beam.

Jikishin’an, small tearoom

Traditional Japanese tatami room with alcove, hanging scroll, small table, and decorative items.

Rinwa-ken, large tearoom

Japanese American Association of Northern California(Nichibeikai)'s Kanso-anwas designed by Masao Nakamura, an expert in tearoom and sukiya architecture, to promote Japanese tea culture in the San Francisco area as a bridge between Japan and the United States. There are two tea rooms, Rinwaken (a large tearoom) and Jikishin-an (a small tearoom), and our tea ceremonies are held in these two tearooms.

Omotesenke Domonkai Northern California Region

If you are interested in joining Omotesenke Domonkai Northern California Region or are looking for a teacher, please email the Northern California Region office.

Omotesenke DomonkaiNorthern California Region Office, USA

north-calif05.usa@omotesenke.us