Japanese Tea Set

Matcha is premium green tea powder from Japan used for drinking as tea, as well as an ingredient in recipes. Matcha green tea powder is unique to Japan, and has been celebrated in the traditional Japanese tea ceremony for hundreds of years.

While green tea itself is known as being a healthy beverage, matcha goes even further. For instance, did you know that matcha is higher in Antioxidants than healthy foods like blueberries and spinach? Did you know that just one glass of matcha is equal to drinking 10 glasses of green tea for nutritional value and antioxidant content? This is true, and one of the main reasons is because when you drink matcha, the powder used to make it includes the whole tea leaf, rather than just drinking the brewed water like in regular green tea.

The high amounts of antioxidants, and specifically the catechins class of antioxidants found in matcha, are wonderful for a person’s health because they have been shown to reduce free radicals in the body, as well as have potential cancer-fighting properties.

Another health benefit of drinking matcha is the high level of Chlorophyll contained in the matcha powder. The Chlorophyll has been show to help remove toxins from the body. Match contains very high levels of Chlorophyll because it is grown in the shade rather than in direct sunlight. Read more »

A garden found walking Nioumon dori, Okazaki in Kyoto was the best ”private” garden I’ve seen in Kyoto and I’ve been lucky to have walked past a few. Why this one? Because, I’m continually peering through gateways and entries hoping to see the perfect Japanese garden and this one stood out maybe because of its intricacy in design, complexity and visual appeal when observed from its prospective viewing points.

The garden is located within an exclusive Tea house and Inn and is immaculate in health and vitality. The use of ornaments and symbolism varied including items of unusual shapes and forms. I noticed the garden was modeled on a stroll garden pattern done in miniature and built for viewing. Stepping stones positioned along the pathway which winds its way around a central pond linked by a stream with a water cascade. The pathway darting off into corners, no doubt hiding something of interest from the observer. Stone bridges cross a stream to add affect and interest and clear water reflecting within the pondage containing colourful Koi Carp. Lanterns placed carefully to provide balance in symmetry.

The garden area designed to form a half crescent shape weaving around two sides of the Inn with the widest part near the centre suggesting the Inn and garden were designed as one. The Inn having three separate dining areas facing the gardens through full length windows and sliding paneled doors. Each dining area looking onto their own specially designed features.

I suspect in the evening the garden area would be lit carefully to expose each intended part without illuminating the garden proper, a touch of mystery beckoning the diner to guess what’s not illuminated by the lighting. One wouldn’t mind joining them. Read more »

The Japaneses Tea Ceremony is one of the most time honoured and ancient tradition in Japan. It shows hospitality and respect.

History of the Ceremony

It was during the eighth century that we see the first mention of a formal ceremony where drinking tea can be found, although, that ritual likely differs greatly then the tea ceremony of today. A Chinese Buddhist Priest wrote a book called “Cha Ching”. This book described described the proper method of preparing tea including the use of proper tea vessels and the temperature of the hot water. It is believed that through this book developed the tea ceremony you would see today in Japan.

How to accept at a tea ceremony.

The steps are not difficult and are actually quite simple. You invite some guests, serve sweets and mix the bitter powdered green tea know as matcha with water. It is said that the combination between the sweets and the bitter tea compliment each other like a symbol for harmony. If you ever find yourself at one these are the basic six steps to accepting the tea from your host.

1. First you bow when you receive the cup of tea which is called a chawan

2. Next you take the chawan (tea cup) with your right hand and place it in the palm of your left hand.

3.Then you turn the tea cup clockwise three times before you drink it.

4. When you have finished the tea be sure to make a loud slurp to let the host know you have enjoyed it.

5. Next you wipe the part of the cup that has touched your lips with your right hand

6. You then turn the chawan (tea cup) counter-clockwise three times and return it to your host. Read more »