Life in Japan

Join us for our Free Matcha Event on 8th April 2025 at Yamasan Café! Enjoy a guided matcha tasting, hands-on preparation, and a warm tea-loving community. 🍵✨

  Yamasan Organic Matcha Grades Discover our premium matcha from Kyoto and Kagoshima. Each grade is carefully crafted for its specific use—whether it's for tea ceremonies, lattes, or culinary creations. 🍃 Yamasan Organic Ceremonial Grade Matcha (For Tea Ceremony) Powder Color: Deep and darker green Taste: Creamy and sweet with umami flavor. No bitterness. Cultivar: Sae-midori, Oku-midori Picking Method: 1st harvest only Shop Now - Ceremonial Grade Matcha ヤマサン オーガニック セレモニアルグレード抹茶（茶道用） 京都府・鹿児島県産抹茶 粉の色：濃く深い緑色 味わい：クリーミーで甘く、旨味が感じられる味わい。苦味は一切なし。 品種：さえみどり、奥みどり 摘み取り方法：一番茶のみ使用 ☕ Yamasan Organic Cafe / Latte Grade Matcha (For Drinking with Milk or Coffee) Powder Color: Bright green Taste: Light sweetness with a slight bitterness at the end Cultivar: Yabukita, Oku-midori Picking Method: 1st and 2nd harvest mixed. Machine picking Shop Now - Cafe Latte Grade Matcha ヤマサン オーガニック カフェ／ラテグレード抹茶（ミルクやコーヒーと一緒に楽しむ用） 粉の色：鮮やかな緑色 味わい：最初は軽やかな甘さが感じられ、後味にわずかな苦味あり 品種：やぶきた、奥みどり 摘み取り方法：一番茶と二番茶をブレンド、機械摘み 🍰 Yamasan Organic Culinary Grade Matcha (For Baking, Desserts, and Ice Cream) Powder Color: Light green Taste: Sweetness and bitterness with a strong tea aroma Cultivar: Yabukita from Kagoshima Picking Method: 1st and 3rd harvest mixed. Machine picking Shop Now - Culinary Grade Matcha ヤマサン オーガニック クッキンググレード抹茶（お菓子作りやデザート、アイスクリーム用） 粉の色：薄い緑色 味わい：甘さと苦味がバランスよく、濃いお茶の香り 品種：鹿児島県産やぶきた 摘み取り方法：一番茶と三番茶をブレンド、機械摘み 🔍 Key Differences Between Matcha Grades Color: 1st harvest leaves have vivid, deep blue-green color, while the 2nd and 3rd harvest leaves have more yellow and a faded color. Aroma: 1st harvest leaves contain a rich, roasted, chocolate-like, or nutty aroma, while the 2nd and 3rd harvest leaves have a weaker aroma and can lose it if improperly stored. Taste: 1st harvest leaves have more sweetness and umami, while 3rd harvest leaves tend to have a lot more bitterness. 色: 一番茶の葉は鮮やかで深い青緑色をしています。二番茶や三番茶は黄色味が強く、色が薄くなります。 香り: 一番茶の葉は豊かな香りを持ちます（焙煎のような香り、チョコレートのような香り、ナッツのような香りなど）。二番茶や三番茶の葉は香りが少なくなり、不適切な保存方法では香りが消えてしまうこともあります。 味: 一番茶の葉は甘さと旨味が豊富に含まれていますが、三番茶は苦味が多くなります。

  🍵 How to Drink Matcha Matcha is more than a drink — it’s a calming ritual and a beautiful moment of mindfulness. 🎥 Watch the Tutorial See this tutorial on Instagram 🧂 What You’ll Need 2g of matcha powder (shop here) 80ml hot water (80~85°C / 176~185°F) A matcha bowl (Chawan) A bamboo whisk (Chasen) A matcha scoop (Chashaku) or measuring spoon A fine sifter 👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions Sift the matcha: Use a sifter to sift 2g of matcha powder into your bowl. This prevents clumping and ensures a smooth texture. Pre-mix: Add 40ml of hot water and gently whisk with a bamboo whisk until the powder is fully dissolved and smooth. Whisk to foam: Add the remaining 60ml of hot water. Whisk briskly in an “M” or “W” motion for 20–40 seconds until a fine layer of foam appears. Enjoy: Your matcha is ready! Sip slowly and enjoy the calming moment. Best paired with traditional sweets or enjoyed on its own. 💡 Tips Use water between 80–85°C to avoid bitterness. A bamboo whisk creates the smoothest, frothiest results. For a stronger flavor, try "koicha" style: use more powder and less water. 🛍️ Recommended Tools & Products Premium Uji Matcha Bamboo Whisk (Chasen) Matcha Bowl & Scoop Set Brewing a bowl of matcha is also a way to reconnect with yourself. 🍃