East and Southeast Asia season
A vibrant cradle of humanity, East and Southeast Asia are home to 2.2 billion people and some of the world’s most influential cultures, histories, and traditions. Spanning 19 countries and territories, these regions have shaped global politics, economics, philosophy, art, cuisine, and wellbeing practices for millennia. From the rich histories of China and Japan to the dynamic cultures of Indonesia and the Philippines, their legacies transcend borders. Whether you're drawn by family heritage, a love of travel, or curiosity sparked by global media, City Lit invites you to explore and celebrate the profound significance and contemporary impact of East and Southeast Asia.
- Shiatsu: taster workshop
Course start date: Tue 13 Jan 2026 (and 2 other dates)Location on this date: Kean Street Wellbeing Centre
Tutors: Fernando CaboShiatsu is a Japanese healing art, deeply rooted in the philosophy and practices of traditional Chinese medicine. This therapeutic form of body work involves applying pressure to the body using a practitioner’s thumbs, palms, elbows, knees and feet. Discover the basics of how to give this relaxing and therapeutic pressure point massage.Full fee £59.00 Senior fee £59.00 Concession £59.00 - Tai Chi Chuan: Beginners Course start date: Tue 13 Jan 2026 (and 2 other dates)
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Kamal ThapenLearn the Yang-style Tai Chi form. This flowing movement sequence contains the basic movements of Tai Chi which will help you to develop and practice smooth movement, good alignment and improved balance. Develop good personal practice that will enable you to fully realise the benefits of this absorbing Taoist art.Full fee £179.00 Senior fee £143.00 Concession £125.00 - The French colonial Empire and its demise Course start date: Wed 14 Jan 2026
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Sebastien ArdouinWhy did France acquire a vast colonial empire and how was it run? Why was decolonisation peaceful in some parts while in Indochina and Algeria, independence was only gained after violent wars? What were the consequences of decolonisation?Full fee £219.00 Senior fee £175.00 Concession £142.00 - Tai Chi Chuan: mixed levels Course start date: Thu 15 Jan 2026
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Carla DraytonDiscover the gentle, graceful movements of Yang-style T'ai Chi in classes. Learn and develop clear, powerful and effective practice designed to give you a good grounding in T'ai Chi and an insight into its wonderful possibilities. Please note that this course is not suitable for complete beginners in T'ai Chi.Full fee £179.00 Senior fee £143.00 Concession £125.00 - Reiki: taster workshop Course start date: Tue 20 Jan 2026 (and 1 other date)
Location on this date: Kean Street Wellbeing Centre
Tutors: Oge OkohReiki means 'universal energy'. Learn the basic philosophy of this gentle system of healing, according to the tradition of Dr Usui.Full fee £59.00 Senior fee £59.00 Concession £59.00 - Reiki 1 Certificate Course start date: Sun 25 Jan 2026
Location on this date: Kean Street Wellbeing Centre
Tutors: Oge OkohLearn how to channel the gentle healing energy of Reiki, Japanese for 'universal energy'. Ground, centre and protect yourself, and learn a variety of treatments to practise on friends and family.Full fee £199.00 Senior fee £199.00 Concession £199.00 - Ikigai: the Japanese secret to a long and happy life Course start date: Sun 25 Jan 2026 (and 1 other date)
Location on this date: Kean Street Wellbeing Centre
Tutors: Hilary LyonsThe people of Japan believe that everyone has an Ikigai or a reason for being. Finding it can lead to a happier, more fulfilled life. Learn how to live in the moment and pursue your purpose and passion.
Full fee £99.00 Senior fee £99.00 Concession £99.00 - Japanese etiquette Course start date: Sat 7 Feb 2026 (and 1 other date)
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Chikako NakagawaTravel with confidence and cultural insight!
Ever wondered how to bow correctly, what to say when entering a shrine, or the polite way to enjoy a meal in Japan? This immersive workshop introduces you to the essential customs and etiquette that shape Japanese society. Perfect for travelers, culture enthusiasts, and anyone curious about Japan’s traditions.Full fee £59.00 Senior fee £59.00 Concession £59.00 - Japanese woodcut printmaking Course start date: Sun 8 Feb 2026 (and 3 other dates)
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Carol Justin WilhideAn introduction to the beautiful and delicate printmaking world of Japanese Woodcut. Explore this water based, non-toxic process and build an appreciation for the handmade. You will learn how to design, carve and make a multi-coloured print. Beginners welcome.Full fee £339.00 Senior fee £271.00 Concession £220.00 - Arts of Imperial China Course start date: Wed 25 Feb 2026
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: Meitao QuExplore the arts of imperial China spanning across 13 dynasties and 2000 years. Study how painting, sculpture, and architecture were deeply shaped by its richly diverse culture, philosophy, and religion.Full fee £179.00 Senior fee £143.00 Concession £116.00 - The Japanese Soroban Course start date: Sat 7 Mar 2026
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Hisaka BuntingExperience a unique aspect of Japanese culture with this workshop on the Soroban—an enduring tradition that continues to thrive amid the fast-paced, high-tech world of modern Japan. Discover how this centuries-old practice remains relevant today, bridging the past and present through its lasting significance.
Full fee £29.00 Senior fee £29.00 Concession £29.00 - Textiles: indigo shibori dyeing Course start date: Wed 15 Apr 2026
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Lara MantellProduce your own indigo hand dyed fabrics using pleating, stitch and wrapping methods. Explore the magical combination of indigo dye and shibori resist techniques.Full fee £239.00 Senior fee £191.00 Concession £155.00 - Heaven and hell in world religionsCourse start date: Tue 21 Apr 2026
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: Vanessa KingCompare and contrast the afterlife beliefs of the five major religions: Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, Christianity and Judaism. Explore how these ideas developed and influenced each other.Full fee £219.00 Senior fee £219.00 Concession £142.00 - Shinrin-yoku: nature therapy Course start date: Tue 28 Apr 2026 (and 1 other date)
Location on this date: Off Site
Tutors: Hilary LyonsConnect with nature for health and wellbeing. This scientifically backed Japanese tradition of forest bathing has been shown to improve physical and mental health. A slow, guided, mindful walk near trees reduces stress levels and boosts your immune system. We will meet in Richmond Park. We will NOT meet at the City Lit.Full fee £59.00 Senior fee £59.00 Concession £59.00 - Tokyo: an insider's guideCourse start date: Fri 15 May 2026
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: Kiyomi UntenJoin this lively course and learn about this bustling capital that mixes the ultramodern and the traditional, from neon-lit skyscrapers and anime shops to cherry trees and temples. Open to all levels.Full fee £39.00 Senior fee £39.00 Concession £39.00
Can't see a course you want?
Add this category to your waiting list to set up alerts and we will update you when new courses are released online.
Add me to waiting list