Latest news with #SennoRikyu
Time of India
a day ago
- Health
- Time of India
Why matcha is trending everywhere: From boosting heart health to weight loss, this over 800-yr-old tea "surprisingly beats" coffee, chai in many ways
Everywhere you look on Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), or TikTok, that vibrant green swirl is the new hot trend, matcha. This finely ground Japanese green tea powder has roots going back around 800 years, but today it's capturing hearts (and hashtags) across the globe. Once the centrepiece of traditional Japanese tea ceremonies, matcha is now a favourite of health enthusiasts and people looking for a coffee alternative. Its picture-perfect colour and creamy flavour make it ideal for lattes, smoothie bowls, and desserts, and it brings real health benefits to the table too. From London cafés to Mumbai kitchens, influencers and café menus are embracing matcha, and social media trends are following quickly. Ancient Roots in Japanese Tea Culture Long before it became an Instagram sensation, matcha was a sacred part of Japanese culture. It is believed that in the early 1200s, a Zen Buddhist monk named Eisai brought powdered green tea from China to Japan. Over time, it became central to chanoyu, the Japanese tea ceremony, which celebrates mindfulness, hospitality, and the art of finding beauty in simplicity (wabi-sabi). In these ceremonies, matcha is carefully whisked in a bowl and served with intention. In the 1500s, tea master Sen no Rikyu refined the preparation process, emphasising harmony and simplicity. Today, matcha drinkers still honour that legacy of calm and meditation. In short, when we enjoy a cup of matcha, we're also sipping a piece of Japan's rich cultural heritage. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Neuropathy is not from Low vitamin B. Meet the Real Enemy of Neuropathy (Stop Doing This) Health Insight Journal Learn More Undo Why Matcha Is So Good for You Matcha's modern fame isn't just about its colour, it's about its health benefits too. Unlike regular green tea, where you steep the leaves and remove them, matcha is made by consuming the whole powdered leaf. That means you get more of the good stuff, like antioxidants. As per science reports, one cup of matcha can contain nearly three times more catechins (a powerful group of antioxidants) than a cup of regular green tea. These help protect the body from damage by neutralising harmful free radicals. Matcha is also believed to support heart health, improve blood pressure, and reduce 'bad' LDL cholesterol. Live Events On top of that, matcha is a smart energy booster. It contains caffeine, but also L-theanine, an amino acid that promotes calm and focus. So instead of the jittery buzz you might get from coffee, matcha offers a smooth, sustained energy boost. Many people say it helps them stay alert without the crash or headaches that can follow a strong cup of coffee. Matcha may also support metabolism and detoxification. It's rich in chlorophyll, which is known to help remove toxins from the body and support liver function. This combination of antioxidants, caffeine, and natural detox properties is why so many matcha lovers say it helps them feel energetic and refreshed throughout the day. Matcha vs Other Morning Drinks Compared to regular green tea, matcha generally wins when it comes to nutrients. Since you consume the entire leaf, it provides more antioxidants and vitamins than a simple tea infusion. In fact, studies suggest it may contain up to three times more of the key antioxidant catechins. When compared to coffee, matcha's benefits are different. Coffee gives a strong caffeine jolt, but matcha provides a gentler lift that lasts longer. Many people say they feel more focused and balanced after drinking matcha, without the energy crash that can follow coffee. While matcha typically has less caffeine than a large coffee, it makes up for that with calming L-theanine and extra antioxidants, which coffee doesn't offer. Because of this, many people now see matcha as a 'healthier alternative to coffee', with a more stable, clean energy boost and added wellness benefits. Matcha Mania on Social Media Matcha's bright green look and frothy texture make it a natural star on social media. On Instagram alone, the #matcha hashtag has millions of posts. The drink's photogenic appearance, whether in a stylish latte or a vibrant smoothie bowl, makes it irresistible to influencers and cafés alike. Trendy cafés are now building entire menus around matcha. You'll find layered matcha lattes, colourful frappés, and iced blends that practically beg to be photographed. Seasonal flavours like strawberry matcha or matcha vanilla blends often