https://shoptomari.com/blogs/journal/matcha-not-frothing 2026-10-06T22:10:53+09:00 weekly https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0761/2871/4942/articles/matcha-not-frothing-feat_v3.jpg?v=1788394520 Why won't my matcha froth? (It's almost always the whisk) A chasen lifted dripping from the bowl, the foam finished and even https://shoptomari.com/blogs/journal/is-ceremonial-grade-matcha-real 2026-09-29T23:11:47+09:00 weekly https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0761/2871/4942/articles/tomari_journal_is_ceremonial_grade_matcha_real.jpg?v=1787719657 Is 'ceremonial grade' matcha real? An honest answer A plain unlabelled matcha tin beside the tea itself https://shoptomari.com/blogs/journal/real-vs-fake-matcha 2026-09-29T23:11:48+09:00 weekly https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0761/2871/4942/articles/tomari_journal_real_vs_fake_matcha.jpg?v=1787719676 How to tell real Japanese matcha from fake Two mounds of matcha compared: vivid green and dull olive https://shoptomari.com/blogs/matcha-whisk/how-often-replace-chasen 2026-10-08T20:27:47+09:00 weekly https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0761/2871/4942/articles/tomari_journal_how_often_replace_chasen.jpg?v=1787719638 How often should you replace a matcha whisk (chasen)? A worn bamboo chasen beside a brand new one https://shoptomari.com/blogs/journal/how-to-store-matcha 2026-10-12T09:32:22+09:00 weekly https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0761/2871/4942/articles/tomari_journal_how_to_store_matcha.jpg?v=1787719653 How to store matcha so it doesn't go stale An airtight matcha tin and a caddy stored on a dark shelf https://shoptomari.com/blogs/journal/how-to-choose-a-matcha-bowl 2026-10-03T13:36:26+09:00 weekly https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0761/2871/4942/articles/tomari_journal_how_to_choose_a_matcha_bowl.jpg?v=1787719642 How to choose a matcha bowl (chawan) Three matcha bowls of different shape and glaze side by side https://shoptomari.com/blogs/matcha-whisk/takayama-chasen-guide 2026-10-06T22:10:52+09:00 weekly https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0761/2871/4942/articles/tomari_journal_takayama_chasen_guide_v2.jpg?v=1788199791 Takayama chasen: why a real bamboo whisk is different Bamboo matcha whisks at four stages of making on a Takayama workshop bench https://shoptomari.com/blogs/journal/what-is-matcha 2026-10-02T10:23:47+09:00 weekly https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0761/2871/4942/articles/tomari_journal_what_is_matcha.jpg?v=1787719695 What is matcha? A short, honest beginner's guide A mound of fine jade-green matcha powder with a bamboo scoop https://shoptomari.com/blogs/journal/matcha-vs-coffee 2026-09-24T11:07:01+09:00 weekly https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0761/2871/4942/articles/matcha-vs-coffee-feat_v3.jpg?v=1788394516 Matcha vs coffee: the calm caffeine A bowl of whisked thin tea on a wooden tray, a cup of black coffee behind https://shoptomari.com/blogs/journal/usucha-koicha 2026-10-05T11:08:15+09:00 weekly https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0761/2871/4942/articles/usucha-koicha-feat_v3.jpg?v=1788394525 Usucha and koicha: thin tea and thick tea explained Usucha and koicha side by side: thin tea under fine foam, thick tea a smooth glossy pool https://shoptomari.com/blogs/journal/what-is-a-natsume 2026-10-02T10:23:44+09:00 weekly https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0761/2871/4942/articles/tomari_journal_what_is_a_natsume.jpg?v=1787719691 What is a natsume? The tea caddy, explained A black natsume tea caddy with its lid lifted, matcha inside https://shoptomari.com/blogs/journal/24-sekki-tea 2026-10-13T17:27:02+09:00 weekly https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0761/2871/4942/articles/24-sekki-tea_v3.jpg?v=1788398185 The 24 micro-seasons of Japanese tea A bowl of thin tea on a black lacquer tray with a sprig of seasonal green https://shoptomari.com/blogs/journal/way-of-tea-tired-heart 2026-10-06T15:28:04+09:00 weekly https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0761/2871/4942/articles/way-of-tea-tired-heart_v3.jpg?v=1788396841 The way of tea for a tired heart Two hands cradling the low, wide Mino-yaki bowl of whisked thin tea https://shoptomari.com/blogs/matcha-whisk/80-vs-100-prong-chasen 2026-10-16T14:15:04+09:00 weekly https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0761/2871/4942/articles/tomari_journal_80_vs_100_prong_chasen.jpg?v=1787719631 80 vs 100 prong chasen: which whisk should you buy? Two