Virtual Experiences
Japan House welcomes individuals, groups, and organizations to participate in live, virtual cultural engagement experiences such as tea ceremonies, Japanese flower arranging, wagashi (traditional Japanese sweets) making workshops, and educational lectures from the comfort of their home. Experiences may be combined with Japan House Shares videos to prepare participants prior to the experience.
We ask that you either please call Japan House or email us at japanhouse@illinois.edu to arrange for your tailored virtual experience. Whether it's for a class or to celebrate a special occasion, Japan House can create customized supply kits to be mailed to individuals or groups of any size so everyone can enjoy Japanese arts and culture wherever they are!
Tea Ceremony
Take part in a brief tour through Japan House's gardens and then participate in a tea ceremony livestreamed from Japan House’s tearoom. The host will teach you about the rich tradition and history of tea. Afterward, there will be a Q&A session for guests to ask about what they’ve seen.
Guests are encouraged to have tea and sweets ready at home to join in the experience. Japan House can provide tea kits with all necessary supplies. This virtual experience will last an hour.
Wagashi
Receive a lesson about the art of wagashi from Professor Kimiko Gunji and learn the principles behind traditional Japanese sweets. You will learn how to create simple and delicious sweets to enjoy with a bowl of tea!
Guests can be sent recipes and pre-measured ingredient kits in advance. The two recipes are vegan, gluten-free, and nut-free, and guests will simply require access to a microwave and refrigerator. This virtual experience will last an hour.
Flower Arrangement
Choose between a lesson in chabana (flowers for tea ceremony) or ikebana. You will be guided in creating a tokonoma (alcove) in your home or office to house your flower arrangement.
Guests can be sent supply kits and receive guidance and feedback for creating their chabana. This virtual experience will last an hour.
Experiencing the tea ceremony virtually at Japan House does not disappoint. You still feel the welcoming presence of the staff and a professional view of the tea room and sensei that is impressive. The simultaneously calming and educational experience leaves the viewer feeling as though they’ve had an enriching experience despite not being able to drink the tea! Highly recommended!
Bringing students to Japan House has become a highlight of my courses. Touring the gardens and learning about their history allows students to experience a planned natural environment and understand how human culture and nonhuman nature intersect. Often this initial visit results in a long-term fascination with the space, inspiring further study of Japanese culture and the environmental humanities.