Which Matcha Should I Buy? A Simple Guide to Marukyu Koyamaen Matcha
One of the most common questions we hear at Nara Tea is: "Which matcha should I buy?" If you've visited our Marukyu Koyamaen collection, you've probably noticed that there are...
Authentic Ceremonial-Grade Matcha: What Makes It Different?
As matcha continues to grow in popularity, one phrase appears everywhere: "Ceremonial Grade Matcha." But what does that actually mean? Many people are surprised to learn that there is no...
Why Hojicha Is Becoming America's Favorite Japanese Tea
If you've noticed more cafés offering hojicha lattes and roasted tea drinks lately, you're not alone. While matcha has dominated the spotlight for years, hojicha is quickly becoming one of...
A Gentler Way to Enjoy Matcha: Marukyu Koyamaen's Low-Caffeine Matcha
Matcha has been enjoyed in Japan for centuries for its rich flavor, vibrant color, and deep connection to Japanese tea culture. Today, many tea lovers are looking for ways to...
More Than a Matcha Trend: Bringing a 530-Year Tradition to the American West Coast
What happens when a 530-year-old Japanese craft meets a new generation of matcha enthusiasts? This spring, more than 350 participants across the Bay Area and Portland joined us to...
How to Brew Shincha (First Harvest Green Tea) : Enjoying the Fresh Taste of Spring
Each spring, tea lovers in Japan eagerly await the arrival of Shincha (First Harvest Green Tea), the year's first harvest of green tea. Made from the tender young leaves picked during...
How Many Tines Should a Chasen Have? - Choosing Quality Beyond Numbers
When choosing a chasen (matcha whisk), many people assume that more tines mean better quality. It’s a natural assumption—but not quite true. How many tines should a good chasen (matcha...
Experience a 500-Year Tea Tradition Live Chasen Demonstration in Portland and the Bay Area
We are honored to welcome Tango Tanimura, a 20th-generation chasen (bamboo whisk) master, for a rare series of live demonstrations in Portland and the Bay Area. The chasen is an essential...
Why Is Zen Calligraphy Displayed in the Tea Room?
— The Meaning of a Single Scroll in the Tokonoma — In a traditional Japanese tea room, a Zen calligraphy scroll is almost always displayed in the tokonoma alcove. But...
How to Prepare a New Cast Iron Tea Kettle (Tetsugama)
If you’ve recently acquired a new cast iron tea kettle (tetsugama), a simple preparation process will ensure it is ready for safe and long-lasting use. Why Preparation Is Needed...
Love Matcha Lattes—but Not the Caffeine?
Meet Japan’s Low-Caffeine (Decaf) Matcha If you love matcha lattes but sometimes hesitate because of caffeine, you’re not alone. Many matcha fans enjoy the creamy, earthy comfort of a latte—but...
Start the New Year with an Aotake - Fresh Green Bamboo Whisk
Why Green Bamboo Whisks Are Used for the New Year in Japanese Tea Ceremony In Japan, the New Year is welcomed with quiet rituals that emphasize renewal, gratitude, and intention.One...