bamboo chasen side by side: one with fine dense tines, one with thicker coarse tines https://shoptomari.com/blogs/matcha-whisk/best-matcha-whisk-for-beginners 2026-10-16T14:15:04+09:00 weekly https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0761/2871/4942/articles/tomari_journal_best_matcha_whisk_for_beginners_v2.jpg?v=1788199795 Best matcha whisk for beginners: what to look for Two bamboo matcha whisks side by side, a fine hand-cut one and a coarse one https://shoptomari.com/blogs/journal/matcha-starter-set-worth-it 2026-10-16T14:15:05+09:00 weekly https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0761/2871/4942/articles/matcha-starter-set-worth-it_v3.jpg?v=1788394511 Is a matcha starter set worth it? The low, wide Mino-yaki bowl, a Takayama chasen and a flat bamboo chashaku laid out on washi https://shoptomari.com/blogs/journal/how-to-make-matcha-latte 2026-09-29T09:51:25+09:00 weekly https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0761/2871/4942/articles/tomari_journal_how_to_make_matcha_latte.jpg?v=1787719649 How to make a matcha latte at home (without the clumps) Milk poured into a tall glass of whisked matcha, a bamboo whisk resting beside it https://shoptomari.com/blogs/journal/how-to-make-iced-matcha 2026-10-07T14:43:06+09:00 weekly https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0761/2871/4942/articles/how-to-make-iced-matcha_v2.jpg?v=1788352728 How to make iced matcha that actually tastes of something A tall glass of iced matcha on washi with a bamboo chasen standing beside it https://shoptomari.com/blogs/journal/japanese-vs-indian-incense 2026-10-03T13:36:28+09:00 weekly https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0761/2871/4942/articles/tomari_journal_japanese_vs_indian_incense.jpg?v=1787719661 Japanese vs Indian incense: what is actually different? A thin coreless Japanese incense stick beside a thicker stick rolled on a bamboo core https://shoptomari.com/blogs/matcha-whisk/how-to-clean-a-matcha-whisk 2026-09-30T20:28:58+09:00 weekly https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0761/2871/4942/articles/whisk-drying-head-down-on-stand.jpg?v=1790767738 How to Clean a Matcha Whisk Without Breaking the Tines A bamboo matcha whisk drying head down on a dark ceramic whisk stand, on washi paper by a window https://shoptomari.com/blogs/matcha-whisk/how-to-use-a-matcha-whisk-for-the-first-time 2026-09-30T20:13:02+09:00 weekly https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0761/2871/4942/articles/tomari_journal_how_to_use_a_matcha_whisk_v2.jpg?v=1788199800 How to Use a Matcha Whisk for the First Time Freshly whisked matcha in a black bowl with the whisk laid across the rim https://shoptomari.com/blogs/matcha-whisk/do-you-need-a-matcha-whisk-holder 2026-09-30T20:29:01+09:00 weekly https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0761/2871/4942/articles/tomari_journal_matcha_whisk_holder_v2.jpg?v=1788199786 Do You Need a Matcha Whisk Holder? Bamboo matcha whisk resting upside down on a ceramic whisk holder https://shoptomari.com/blogs/matcha-whisk/where-to-buy-a-matcha-whisk-in-japan 2026-09-25T02:21:14+09:00 weekly https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0761/2871/4942/articles/tomari_whisk_where_to_buy_japan.jpg?v=1788232193 Where to buy a matcha whisk in Japan A hand-cut Takayama chasen in its paper box, the maker's name printed on the lid https://shoptomari.com/blogs/matcha-whisk/matcha-whisk-size 2026-09-23T16:22:18+09:00 weekly https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0761/2871/4942/articles/matcha-whisk-size_v3.jpg?v=1788394507 What size is a matcha whisk? A Takayama chasen beside the low, wide Mino-yaki bowl on washi, shown at true relative size https://shoptomari.com/blogs/journal/matcha-water-temperature 2026-09-29T01:20:53+09:00 weekly https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0761/2871/4942/articles/tomari_matcha_water_temperature.jpg?v=1788321740 What water temperature for matcha? Hands whisking matcha in a black bowl by a window, a sifter and scoop resting on washi beside it https://shoptomari.com/blogs/matcha-whisk/how-to-make-matcha-without-a-whisk 2026-09-29T01:20:55+09:00 weekly https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0761/2871/4942/articles/tomari_matcha_in_a_jar.jpg?v=1788323277 How to make matcha without a whisk A sealed glass jar of whisked matcha on a dark wood table beside a sheet of washi, no whisk in sight https://shoptomari.com/blogs/journal/sifting-matcha 2026-10-05T11:08:13+09:00 weekly https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0761/2871/4942/articles/ngp_13_5204295340.jpg?v=1788327802 