Hands-on Matcha Workshop by ochamode

Experience an authentic Japanese tea ceremony in a welcoming, hands-on workshop led by a Japanese tea ceremony instructor. Harue Imaizumi practices and teaches the Omotesenke way of tea in Berkeley. She has studied tea in both Japan and the United States and is a certified instructor of the Omotesenke school. Through her practice and teaching, she is dedicated to sharing wa no kokoro—the spirit of harmony. During the workshop, guests will learn about Japanese tea culture, matcha culture, and the wellness benefits of matcha, while being introduced to a table-style Japanese tea ceremony. You’ll learn the basic principles and etiquette of Japanese tea ceremony, as well as practical tips for preparing delicious matcha at home—including matcha-to-water ratio, water temperature, and whisking techniques. You’ll then whisk your own bowl of matcha and enjoy it with traditional Japanese sweets. The tea will come from ochamode, founded by Mayuka Inaba. Originally from Kikugawa, a tea-growing town in Shizuoka, Japan, Mayuka grew up with ocha as part of everyday life. She founded ochamode in Berkeley in 2021. Through high-quality organic matcha and green teas grown by farmers in her home region of Shizuoka, she shares the Japanese ocha lifestyle that nurtures well-being in both body and mind.