Taste Japan’s tea culture.

Japan’s tradition of tea starts over 1000 years in the past. Learn all the essentials about this ancient culinary art.

In this Guide:

  • Where to Enjoy Tea in Japan

  • The History of Tea in Japan

  • Tea Experiences in Tokyo, Kyoto, and More

  • Tea’s Origins as Medicine and Meditation

  • Interview with a Kyushu Tea Field Master

  • Japanese Tea FAQs

From the masterful matcha fields of Uji, located just a short trip outside of Kyoto, to the seaside tea farms cultivating sencha in Sonogi, a coastal town in southern Japan, there’s no shortage of destinations for tea-enthusiasts to explore.

Visit these tea hotspots in Japan to learn more about tea, from field to cup, through masterclasses such as:

Where to Enjoy Tea in Japan

The History of Tea in Japan

How Tea Arrived to Japan

Tea first arrived in Japan as a medicine in the 8th century. Brought by Buddhist monks, most famously the monk Eichu, returning from studies in China, tea was consumed exclusively in Buddhist temples. There, it was used as an aid in meditation, helping monks to stay alert during sessions.

It wasn't until the 12th century that powdered green tea, or matcha, was introduced to Japanese society. The founder of the Japanese Rinzai Zen Buddhist sect, Eisai, began to infuse the vibrant tea powder in religious ceremonies, with matcha’s popularity spreading to aristocrats and members of the upper echelon as well.

How Tea Ceremony Started in Japan

No history of tea ceremony is complete without mentioning Sen no Rikyu. The founder of the modern form of tea ceremony still actively practiced in Japan today, Rikyu refined the hospitality and aesthetics behind sharing tea into an absolute art during the 16th century.

With Sen no Rikyu’s influence, tea rooms transitioned to more intimate spaces and prioritized the utilization of locally crafted ceramics, infusing philosophies like wabi-sabi (beauty in imperfection) and ichi-go ichi-e (one time, one meeting) into each ceremony.

This shift transformed tea ceremony into a ritual aimed at crafting a moment of pure hospitality, singular and wholly unique. 

Japan Tea Experiences

Learn the rituals of tea ceremony from verified tea masters, stroll through the scenic tea fields cultivating Japan’s finest teas, and discover how tea is made, from roasting to brewing.

Whether you’re looking for cultural tea masterclasses offered directly in the city center or looking to venture into Japan’s scenic beauty, explore our selection of signature tea workshops and experiences.

Tea experiences in Japan

A Deeper Taste for Tea

Dive deeper into the unique culture and flavor of Japanese tea. Learn all about the history of tea in Japan, the relationship between tea and Buddhism, and even discover the stories behind some of Japan’s diligent tea masters.

Tea: From Medicine to Meditation

Discover the rich history, cultural significance, and timeless traditions of the Japanese tea ceremony, from its Zen Buddhist roots to its evolution into a cherished art form.

Interview with a Kyushu Tea Field Master

Discover how Koichi, a celebrated Japanese tea master, transforms centuries-old traditions into exceptional tea experiences that reflect the rich heritage of Nagasaki's Sonogi region.

Japanese Tea FAQs

  • Japan offers a wide range of tea, with the most common options including: sencha, matcha, hojicha, genmaicha, and bancha.

  • The proper brewing time for Japanese tea depends on the variety. For example, sencha should be brewed for 1-2 minutes between 70–80°C (160–175°F) while matcha powder should be whisked with water (70–80°C/160–175°F) in order to achieve the desired taste.

  • Japanese tea is healthy, containing a rich number of antioxidants that reduce inflammation and supports heart health. However, Japanese tea has caffeine, which can help improve concentration, but should also be consumed only in moderate amounts.

  • Most of Japanese tea is made from green tea (including sencha, matcha, and bancha). However, other types of Japanese tea are not made from green tea. Those include mugicha (barley tea) and kuromamecha (black soybean tea), among others.

Explore more masterclasses in Japan.