Sifting Matcha: What It Fixes, and What It Does Not A steel matcha sifter on washi paper with sifted matcha powder https://shoptomari.com/blogs/journal/when-is-matcha-harvested 2026-09-15T19:38:34+09:00 weekly https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0761/2871/4942/articles/ngp_11_5204293127.jpg?v=1788328332 When Is Matcha Harvested? Finely milled matcha powder, freshly sifted https://shoptomari.com/blogs/matcha-whisk/matcha-whisk-mold 2026-10-16T14:15:03+09:00 weekly https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0761/2871/4942/articles/matcha-whisk-mold.jpg?v=1788399995 Matcha whisk mold: how to tell it from staining A Takayama chasen seen from above, the outer tines fanned wide and the inner tines curling around the dark hollow at its center where water collects https://shoptomari.com/blogs/matcha-whisk/how-to-store-a-matcha-whisk-without-a-holder 2026-10-09T12:13:38+09:00 weekly https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0761/2871/4942/articles/whisk-drying-head-down-on-stand-2.jpg?v=1790767740 How to store a matcha whisk without a holder A bamboo matcha whisk drying head down on a dark ceramic whisk stand, on washi paper by a window https://shoptomari.com/blogs/matcha-whisk/how-long-to-whisk-matcha 2026-09-29T01:20:55+09:00 weekly https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0761/2871/4942/articles/how-long-to-whisk-matcha.jpg?v=1788671135 How long should you whisk matcha? Two black Mino-yaki bowls of thin tea seen from above, one half whisked and glossy, the other finished with an even matte veil of fine foam https://shoptomari.com/blogs/journal/why-is-my-matcha-bitter 2026-09-29T23:11:46+09:00 weekly https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0761/2871/4942/articles/why-is-my-matcha-bitter.jpg?v=1788712838 Why is my matcha bitter? A bamboo chasen, an empty black Mino-yaki tea bowl and a bamboo scoop laid out on cream washi paper beside a window https://shoptomari.com/blogs/matcha-whisk/matcha-whisk-vs-frother 2026-10-02T10:23:46+09:00 weekly https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0761/2871/4942/articles/matcha-whisk-vs-frother.jpg?v=1788712849 Matcha whisk vs frother Milk being poured into a tall glass of iced matcha, a bamboo chasen resting on washi paper beside it https://shoptomari.com/blogs/journal/culinary-vs-ceremonial-matcha 2026-09-29T01:20:54+09:00 weekly https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0761/2871/4942/articles/culinary-vs-ceremonial-matcha.jpg?v=1788848966 Culinary vs ceremonial matcha A mound of stone-milled matcha powder, vivid green and finely textured, lit from one side on dark stone https://shoptomari.com/blogs/journal/matcha-bowl-with-spout 2026-09-29T01:20:56+09:00 weekly https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0761/2871/4942/articles/matcha-bowl-with-spout.jpg?v=1789042708 Matcha bowl with spout: what a katakuchi is for An empty black Mino-yaki matcha bowl on cream washi paper, the rim eased into a low pouring lip at one side https://shoptomari.com/blogs/journal/why-is-matcha-so-expensive 2026-09-26T19:40:50+09:00 weekly https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0761/2871/4942/articles/why-is-matcha-so-expensive.jpg?v=1789053366 Why Is Matcha So Expensive? A Japanese chausu, the granite stone mill used for matcha: two flat stacked discs with a wooden handle, bright green powder seeping out all around the seam onto a wooden tray https://shoptomari.com/blogs/journal/how-long-does-incense-burn 2026-09-28T09:13:49+09:00 weekly https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0761/2871/4942/articles/how-long-does-incense-burn.jpg?v=1789053369 How Long Does Incense Burn? A short Japanese incense stick lying across a small matte black dish, an orange ember at its tip and a single thread of smoke rising, with fallen ash in the dish https://shoptomari.com/blogs/journal/how-to-clean-a-matcha-bowl 2026-10-11T20:36:37+09:00 weekly https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0761/2871/4942/articles/how-to-clean-a-matcha-bowl.jpg?v=1789283233 How to clean a matcha bowl (chawan) A black Mino-yaki matcha bowl propped on its side to dry by a window, the bare pale cream foot ring facing the air https://shoptomari.com/blogs/journal/how-to-make-koicha 2026-10-05T11:08:14+09:00 weekly https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0761/2871/4942/articles/how-to-make-koicha.jpg?v=1789283244 How to make koicha (thick matcha) A shallow pool of thick kneaded matcha in a black bowl, opaque and