Japan and Green tea are like two sides of a coin. They are inseparable. For green tea lovers who want to know about the various kinds of green tea produced in Japan and how to prepare them, you should check this shop, Masudaen Green Tea Shop in Asakusa.
You'll get to know the difference between gyokuro, ocha, sencha and matcha. Which part of tea tastes best; the stems, the leaves or the shoots? You'll also find out which prefecture produces the most popular tea in Japan? How to prepare green tea properly.
When you have so many questions and are curious about the booming popularity of green tea. There's a shop in Asakusa area of Tokyo that can answer all your questions and satiate your curiosity about green tea. Although Japan is not the country where green tea culture originated. It should be noted that Japan quite successfully popularized and spread the green tea fever throughout the world.
Tea in Japan, was formerly synonymous with formal ceremonies and higher social classes. People involved in this ceremony were believed to have significant insights and knowledge about society in general. Now, anyone can enjoy tea ceremony in Japan for between ¥ 2,000 and ¥ 4,000 per person.
Over the time, green tea has metamorphosed into many food delicacies. You can find it in various types of drinks, biscuits, snacks, ice cream, and even daily necessities such as perfume or aromatherapy oils. Green tea does have a distinctive fragrance when it comes from good quality fresh plants.
When I stopped by the Masudaen store, I was lucky enough to meet a salesperson who diligently explained the assortment of tea products sold there. Of course that was very helpful since the packaging includes an explanation in Japanese only. The best quality tea is derived from the new shoots. No wonder the price is so high compared to others. Approximately ¥ 5,000 for a package containing only 80 grams. But do not worry, the store has a policy that any purchase over ￥5,000 is tax free.
I decided to try some tea from Kyoto Prefecture. They say that the area produces some of the best tea in the country. I was so impatient to taste this new drink and make my own tea ceremony at home with my family.
To get there take the Ginza line and get off at Asakusa Station. The store is located just 200 meters from Exit Door 1 at Asakusa Station.
