Discovering Tanabata: The Star Festival of Japan
When people think of Japanese summer traditions, one beautiful event stands out: Tanabata (七夕、たなばた), also known as the Star Festival. Celebrated on […]
Category: Tea Culture
Minazuki: Kyoto’s Triangular Sweet That Tastes Like Summer
It literally means “month without water,” yet it refers to June, which falls right in the middle of Japan’s rainy season. In […]
Senchado Gathering at Manpukuji Temple 2025
Located in Uji, just south of Kyoto, Manpukuji Temple is the main temple of the Ōbaku sect within Rinzai Zen Buddhism. It […]
Tea in Japanese Language: Chacha wo Ireru, Chakasu, and Ochame
The Playful Side of Japanese Idioms with 茶 Even if you do not speak Japanese, chances are you already know at least […]
Kashiwa Mochi and Japan’s Children’s Day: Traditions, Carp Streamers, and More!
If you visit Japan in early May, you might come across a curious little sweet wrapped in a large green leaf, Kashiwa […]
Sakura Mochi: A Tale of Two Styles – Which One Is Your Favorite?
Have you ever tried sakura mochi? If so, do you remember what it looked like? Did you know that there are […]
Kakizome with Matcha in Uji 2025
On New Year’s Day, one of our team members, Machi, participated in a “Calligraphy with Matcha Experience” at the Chazuna Museum in […]
New Publications on Japanese Tea
We have frequently discussed the challenge of finding Japanese tea publications in other languages. While we’ve reviewed a few in the past, […]