dark jade with the ridge left by the whisk still standing https://shoptomari.com/blogs/journal/why-does-my-matcha-taste-fishy 2026-10-01T13:25:03+09:00 weekly https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0761/2871/4942/articles/why-does-my-matcha-taste-fishy.jpg?v=1789359238 Why does my matcha taste fishy? Two mounds of matcha powder side by side on cream washi paper, one brilliant jade green and one dulled to olive-brown https://shoptomari.com/blogs/journal/should-matcha-be-organic 2026-09-29T19:38:11+09:00 weekly https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0761/2871/4942/articles/should-matcha-be-organic.jpg?v=1789359248 Should matcha be organic? A mound of stone-milled matcha powder on cream washi paper beside a bamboo scoop, with no tin or label in the frame https://shoptomari.com/blogs/journal/will-incense-set-off-a-smoke-alarm 2026-09-17T19:00:04+09:00 weekly https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0761/2871/4942/articles/will-incense-set-off-a-smoke-alarm.jpg?v=1789363502 Will incense set off a smoke alarm? A single Japanese incense stick burning on a black dish by an open window, one thread of smoke rising toward a white smoke alarm on the ceiling https://shoptomari.com/blogs/journal/why-does-my-matcha-taste-like-nothing 2026-09-29T19:38:12+09:00 weekly https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0761/2871/4942/articles/why-does-my-matcha-taste-like-nothing.jpg?v=1789363512 Why does my matcha taste like nothing? A tall glass of pale, milky matcha latte beside a bamboo whisk still carrying bright green powder on its tines https://shoptomari.com/blogs/journal/do-you-need-an-incense-holder 2026-09-29T01:14:06+09:00 weekly https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0761/2871/4942/articles/do-you-need-an-incense-holder.jpg?v=1789403995 Do you need an incense holder? A thin Japanese incense stick burning in a small celadon holder, with a collapsed column of pale ash lying on the dish beside it https://shoptomari.com/blogs/journal/how-to-pronounce-matcha 2026-09-27T10:24:47+09:00 weekly https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0761/2871/4942/articles/how-to-pronounce-matcha.jpg?v=1789404000 How to pronounce matcha, and the rest of the words A bamboo matcha whisk, a black Mino-yaki tea bowl, a bamboo tea scoop and a lacquer tea caddy laid out in an even row on washi paper https://shoptomari.com/blogs/journal/incense-cones-vs-sticks 2026-09-26T19:40:49+09:00 weekly https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0761/2871/4942/articles/incense-cones-vs-sticks.jpg?v=1789468659 Incense cones vs sticks: which is better? A thin Japanese incense stick beside a half-burned cone on a black dish, the cone ash still holding its shape above a glowing ring https://shoptomari.com/blogs/journal/what-is-tencha 2026-10-15T10:10:41+09:00 weekly https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0761/2871/4942/articles/what-is-tencha.jpg?v=1789468671 What is tencha? The leaf before matcha A pile of flat dried tencha leaf flakes beside a mound of fine matcha powder on cream washi paper, a bamboo scoop between them https://shoptomari.com/blogs/journal/how-many-grams-chashaku-scoop 2026-10-12T09:32:24+09:00 weekly https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0761/2871/4942/articles/how-many-grams-chashaku-scoop.jpg?v=1789645707 How many grams is a chashaku scoop? A bamboo chashaku holding a heaped mound of bright green matcha powder, about one gram, against a dark background https://shoptomari.com/blogs/journal/wagashi-and-matcha 2026-10-14T17:38:15+09:00 weekly https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0761/2871/4942/articles/wagashi-and-matcha.jpg?v=1789646249 Wagashi and matcha: why the sweet comes first Two wrapped packets of translucent Japanese sugar sweets beside a black matcha tin and a stack of kaishi paper on cream cloth https://shoptomari.com/blogs/journal/japanese-incense-for-the-dead 2026-09-21T19:00:02+09:00 weekly https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0761/2871/4942/articles/japanese-incense-for-the-dead.jpg?v=1789646518 Do Japanese people burn incense for the dead? A single Japanese incense stick laid across a small black dish, its tip glowing and a thread of smoke rising in a dark room https://shoptomari.com/blogs/journal/how-long-does-wagashi-last 2026-10-14T17:38:15+09:00 weekly https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0761/2871/4942/articles/how-long-does-wagashi-last.jpg?v=1789646707 How long does wagashi last? Two sealed packets of translucent Japanese sugar