Preparing for Your Tea Journey: 日本茶入門 – Learn the Basics of Japanese Tea
Ready to start your Japanese tea journey? Learn the essential tools, techniques, and tips to build a meaningful tea ritual.
A Beginner’s Guide to Savoring Japanese Tea
Japanese tea is more than just a drink—it’s a ritual, a moment of pause, and a way to reconnect. If you’re new to Japanese tea, you may wonder: Do I need special tools? What’s the right way to brew? Where can I find high-quality tea?
Good news! You don’t need fancy tools or expert knowledge to begin. The simplest way to start? Tea bags.
Today, we’ll guide you through preparing your first cup of Sencha tea using tea bags, transforming a simple act into a meaningful daily ritual. If you’re eager to dive deeper, our upcoming class will introduce essential brewing techniques, tea tools, and ways to personalize your tea experience.
What Makes a Tea Ritual Truly Special?
Dolce and Baku Ask
It’s not just about the tea itself—it’s about how you prepare it, the intention behind it, and the space you create. Let’s explore how to make tea a meaningful part of your day.
February Blog Series Overview: A Taste of Japanese Tea
Before we dive into brewing sencha, let’s revisit our February series:
- Week 1 (2/4): Shall We Have Tea? – Exploring Japan’s rich tea culture
- Week 2 (2/12): Morning to Night – The best Japanese teas for different times of the day
- Week 3 (2/19): Coffee vs. Tea – A Caffeine Comparison
- 📍 Week 4 (2/26): Preparing for Your Tea Journey – Today’s post!
Start your tea adventure with essential tools, techniques, and personal rituals
🍵 Preparing Your First Cup of Sencha
Step 1: Start Simple with Tea Bags
Many assume that Japanese tea is complex, but tea bags offer a simple, accessible way to begin.
🔹 Why start with tea bags?
🔹 How to brew Sencha (煎茶) using a tea bag: The key step Most Forget!
- Boil water and let it cool to 160–175°F (70–80°C)
- Place the tea bag in a cup and pour hot water over it
- Cover the cup with a coaster or lid
- Steep for 60–90 seconds (avoid over-steeping!)
- Remove the tea bag and enjoy the delicate, umami-rich flavor 🍵
📌 Tip: Avoid boiling water—it will make your tea taste bitter!
Step 2: Tools for Every Stage of Your Tea Journey
If you’re ready to go beyond tea bags, consider these essential tools:
🔹 Basic Tea Tools (Minimalist Setup)
🔹 Bonus Additions (For Deeper Exploration)
- Hōroku (焙烙（ほうろく）Tea Roaster): For roasting your own Hojicha.
- Yuzamashi (湯ざまし, Cooling Vessel): Helps adjust the water temperature for brewing.
- Tea Tray (お盆) & Strainer (茶漉し): Keeps your setup clean and organized.
📌 Tip: Avoid boiling water—it will make your tea taste bitter!
Personal Reflection: How Tea Transformed My Life
When I lived in Japan, my mornings were filled with rushed coffee cups and chaotic to-do lists. I loved exploring different beverages and even experimented with making them myself. Maybe it was because my grandparents came from a region known for high-quality Japanese green tea, but I had never truly paused to appreciate it.
That changed when my sister, a friend, and I started a Matcha-tasting club. I realized tea wasn’t just a drink—it carried stories, traditions, and a deep sense of connection. This curiosity led me to take the Japanese Tea Advisor program with the Japanese Tea Instructor Association (日本茶インストラクター協会, where I delved into tea’s history, cultivation, and its ability to enhance daily life. Read more: From Inspiration to Purpose: My Journey to Sharing the Art of Tea | 日本茶の力
Since then, tea has become my daily ritual—a way to slow down, connect, and savor the moment. That’s why I’m passionate about sharing this journey with you. Tea isn’t just about drinking; it’s about creating meaningful moments and connections, one cup at a time.
⏳ Coming Soon: An Invitation to Japan’s Tea Culture, Tea and Mindfulness
🗓 Limited Beta Session – Join the First Cohort!
✅ Learn essential brewing techniques
✅ Discover mindful tea rituals
✅ Get hands-on guidance to make tea a meaningful part of your day
📌 Stay tuned for sign-up details in our newsletter and website!
Dolce & Baku’s Closing Notes: The Essence of Every Sip
🌱 Dolce’s Take: “Starting a tea ritual isn’t just about drinking tea—it’s about creating a moment for yourself every day.”
😌 Baku’s Reflection: “Tea reminds us to slow down. The process is just as important as the sip.”
Dolce & Baku’s Weekly Practice: Your Weekly Challenge
🍵 Dolce’s Challenge: Try making tea this week and share a photo of your moment with #DolceTeaTime.
🌱 Baku’s Reflection: A moment to pause, reflect, and appreciate the mindfulness of tea.
✅ Try This:
⬜ Create your perfect cup of tea
⬜ Capture the beauty of your tea moment
⬜ Share your photo with #DolceTeaTime and tag us!
✨ Coming Next Month: Discovering Japan Through Tea
This month, we introduced A Taste of Japanese Tea, setting the stage for our journey. Next, we’ll explore the unique flavors of Sencha, Matcha, and Hojicha, ways to personalize your tea ritual, and practical tips from our upcoming tea class.
In the coming month, we’ll dive deeper into Japan’s geography, history, and cultural connection to tea. Join us as we explore the traditions that shape this beloved beverage.
We Love to Hear from You!:
What’s Your Tea Ritual?
Are you just starting your tea journey, or do you already have a daily tea practice? We’d love to hear your thoughts—share them in the comments below!
Have you joined Dolce & Baku’s Weekly Challenge? If so, we’d love to feature your reflections in an upcoming post. Share your insights with us!
📩 Sign up for early access & be the first to experience this journey!
📷 Follow us on Instagram: [@dolce_flys] for daily inspiration.
📘 Connect on Facebook: [@kikisthouse]
📧 Say Hello!: [hello@kikisthouse.com]
Join the Kiki’s T House Family!
Experience the Wonders of
Japanese Living!
Thank you for being part of this journey. Until next time, may your days be filled with calm hearts and a warm cup.
Sipping Stories, Steeping Memories, and Sweet Dreams Together
Kiki and Dolce
