Japan

Japanese teas are vibrant with a sap-like texture.  Japanese green teas are steamed rather than fired (as they are in China), which accentuates the freshness and green flavours.

Tea in Japan plays a vital role in custom, philosophy and everyday life. The vast majority of tea produced in Japan is green tea and most of it is consumed in Japan itself.

Tea was first brought to Japan from China. The practice of whipping powdered tea into a froth (today known as Matcha) was originally a Chinese Song dynasty practice and the tradition continues in Japan today.