Japanese Tea Master Course is a unique way to experience the true depth of Japanese tea. In 2024, we were delighted to host the course twice, with the second session held in early October. After the hot and humid summer, the weather in October finally started to cool down and aside from a few gentle drops, it was perfect for exploring Kyoto City and surrounding tea regions.
Ten students from around the world participated, including two from as far away as Brazil and Argentina. Despite their diverse backgrounds and interests, the group bonded closely over the 10-day journey. Together, they delved into various aspects of Japanese tea, with ample opportunities to taste and evaluate different teas and even experiment with tea components and water! Attending traditional tea ceremonies for matcha and sencha also provided deeper insights into the cultural roots of Japanese tea.
The course also included visits to several tea factories and other tea businesses, offering students a glimpse into both small and large operations, as well as traditional and modern practices, deepening their understanding of the Japanese tea industry. For the farewell, a 2023 alumna and our Tea Catalysts in Canada joined, fostering not only a multicultural but also an intergenerational connections.
With the second course concluded, we are now preparing for next year. Course dates should be published in January 2025. We hope to see you soon!