sweets in soft colors on cream cloth, a matcha tin and paper at the edge https://shoptomari.com/blogs/journal/should-matcha-be-foamy 2026-10-07T14:43:06+09:00 weekly https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0761/2871/4942/articles/should-matcha-be-foamy.jpg?v=1789880143 Should matcha be foamy? Close view of a bowl of thin matcha whisked to a fine pale green foam covering the surface https://shoptomari.com/blogs/journal/what-is-a-chakin 2026-09-23T13:00:06+09:00 weekly https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0761/2871/4942/articles/what-is-a-chakin.jpg?v=1789880344 What is a chakin? A small black tea bowl holding whisked matcha, resting on a pale linen cloth in low sunlight https://shoptomari.com/blogs/journal/why-are-matcha-bowls-so-expensive 2026-10-06T15:28:04+09:00 weekly https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0761/2871/4942/articles/why-are-matcha-bowls-so-expensive.jpg?v=1789880467 Why are matcha bowls so expensive? A black Mino-yaki tea bowl of whisked matcha on a linen cloth, lit from a window https://shoptomari.com/blogs/journal/matcha-price-increase-2026 2026-09-26T19:40:51+09:00 weekly https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0761/2871/4942/articles/matcha-price-increase-2026.jpg?v=1789880588 Matcha prices in 2026: what a tin costs now Macro view of bright green matcha powder, finely ground, lit from the side https://shoptomari.com/blogs/journal/why-does-my-matcha-taste-powdery 2026-10-05T11:08:13+09:00 weekly https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0761/2871/4942/articles/why-does-my-matcha-taste-powdery.jpg?v=1789956159 Why does my matcha taste powdery? A bowl of whisked matcha seen from above, with loose green powder caught on the rim and the table beside it https://shoptomari.com/blogs/journal/what-to-say-at-a-tea-ceremony 2026-10-11T20:43:52+09:00 weekly https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0761/2871/4942/articles/what-to-say-at-a-tea-ceremony.jpg?v=1789956170 What do you say at a tea ceremony? A black Mino-yaki tea bowl of thin matcha resting on a wooden sill in window light https://shoptomari.com/blogs/journal/is-matcha-supposed-to-taste-sweet 2026-10-01T13:25:02+09:00 weekly https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0761/2871/4942/articles/is-matcha-supposed-to-taste-sweet.jpg?v=1790053403 Is matcha supposed to taste sweet? Steam rising from a black tea bowl of freshly whisked matcha in morning light https://shoptomari.com/blogs/journal/does-matcha-stain 2026-10-11T20:36:39+09:00 weekly https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0761/2871/4942/articles/does-matcha-stain.jpg?v=1790053416 Does matcha stain? A black Mino-yaki tea bowl of matcha resting on a white linen cloth on a wooden table https://shoptomari.com/blogs/journal/is-the-tea-ceremony-religious 2026-10-06T15:28:05+09:00 weekly https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0761/2871/4942/articles/is-the-tea-ceremony-religious.jpg?v=1790055419 Is the Japanese tea ceremony religious? Steam rising from a dark tea bowl in a quiet room, lit from one side https://shoptomari.com/blogs/journal/is-matcha-japanese-or-chinese 2026-10-04T13:24:44+09:00 weekly https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0761/2871/4942/articles/is-matcha-japanese-or-chinese.jpg?v=1790055539 Is matcha Japanese or Chinese? A bowl of whisked matcha seen from directly above, the surface still holding fine foam https://shoptomari.com/blogs/journal/is-matcha-popular-in-japan 2026-09-27T19:00:04+09:00 weekly https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0761/2871/4942/articles/is-matcha-popular-in-japan.jpg?v=1790055659 Is matcha popular in Japan? A bamboo tea whisk backlit on a dark surface, its tines catching the light https://shoptomari.com/blogs/journal/where-to-buy-matcha-in-kyoto 2026-10-02T10:23:43+09:00 weekly https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0761/2871/4942/articles/where-to-buy-matcha-in-kyoto.jpg?v=1790143249 Where to buy matcha in Kyoto Rows of shaded tea bushes in a Uji tea field under a pale morning sky https://shoptomari.com/blogs/journal/do-you-drink-matcha-out-of-the-bowl 2026-10-03T13:36:27+09:00 weekly https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0761/2871/4942/articles/do-you-drink-matcha-out-of-the-bowl.jpg?v=1790143259 Do you drink matcha out of the bowl? A black tea bowl of whisked thin matcha held on a dark table, seen from above https://shoptomari.com/blogs/journal/is-a-tea-ceremony-in-japan-worth-it 2026-10-04T13:24:45+09:00 weekly