London Karuta Club
Join us to play the game featured in Chihayafuru!
Play with us!
The club is open to both beginners and experienced players – you don’t need to learn the poems to start playing!
We practice at Centre 151 in Hoxton. You can join our WhatsApp group for more information on the next session.
The London Karuta Club is Supported by
Want to help support and grow the competitive karuta community within the UK? Please contact us with any opportunities!
Frequently Asked Questions
I’m a complete beginner, can I still attend the practice sessions?
Of course! As long as you’ve had a look at the quick karuta ruleset, you can play using cards that have the recognisable syllables written on them.
Not only do these cards give you a way to play, becoming immersed in the sounds and flow of the game will help in learning the full thing.
Is there a fee to join the club?
There’s no membership fee, and your first visit to the club is completely free! Subsequent visits are around £5 each (depending on the total number of attendees), but it’s only to help cover the cost of the room.
Do I need to bring anything?
Just make sure to trim your nails to avoid injury when reaching for the cards, and to wear something that feels comfortable to sit in for prolonged periods of time. The room provides yoga mats to help soften the floor.
Are there any sessions happening elsewhere in the UK?
As far as we know, the London Karuta Club is currently the only one in the UK, but we have members spread throughout the country. Feel free to contact us – maybe we can find you a practice partner!