This week @chalaitnyc was lucky enough to be able to visit Japan for a few days to meet with our suppliers in Uji, Kyoto. There we hope to visit the tea farms where all our tea leaves are being sourced and harvested as well as the factory in which the tea leaves are steamed, roasted and ground down to make he final product: matcha green tea powder.
Matcha plantation in Kyoto
It's a great opportunity for us to further explore the region and get to know the local farmers who are growing these wonderful teas. Not only do we hope to sample some great matcha tea but hopefully learn a lot about the local people and culture and what this tea represents to both of them.
During the trip, we will also have a short stop over in Tokyo and we intend to take full advantage of our time there to explore a few of the increasing number of independent coffee shops that are helping to build Tokyo's reputation for quality coffee. These coffee shops represent the latest trend in improving quality and craftsmanship. Not only do they brew some excellent coffee, they also do it in some very unique and refreshing settings.
Stay tuned for plenty of updates, posts and photos of the trip.
Shibuya Crossing, Tokyo.