https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0761/2871/4942/articles/is-a-tea-ceremony-in-japan-worth-it.jpg?v=1790215546 Is a tea ceremony in Japan worth it? A black tea bowl of whisked matcha on a dark wooden windowsill in soft side light https://shoptomari.com/blogs/journal/is-making-matcha-at-home-cheaper 2026-10-12T09:32:23+09:00 weekly https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0761/2871/4942/articles/is-making-matcha-at-home-cheaper.jpg?v=1790215556 Is making matcha at home cheaper? A black tea bowl, bamboo whisk, scoop, whisk holder and a tin of matcha laid out on a pale linen table https://shoptomari.com/blogs/journal/how-to-learn-japanese-tea-ceremony 2026-10-01T13:25:06+09:00 weekly https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0761/2871/4942/articles/how-to-learn-japanese-tea-ceremony.jpg?v=1790270413 How to learn the Japanese tea ceremony A hand whisking matcha in a black tea bowl, the bamboo whisk caught mid-motion https://shoptomari.com/blogs/journal/can-you-fly-with-matcha-and-incense 2026-09-30T19:00:03+09:00 weekly https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0761/2871/4942/articles/can-you-fly-with-matcha-and-incense.jpg?v=1790270423 Can you bring matcha and incense on a plane? Two sealed matcha tins of different sizes side by side on a dark surface https://shoptomari.com/blogs/journal/what-is-japanese-incense-made-of 2026-10-03T13:36:29+09:00 weekly https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0761/2871/4942/articles/what-is-japanese-incense-made-of.jpg?v=1790419157 What is Japanese incense made of? Japanese incense sticks of several colors laid side by side on dark paper, each a solid stick with no bamboo core https://shoptomari.com/blogs/journal/is-matcha-cheaper-in-japan 2026-10-01T19:00:02+09:00 weekly https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0761/2871/4942/articles/is-matcha-cheaper-in-japan.jpg?v=1790419167 Is matcha cheaper in Japan? An opened tin of matcha seen from above, a bamboo scoop resting across the rim https://shoptomari.com/blogs/journal/what-is-the-japanese-tea-ceremony-called 2026-10-04T13:24:42+09:00 weekly https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0761/2871/4942/articles/what-is-the-japanese-tea-ceremony-called.jpg?v=1790472233 What is the Japanese tea ceremony called? Steam rising from a black bowl of freshly whisked matcha in low window light https://shoptomari.com/blogs/journal/how-to-burn-japanese-incense 2026-10-14T17:38:17+09:00 weekly https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0761/2871/4942/articles/how-to-burn-japanese-incense.jpg?v=1790472244 How to burn Japanese incense Three Japanese incense sticks standing in a small black ceramic holder on dark paper https://shoptomari.com/blogs/journal/how-long-does-a-tea-ceremony-last 2026-10-04T13:24:45+09:00 weekly https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0761/2871/4942/articles/how-long-does-a-tea-ceremony-last.jpg?v=1790553515 How long does a Japanese tea ceremony last? Overhead view of a bowl of whisked thin tea in a dark spouted bowl, a few grains of matcha scattered on the dark table around it https://shoptomari.com/blogs/journal/how-to-clean-a-chashaku 2026-10-12T09:32:24+09:00 weekly https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0761/2871/4942/articles/how-to-clean-a-chashaku.jpg?v=1790553526 How to clean a chashaku (and why not with water) A hand holding a white bamboo chashaku, the node visible partway along the handle, against pale washi paper https://shoptomari.com/blogs/journal/is-matcha-hot-or-cold 2026-10-04T13:00:01+09:00 weekly https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0761/2871/4942/articles/is-matcha-hot-or-cold.jpg?v=1790611977 Is matcha supposed to be hot or cold? An iron kettle steaming on a dark wooden table beside a tea bowl and a bamboo scoop, water just off the boil https://shoptomari.com/blogs/journal/how-to-clean-an-incense-holder 2026-10-04T19:00:01+09:00 weekly https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0761/2871/4942/articles/how-to-clean-an-incense-holder.jpg?v=1790611989 How to clean an incense holder and look after incense ash A box of Shoyeido Horikawa incense with five reddish-brown sticks laid beside it on black paper flecked with gold https://shoptomari.com/blogs/journal/when-is-the-japanese-tea-ceremony-held 2026-10-08T20:27:46+09:00 weekly https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0761/2871/4942/articles/when-is-the-japanese-tea-ceremony-held.jpg?v=1790756239 When is the Japanese tea ceremony held? Morning, noon or night A black spouted