go viral, and global chains have added matcha to their drink offerings. Online communities have even formed around it, from 'matcha morning rituals' to 'matcha girls' sharing tips, reviews, and DIY recipes. The craze isn't just limited to drinks. Matcha desserts, like green tea cookies, cakes, ice cream, and pancakes, are also exploding in popularity, especially as people recreate them for social media. Matcha in the Kitchen: Recipes and Products Matcha is incredibly versatile, which is part of its global appeal. The classic way to enjoy it is in a matcha latte, hot or cold, made with milk or milk alternatives. Matcha smoothies, banana blends, and iced cappuccinos are other easy favourites. Many also use matcha in recipes for energy balls, protein pancakes, and oatmeal. In desserts, matcha adds both colour and flavour. Green tea cheesecake, cupcakes, matcha mochi, and even matcha tiramisu are popular across cafés and online recipe videos. Some adventurous types even mix matcha into mocktails or soda-based drinks for a refreshing twist. When shopping for matcha, you'll usually see two main types: ceremonial and culinary grade. Ceremonial-grade matcha is the highest quality, made from the youngest leaves and known for its sweet, smooth taste. It's best enjoyed on its own or in traditional lattes. Culinary-grade matcha comes from older leaves, has a stronger and slightly bitter flavour, and is ideal for recipes, baking, or mixing with sweeteners. There are also a growing number of matcha products in shops: ready-to-drink matcha lattes, sachets of instant matcha, matcha energy bars, chocolate, and even skincare items. Ceremonial matcha is ideal for purists, while culinary matcha is great for daily drinks and experimenting in the kitchen. Inputs from agencies
Tokyo Weekender
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Tokyo Weekender
How To Experience a Japanese Tea Ceremony in Tokyo
In our fast-paced modern world, the ancient art of the Japanese tea ceremony offers something increasingly rare: a moment of pure mindfulness. Far more than simply drinking tea, this centuries-old practice invites participants into a sacred space where every gesture carries meaning and time itself seems to slow down. For travelers seeking an authentic cultural experience in Tokyo, participating in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony provides an unparalleled window into the heart of Japanese philosophy. List of Contents: The Soul of Japanese Tea Ceremony: Understanding Chado What To Expect During Your Japanese Tea Ceremony Experience Tea Ceremony Etiquette: How To Be a Respectful Guest Where To Experience Japanese Tea Ceremonies in Tokyo Choosing the Perfect Tea Ceremony Experience Related Posts The Soul of Japanese Tea Ceremony: Understanding Chado The traditional Japanese tea ceremony, known as sado , chado or chanoyu, is rooted in four fundamental principles called wa-kei-sei-jaku — harmony, respect, purity and tranquility. Wa (harmony) emphasizes the connection between all participants and the elements present. Kei (respect) manifests in every interaction, from the host's careful preparation to guests' mindful reception. Sei (purity) is both physical and spiritual, evident in ritualistic cleansing. Jaku (tranquility) emerges naturally when these principles are embodied. Central to the tea ceremony is ' ichigo ichie, ' a saying recognizing that each gathering is unique and unrepeatable. This philosophy encourages full presence, appreciating subtle details like filtered sunlight or seasonal sweets. The ceremony's connection to seasonal change reflects Japan's profound appreciation for nature's cycles, with everything from hanging scrolls to tea implements reflecting the current season. While rooted in 400-year-old traditions influenced by Zen Buddhism and refined by masters like Sen no Rikyu, the practice remains relevant today. Modern practitioners often describe it as meditation in motion, offering respite from digital overwhelm and urban stress. What To Expect During Your Japanese Tea Ceremony Experience Traditional tearooms, called chashitsu , are designed to foster tranquility through refined simplicity. As well as the tatami flooring, there are paper screens that filter natural light and a tokonoma alcove, which displays seasonal art. The intimate proportions encourage quiet contemplation, while the separate nijiriguchi entrance requires crawling through, symbolically leaving the outside world behind. The ceremony unfolds in choreographed stages. The host begins by purifying implements with a silk fukusa cloth. This is not for cleanliness, but as a gesture of respect. Traditional wagashi sweets are served first, designed to