What is the Way of Tea?

The habit of drinking tea began during the thirteenth century when Zen Buddhism arrived in Japan. Although monks in China had used tea as a stimulant to stay awake during nightly meditation, monks in Japan developed a ritual of tea drinking to reflect a philosophical and aesthetic way of life.

"Chado" or "Chadoya" became deeply ingrained in the Japanese ideal mostly thanks to Sen-no-Rikyu, Japan's greatest tea master. Developed around the concept of "wabi sabi" - an appreciation of rustic beauty and the imperfect impermanence of life - Chado exemplifies the Japanese aesthetic.  

 Uji

Tea Capital

Uji is the tea capital of Japan. Located a twenty minute train ride south of Kyoto, Uji is famous for being the setting for the classic novel, “The Tale of Genji” written by Murasaki Shikibu in the 11th century. Labelled the first psychological novel, this book illustrates life during the Heian Period and focuses on the life and loves of the Emperor’s son.

Green Tea Products

Strolling around Uji is a heady experience as the fragrance of green tea permeates the small town. A variety of green tea products can be purchased, including green flavoured tea crackers, cakes, noodles, and sweets.

The best area to shop is along the Omotesando, the main street leading up to the spectacular Byodoin Temple which can be seen on the back of the Japanese ten yen coin.

Near the Temple is the Taihoan Tea House which offers a tea ceremony experience at a very moderate price. On the other side of the river is the Fukujuen Ujicha Kobo, a workshop offering “hands-on” activities like tea grinding. Visitors can learn the procedure for roasting, grinding, storing and brewing green tea.

Close by is the Takumi no Yakata Tea House which offers step by step assistance on how to make a perfect cup of green tea. There you can also partake in a variety of sets featuring matcha green tea and seasonal sweets.

Matcha Green Tea

Matcha is the powdered form of green tea, and the highest grade is used in the tea ceremony. Matcha Latte is made using lower grade matcha powder and milk, soy milk, almond milk, or coconut milk, and although it a fairly new style of beverage in Japan, it is becoming more popular. 

An abundance of delicious desserts are also made using matcha powder - matcha sponge cake, matcha daifu (rice cake), matcha ice cream, matcha cookies, matcha pudding, matcha custard, matcha chocolate, and matcha candy….  

Health Benefits of Matcha Green Tea

Fights against Cancer

Matcha green tea is filled with antioxidants, in particular catechins, a powerful class of antioxidants that have cancer fighting properties. In fact matcha tea contains 100 times more catching than other types of tea.

Prevents Heart Disease

Matcha has a positive influence on cholesterol levels in the body, promoting HDL (good) cholesterol but decreasing LDL (bad) cholesterol. Therefore matcha tea drinkers have a lower incidence of heart disease.

Promotes Weight Loss

Drinking matcha is said to promote weight loss as it regulates blood sugar and increases metabolism. On the whole, Japanese people drink daily cups of green tea and generally tend to be slim.

Detox

The high levels of chlorophyl that give matcha its vibrant green colour also work as a detoxifying agent for the body.

Higher Immunity

People who consistently drink matcha have increased immunity as matcha powder contains significant amounts of vitamins A and C as well as protein, iron, potassium, and calcium.

Relaxed but Alert

The L-theanine in the tea leaves that are crushed to make matcha powder induces a feeling of calm while also keeps the drinker alert. Further benefits included increased concentration and improved memory.

Energy and Stamina

Drinking Matcha tea gives the drinker increased energy and stamina without the nervous feeling that coffee gives. In centuries past, samurai drank matcha tea before battle in order to increase their endurance and improve their reflexes.

Other Types of Tea

Bancha (Brown Tea)

Another type of lower grade brown tea is Bancha which is commonly served in restaurants, whereas Mugicha is a roasted barley tea without caffeine that is enjoyed during the summertime. 

Black Tea

Different varieties of black tea are also popular for afternoon tea in restaurants and tea shops all over Japan, including Earl Grey, Darjeeling, and Assam, to name but a few.