Dive into the World of Tea at Chaju Green Tea Store!

Food & Drink

Experiences

Did you know that green tea, oolong tea, black tea, and pu-erh tea all came from the same tea leaves?

I have always loved drinking tea, but never quite understood the difference between tea leaves from different production areas – tea leaves from Mie prefecture are Ise/Matsusaka tea leaves, but within them, there are different variations. This time, I have the opportunity to expand my knowledge on tea from Tsukamoto-san at Chaju Green Tea Store, by attending the tea tasting and blending experience. They offer other short courses such as hand-kneading green tea experience and hojicha making experience as well.

Tsukamoto-san is very knowledgeable and passionate about tea. For Tsukamoto-san, it is not so much about promoting Matsusaka/Ise tea, but imparting the knowledge of tea in general.

History of tea:

According to Chinese mythology, tea leaves were first discovered 5000 years ago by the ‘Shin-no’ (神農). The Shin-no researched and tested herbs on themselves in order to discover medicine and relay the information to the masses. It was said that the Shin-no chewed on tea leaves in order to remove toxins from the poisonous plants that they consumed.

During the Nara period (710 - 794), teas were a premium commodity only enjoyed by nobles and monks in Japan. Benefits of tea were researched by monks for centuries. As time passed and production grew, green tea became more accessible to the general population.

Trying to absorb my newly found knowledge on tea leaves while Tsukamoto-san was patiently and passionately imparting his knowledge.

It was a fun and enriching experience to learn about the world of tea.

I got to try five different types of green tea, each with its own unique characteristics and taste. From the affordable Fukano Sencha to the luxurious Kabuse Cha.

What affects the taste and characteristics of tea?

The production environment, type, and cultivation method affect the taste and characteristics of tea. Generally, younger tea leaves have stronger and sweeter tastes. As tea leaves grow while absorbing sunlight, the caffeine and astringency level will increase, which makes it more bitter in taste.

Kabusecha

From the northern part of Mie prefecture
Sunlight absorbed are being controlled
Low to almost no caffeine
Low level of vitamin C, anti-virus, and anti-bacterial substances due to low level of astringency
Sweet and powerful in taste
Generally consumed for the taste and relaxation

Fukamushi Sencha (Deep-steamed green tea)

From the more mountainous southern part of Mie prefecture
Uncontrolled intake of sunlight
High level of caffeine
High level of vitamin C, anti-virus and anti-bacterial substances due to a higher level of astringency
Good balance between the bitterness and sweetness of the tea
Great for health and tastes great as well

How does the temperature of water affect the tea?

If you’d like to reduce the level of caffeine in your tea, it is recommended to make it cold as the astringency and caffeine level of the tea rises with the temperature of the water. Therefore, it’ll help you sleep better by making cold tea instead of hot tea before bed!

Traditional weighing scales were used to prepare the green tea.
Interesting fact: 1JPY coin = 1g in weight. Therefore, five 1JPY coins are used if 5g of tea leaves are to be measured.

Feeling satisfied after tasting the luxurious Kabuse Cha for the first time. It was something I’ve never tasted before in my life.

After expanding my knowledge about tea and tasting it, it’s time to blend my own tea using the five different tea leaves.

Final product. It looks good from the photo, but I wasn’t proud of the taste to be honest.

The remaining tea leaves that you have blended will be packed for you to bring home to enjoy.

Conclusion

I would highly recommend signing up for one of these experiences offered by Chaju Green Tea Store especially if you’re a tea lover! Even if you’re not keen on learning about tea leaves, there are other more hands-on options such as the hand-kneading green tea experience or hojicha making experience! Chaju Green Tea Shop also sells teaware, tableware, and tea leaves if you are only looking to shop for souvenirs.

Workshops offered by Chaju Green Tea Shop (available in English and Japanese language).

Tea tasting and blending experience – 1000JPY, 1.5 hours
Hand-kneading green tea experience – 800JPY, 1.5 hours
Hojicha making experience – 500JPY, 1 hour

For reservations and enquiries

Visitor Information

Address: 819 Shinmachi, Matsusaka, Mie 515-0075
Website (Japanese): https://www.cha-ju.com
Tel: 0598-21-0701
Monday – Saturday: 10:00 – 19:00
Public Holiday: 10:00 – 18:00

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