Overview

Discover the rich culture of matcha while enhancing your experience in a beautifully designed, easy-to-wear kimono. Led by a highly professional matcha expert, this tour provides a clear and easy-to-understand introduction to the world of matcha, whether you're a complete beginner or already have some experience.
The expert explains everything in exceptionally good English, ensuring that you can easily follow along and appreciate the deep culture behind matcha. As you explore, you’ll experience not only the sensory aspects of matcha—its taste, smell, and texture—but also gain a full understanding of its cultural and agricultural significance. You'll learn about its history, the etiquette of the tea ceremony, and how matcha is grown and processed, along with why it’s so different from other teas.
During the experience, you’ll also compare authentic and imitation matcha, mastering the key techniques for preparing it yourself. You’ll taste a curated selection of five matcha varieties chosen from over 100 types, so you can find your favorite. Plus, you’ll even have the chance to sample rare, wild-grown matcha, which makes up only 2% of the total matcha production.
By the end of this experience, you’ll have a deeper appreciation of matcha’s cultural significance, how to prepare it properly, and the ability to confidently appreciate the nuances of different matcha varieties.

Discover Organic Matcha with Your Senses
Experience Japanese organic matcha through sight, smell, and taste! Enjoy the unique aromas and flavors of our exclusive first-flush matcha, carefully selected from premium regions across Japan. Much like wine or coffee, matcha has distinct taste profiles depending on its origin, and you’ll have the chance to explore a wide range of matcha varieties from our collection.

Master the Art of Preparing Matcha
During the lecture, you’ll master essential techniques for preparing matcha using a traditional tea whisk. Learn the proper etiquette for making and drinking matcha in a tea ceremony setting. You’ll be equipped with the skills to prepare a perfect bowl of matcha at home.

Dress in a Beautifully Designed Kimono
Try wearing a specially designed kimono that's easy to put on—unlike traditional kimonos, which can take up to 40 minutes. The instructor will show you how to wear it correctly, ensuring an authentic experience. This kimono enhances the experience, allowing you to feel truly immersed in Japanese traditions.

Koumei Sunakawa / 砂川孔明
Founder of Saryūkai / Urasenke Tea Master
Koumei Sunakawa is the founder of Saryūkai, an international tea culture organization dedicated to making the Way of Tea more accessible, open, and integrated into everyday life.
Having spent his childhood and student years in Canada and Peru, Sunakawa developed a deep interest in Japanese culture and his own roots. After returning to Japan, he studied at the School of International Liberal Studies at Waseda University. Upon graduation, he began formal training in the Urasenke tradition of tea ceremony. While managing his own company, Sunakawa established Saryūkai with the aim of making teaism a more free and accessible part of everyday life.
The organization hosts a variety of cultural events, such as “Tea Culture Exchange” programs at embassies in Tokyo, “Matcha Tasting” sessions showcasing single-origin matcha from across Japan, and relaxed open-air gatherings known as Aozora Nodate, where participants can enjoy matcha in a casual outdoor setting.
Fluent in English, Chinese, Spanish, and Persian, Sunakawa shares the culture of teaism with a global audience through multilingual communication and cross-cultural exchange.
To deepen his knowledge of matcha, he travels throughout Japan on a regular basis, visiting tea farms and connecting with growers in pursuit of the finest single-origin matcha from each region.

Meeting point
A guide will be waiting in front of the LUUP stand next to the ACN Yotsuya Building, holding a workshop sign.