In the quiet corners of Kyoto’s Nijo neighborhood, Way of Matcha offers an intimate look at the city’s tea culture through the lens of a lived-in traditional townhouse. Founded in 2024, this inviting space moves away from the crowds to focus on the authentic role of […]
Tae Iwasawa, founder of Terakoya NINJA, started the company to share the cultural experiences she cherished from childhood, spending time at her grandparents’ 300-year-old samurai residence, built during Japan’s Edo period. From hand-rolling sushi to conducting tea ceremonies, Terakoya NINJA offers visitors an immersive introduction to […]
Tea has long been woven into Japan’s daily life, spiritual practice, and seasons. From carefully tended fields to intimate tearooms, tea culture reflects patience, skill, and attention to detail. While historical records often focus on male tea masters and scholars, women have always played an essential […]
Tucked between the Pacific Ocean and forested mountains, Kita-Ibaraki offers a quieter, deeper encounter with Japan. This coastal corner of Ibaraki Prefecture is not about ticking off landmarks. It is about slowing down, walking, listening, and noticing how beauty quietly emerges from daily life. More than […]
Finding that perfect cup of tea is often about the people you share it with. In the heart of Fuji City, Ogino Seicha invites you to their stunning tea farm for the “Tea Culture Experience to Connect People Through Tea.” Offered by Provide Fuji Co. Ltd. […]
When many people think of Japanese tea, the vibrant green powder of matcha often comes to mind. It’s a symbol of traditional ceremonies and a popular flavor worldwide. However, the world of Japanese tea is far richer and more diverse. Deep within this culture is sencha, […]
If you’re reading this post in late winter and happen to be in Tokyo, today you’ve enjoyed fewer than 10 hours of daylight. Where I’m writing from, mid-Coast Maine, the sun sets very early, at an alarming 4:30 pm, offering up fewer than 9 hours of […]
The team at Arigato Travel has had the opportunity to meet with two pivotal members of the Osada Tea company. Natsumi Osada is an 8th Dan-ranking tea professional with a strong passion for organic, high-quality tea, sporting multiple awards and certificates to support his views. Similarly […]
Known worldwide for its high-quality matcha and deep cultural roots, Uji in Kyoto provides the perfect backdrop for Incense Kitchen's unique craft. At Incense Kitchen, Kyoko Goto-san transforms unused matcha tea into KOTOHA incense, blending sustainability with tradition in a truly innovative way. Guests can even […]
If you chat with a friend from Japan, their fondest memories of summer holidays likely include drinking their mother’s home-brewed mugicha (麦茶) between play sessions at the local park. During the sweltering Japanese summer months, schoolchildren sipping this chilled barley tea from stylish PET bottles are […]