complement matcha's slight bitterness. The host then whisks powdered green tea with hot water using a bamboo chasen whisk, presenting the frothy, vibrant tea in handcrafted ceramic bowls chosen specifically for the occasion. Every gesture embodies grace and respect, refined over centuries. Movements are deliberately slow and mindful. When carrying the kensui water container, the host turns their back to guests — acknowledging the water is no longer pristine after use. Tea bowls are oriented, so their most beautiful aspect faces the guest. Tea Ceremony Etiquette: How To Be a Respectful Guest Remove shoes and strong fragrances before entering. Take time to appreciate the tokonoma display, showing respect for the host's preparation. Move quietly and deliberately, traditionally sitting in seiza (formal kneeling), though many modern venues accommodate guests who find this difficult. Accept sweets with both hands and a small bow. The tea bowl is presented with its decorated front facing you. Before drinking, rotate the bowl twice clockwise to avoid placing your lips on the decorated surface. Drink in several small sips, then rotate counterclockwise before returning it. Common Mistakes To Avoid Never rush — the ceremony's power lies in its deliberate pace. Don't touch implements unless invited, and gesture with an open hand rather than pointing. Photography policies vary, but many traditional settings discourage pictures during the ceremony. Where To Experience Japanese Tea Ceremonies in Tokyo Traditional Tea Houses in Historic Districts Kosoan (Meguro) : Kosoan is a delightful setting in the residential Jiyugaoka district, renowned for its traditional wooden architecture, tranquil Zen garden and timeless ambiance. Housed in a former family home, it offers a peaceful retreat that transports visitors to a Japan of yesteryear. Jidaiya (Asakusa): Jidaiya , situated in the heart of Asakusa — one of Tokyo's most historic districts — offers wheelchair-friendly tea ceremonies in English and extra options for kimono experiences. Houan (Kagurazaka): Nestled in the cobblestone streets of quaint Kagurazaka, Houan offers authentic tea ceremonies in a tranquil setting away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Garden Settings: Tea Ceremonies in Tokyo's Parks Shinjuku Gyoen: Rakuu Tei Teahouse : Features a convenient ticket machine for quick matcha and wagashi service. Step inside the established teahouse, remove your shoes and enjoy your tea ceremony experience on traditional tatami flooring. Hamarikyu Gardens: Nakajima-no-ochaya : This historic teahouse was once a retreat for Japan's elite in the 18th and 19th centuries, where military leaders would relax while enjoying sweeping views of the park's pond and flora. The venue continues this tradition of tranquil tea service, and visitors can catch the yearly tea ceremony with English instructions held every October. Happo-en: Muan Teahouse : For a luxurious tea ceremony experience in Tokyo, this upscale venue offers both formal ceremonies (with up to a two-month waiting list) and drop-in informal experiences beneath a canopy of lush greenery. Please note that Muan Teahouse is closed until the end of September 2025 for renovations. Cultural Centers and Tourist-Friendly Venues Cultural centers throughout Tokyo offer beginner-friendly experiences with English instruction, focusing on education and cultural exchange. Many central Tokyo hotels now provide matcha ceremony experiences as part of their cultural programming, offering convenient access with explanations tailored for international guests. Choosing the Perfect Tea Ceremony Experience Formal vs. Casual Ceremonies Formal ceremonies (' chaji ') can last several hours and include a full meal, providing comprehensive cultural understanding. Casual ceremonies (' chakai' ) focus on tea service and typically last between 60 and 90 minutes, ideal for travelers with limited time wanting an authentic Tokyo experience. What To Wear and How To Prepare Dress modestly and comfortably in dark, subdued colors. Avoid strong fragrances and elaborate jewelry. Some venues provide cushions, while others maintain traditional seiza seating throughout. The Japanese tea ceremony offers modern travelers a rare opportunity to experience profound cultural meditation. In Tokyo's bustling environment, these moments of traditional tranquility provide not just cultural education, but genuine respite for the soul, leaving participants with a deeper appreciation for mindfulness and the art of being truly present. Related Posts Zen and the Art of the Japanese Tea Ceremony The Best Matcha Powders: A Beginner's Guide to Green Tea Brands A Day in the Life of a Japanese Tea Ceremony Host
