The Rarity and Beauty of Organic Matcha — “Tenko” & “Shingetsu”
In Japan, truly organic matcha is remarkably rare.Less than 10% of all matcha produced in Japan comes from certified organic tea fields.Cultivating organic tencha—the shaded tea leaves used for matcha—requires...
Sen no Rikyu and Urasenke — The Spirit Behind Matcha
If you love matcha lattes or Japanese tea, you’ve probably tasted a bit of the world that Sen no Rikyu helped create over 400 years ago.He was a tea master...
Kutani Ware – 350 Years of Tradition and Everyday Beauty
The History of Kutani Ware Kutani Ware is one of Japan’s most celebrated porcelains, born in the 17th century in Ishikawa Prefecture. In 1655, the Maeda clan of the Kaga...
Green Tea vs. Matcha: What’s the Difference?
If you love Japanese tea, you’ve probably heard both words—Sencha (green tea) and Matcha. But are they the same thing? At Nara Tea, we often meet customers who wonder why...
What is Chanoyu?
A Reflection on the Way of Tea At Nara Tea, we are often asked: What is Chanoyu? Some call it “tea ceremony,” but this translation only captures a fraction of...
The Health Benefits of Matcha
Matcha isn’t just a beautiful green tea powder. It’s a superfood that has been cherished in Japan for centuries. At Nara Tea, we love matcha for its flavor and tradition,...
10 Essential Japanese Tea Terms You Should Know
Japanese tea culture is full of words that carry history, artistry, and philosophy. For many in the U.S., terms like Chanoyu or Wabi-Sabi may sound familiar, yet their meanings remain...
Matcha Grades Explained: Ceremonial, Premium, and Culinary
Matcha comes in many forms, but not all powders are the same. If you’ve ever wondered why some matcha is vibrant green and smooth while others taste bitter or are...
Genshitsu Sen (Urasenke Daisōshō), 1923–2025: Peacefulness Through a Bowl of Tea
Cabinet Public Affairs Office, Cabinet Secretariat, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons On August 14, 2025, Urasenke announced that Genshitsu Sen (Hounsai)—the 15th-generation Grand Master in the lineage beginning with...
Why Marukyu Koyamaen Matcha Tastes So Good—And So Consistent
If you’re a matcha fan, you’ve probably noticed something special about Marukyu Koyamaen: the flavor is vivid yet gentle, and it shows up that way every time. Here’s what’s happening...
Cool and Refreshing: Summer Matcha in a Glass Bowl
In Japanese tea culture, even the choice of tea bowl reflects the changing seasons.In spring, you might see bowls painted with cherry blossoms; in autumn, warm earthy tones. And in...
Tamba Ware | One of Japan’s Six Ancient Kilns
Tamba-yaki, or Tamba Ware, is a traditional ceramic craft produced mainly in the city of Tamba-Sasayama in Hyogo Prefecture. It is recognized as one of Japan’s “Six Ancient Kilns,” a...