tea bowl of whisked matcha on pale paper, lit by a low slant of sunlight https://shoptomari.com/blogs/journal/can-you-use-metal-with-matcha 2026-10-05T19:00:04+09:00 weekly https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0761/2871/4942/articles/can-you-use-metal-with-matcha.jpg?v=1790756249 Can you use metal with matcha? The myth, and what to avoid A pale bamboo chashaku tea scoop with a single node, lying on white washi paper https://shoptomari.com/blogs/journal/what-does-matcha-taste-like 2026-10-06T13:00:03+09:00 weekly https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0761/2871/4942/articles/what-does-matcha-taste-like.jpg?v=1790828598 What does matcha taste like? Grass, seaweed, and what is a warning Close-up of the fine pale green foam on a freshly whisked bowl of thin matcha https://shoptomari.com/blogs/journal/what-to-wear-to-a-tea-ceremony 2026-10-13T17:27:03+09:00 weekly https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0761/2871/4942/articles/what-to-wear-to-a-tea-ceremony.jpg?v=1790828610 What to wear to a Japanese tea ceremony A black spouted tea bowl of whisked matcha on a dark wooden sill by a window https://shoptomari.com/blogs/journal/what-is-a-chawan 2026-10-07T13:00:04+09:00 weekly https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0761/2871/4942/articles/what-is-a-chawan.jpg?v=1790904147 What is a chawan? The Japanese tea bowl, part by part A black Mino-yaki chawan with a small pouring lip, holding a bowl of freshly whisked thin matcha https://shoptomari.com/blogs/journal/why-whisk-matcha-with-bamboo 2026-10-07T19:00:05+09:00 weekly https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0761/2871/4942/articles/why-whisk-matcha-with-bamboo.jpg?v=1790904160 Why is matcha whisked, and why with bamboo? A bamboo matcha whisk seen from below, its hundred fine tines curving out around the inner ring, held in a hand https://shoptomari.com/blogs/journal/do-you-need-a-matcha-bowl 2026-10-08T13:00:01+09:00 weekly https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0761/2871/4942/articles/do-you-need-a-matcha-bowl.jpg?v=1791002128 Do you need a matcha bowl? What works instead, and how to use one A bamboo matcha whisk resting in the middle of a wide black tea bowl, seen from above, with room on every side https://shoptomari.com/blogs/journal/what-does-japanese-incense-smell-like 2026-10-08T19:00:01+09:00 weekly https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0761/2871/4942/articles/what-does-japanese-incense-smell-like.jpg?v=1791002140 What does Japanese incense smell like? Wood, and the five tastes A box of Shoyeido incense from the Horin series, opened beside five slender reddish-brown sticks on black paper flecked with gold https://shoptomari.com/blogs/journal/where-did-the-tea-ceremony-come-from 2026-10-09T13:00:02+09:00 weekly https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0761/2871/4942/articles/where-did-the-tea-ceremony-come-from.jpg?v=1791087813 Where did the Japanese tea ceremony come from? A short history A bamboo tea whisk standing on its ceramic shaper beside a folded linen cloth, in a room with paper screens https://shoptomari.com/blogs/journal/what-happens-at-a-tea-ceremony 2026-10-15T10:10:42+09:00 weekly https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0761/2871/4942/articles/what-happens-at-a-tea-ceremony.jpg?v=1791087824 What happens at a Japanese tea ceremony? A guest's steps A black tea bowl with a little matcha left in it on a dark wooden table by a window, a bamboo whisk behind https://shoptomari.com/blogs/journal/how-to-drink-koicha 2026-10-10T13:00:06+09:00 weekly https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0761/2871/4942/articles/how-to-drink-koicha.jpg?v=1791166039 How to drink koicha, and what thick tea is like Close-up of fine, bright green matcha powder https://shoptomari.com/blogs/journal/how-to-use-a-matcha-sifter 2026-10-10T19:00:05+09:00 weekly https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0761/2871/4942/articles/how-to-use-a-matcha-sifter.jpg?v=1791166049 How to use and clean a matcha sifter (furui) A black tin matcha sifter opened on washi paper, its lid set aside and the shallow round mesh tray lifted out https://shoptomari.com/blogs/journal/what-is-wabi-sabi 2026-10-11T13:00:06+09:00 weekly https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0761/2871/4942/articles/what-is-wabi-sabi.jpg?v=1791268038 What is wabi sabi? Seen through a tea bowl A well-used bamboo matcha whisk lying on its side, its tines darkened and curled with use https://shoptomari.com/blogs/journal/is-making-matcha-meditation 