Frequently Asked Questions

The Japanese Tea Ceremony Workshop

How long does the workshop last?

The Japanese Tea Ceremony Workshops lasts around two hours. This consists of around 40 minutes on the history and philosophy of the tea ceremony, and 80 minutes of demonstration and tea making. 

How many people are in each workshop?

Each workshop will have a maximum of 6 people.

Do you cater for guests who have food allergies?

If you have any food allergies or dietary restrictions please let us know when booking your workshop ticket. We serve some Japanese sweets and pastries to accompany the matcha tea, and with prior notice these can be changed to accommodate your needs.

I wish to cancel my booking

Bookings are non-refundable. We can reschedule your booking if you request it at least 7 days prior to the booking date. If there are circumstances that mean you must cancel your booking, please contact us at info@keikouchida.com.

Can children join the workshop?

Yes! We ask that anyone under the age of 15 be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

I would like to arrange a special event for a group
If you are planning a private event, team/corporate event, or celebration, we would be very happy to work with you! Send us an email at info@keikouchida.com with information about your event, and we’ll respond with a quotation. You can see some of the companies we’ve worked with before on our Testimonials page.

Matcha & Tea 

Which matcha should I choose?

It all depends on your palate! We recommend Kitsho as a ‘starter’ matcha for those who haven’t really tried matcha before. If you’re drinking matcha lattes or baking with matcha we recommend Aoarashi. If you have tried a lot of different matcha teas, then why not try Unkaku or Shoin no Mukashi for an elegant, velvety, tea. And for those wanting to try arguably the highest grades of matcha tea you will find outside of Japan, why not try Kiwami Choan, Tenju and Kanza. 

Do I need a chasen?

A chasen (bamboo whisk) is one of the essential tools for matcha. While some people get on fine with electric milk frothers, we recommend a chasen for the best matcha experience. The fine bamboo tines evenly disperse the matcha powder in the water, while also creating a creamy foam. Electric whisks can over mix the matcha which can cause bitterness.

Why does my matcha have a short expiration date?

Our tea is produced by some of the most prestigious tea makers in Japan. As they take great pride in their Matcha, they give it a six month best before date once ground. Our best before dates follow the Japanese system (YY/MM/DD). You can find the best before date on the bottom of the tin.