2026-10-11T19:00:06+09:00 weekly https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0761/2871/4942/articles/is-making-matcha-meditation.jpg?v=1791268049 Is making matcha a form of meditation? Steam rising from a freshly made bowl of matcha in soft window light https://shoptomari.com/blogs/journal/can-you-leave-matcha-overnight 2026-10-12T13:00:06+09:00 weekly https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0761/2871/4942/articles/can-you-leave-matcha-overnight.jpg?v=1791351719 Can you leave matcha overnight? The last of a bowl of matcha, the powder settled at the bottom of a black tea bowl, a bamboo whisk behind it https://shoptomari.com/blogs/journal/what-is-ichigo-ichie 2026-10-12T19:00:06+09:00 weekly https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0761/2871/4942/articles/what-is-ichigo-ichie.jpg?v=1791351730 What is ichigo ichie? The tea ceremony's one-time meeting A single bowl of whisked matcha in a black spouted bowl, alone in a wide band of morning light https://shoptomari.com/blogs/journal/what-is-robiraki 2026-10-14T17:38:16+09:00 weekly https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0761/2871/4942/articles/what-is-robiraki.jpg?v=1791458797 What is robiraki? The tea ceremony's New Year in November Steam rising from water just off the boil, the start of a bowl of tea https://shoptomari.com/blogs/journal/gift-for-matcha-and-tea-ceremony-lover 2026-10-13T19:00:05+09:00 weekly https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0761/2871/4942/articles/gift-for-matcha-and-tea-ceremony-lover.jpg?v=1791458808 A gift for someone who loves matcha and the tea ceremony An opened gift box with Japanese tea tools packed inside https://shoptomari.com/blogs/journal/what-is-nagori-tea 2026-10-14T13:00:05+09:00 weekly https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0761/2871/4942/articles/what-is-nagori-tea.jpg?v=1791515772 What is nagori? The tea ceremony's October season A bowl of whisked matcha by a window in soft autumn light https://shoptomari.com/blogs/journal/what-is-in-a-japanese-tea-ceremony-set 2026-10-14T19:00:03+09:00 weekly https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0761/2871/4942/articles/what-is-in-a-japanese-tea-ceremony-set.jpg?v=1791515783 What is in a Japanese tea ceremony set, and what you need at home A bamboo matcha whisk resting on its ceramic stand https://shoptomari.com/blogs/journal/autumn-wagashi-with-matcha 2026-10-15T13:00:04+09:00 weekly https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0761/2871/4942/articles/autumn-wagashi-with-matcha.jpg?v=1791718852 Autumn Japanese sweets with matcha: the chestnut season A round Japanese sweet coated in fine crumbs on a dark plate with a wooden pick, a cup of tea behind it https://shoptomari.com/blogs/journal/what-is-kaishi-paper 2026-10-15T19:00:05+09:00 weekly https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0761/2871/4942/articles/what-is-kaishi-paper.jpg?v=1791718865 What is kaishi? The paper guests carry at a tea ceremony Small dry Japanese sweets on a dark tray with a wooden pick, beside a bowl of matcha by a window https://shoptomari.com/blogs/journal/matcha-subscription-from-japan-what-to-check 2026-10-16T13:00:03+09:00 weekly https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0761/2871/4942/articles/matcha-subscription-from-japan-what-to-check.jpg?v=1791765089 A matcha subscription from Japan: five things to check first An opened tin of bright green matcha powder, its surface still smooth https://shoptomari.com/blogs/journal/what-is-a-chashaku 2026-10-16T19:00:05+09:00 weekly https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0761/2871/4942/articles/what-is-a-chashaku.jpg?v=1791765102 What is a chashaku? The bamboo tea scoop A bamboo tea scoop heaped with matcha powder, seen close up https://shoptomari.com/blogs/journal/japanese-tea-ceremony-subscription-box 2026-10-17T13:00:05+09:00 weekly https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0761/2871/4942/articles/japanese-tea-ceremony-subscription-box.jpg?v=1791879952 A Japanese tea ceremony subscription box: what should be inside An opened cardboard box holding a black tea bowl, a bamboo whisk and a bamboo scoop in brown paper https://shoptomari.com/blogs/journal/what-is-a-fukusa 2026-10-17T19:00:05+09:00 weekly https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0761/2871/4942/articles/what-is-a-fukusa.jpg?v=1791879964 What is a fukusa? The silk cloth of the tea ceremony A black lacquer-style natsume tea caddy with gold and vermilion paulownia and chrysanthemum crests on white paper