message from the president
Mr. Shigeru Tateyama, 5th generation
Nihon-cha Instructor
I hope all of you will enjoy the authentic taste of Nihon Cha at our traditional Japanese house while looking at our Japanese garden.
My wife Makiko will be happy to explain how to brew tea and tell you many stories. Please get a taste and feeling of JAPAN at our place.
The taste of tea varies depending on the climate and weather, soil conditions of the season, blending and processing technique.
But above all else, the most important factors are a strong motivation and inspiration, as both producer and processor aim to offer the best taste at a reasonable price.
President Tateyama & his wife makiko Tateyama
A PEACEFUL MOMENT IN OUR GARDEN
A BIT OF HISTORY
In 1877, my great-grandfather Mr. Seizo TATEYAMA founded our tea factory and shop. It has been 140th anniversary since then.
Our family overcame several hardships caused by wars.
Thanks to the support of our customers over the generations, we could successfully continue our business until today.
When I took over my family business as the 5th generation, I promised myself to stay true to the following points.
1.
Maintain the traditional and authentic taste of green tea.
2.
Full commitment to the promotion of green tea culture.
3.
Grow together with the local community.
About green tea : a day-to-day routine
"Tea is rooted in the daily life of Japanese people", and is not seen as a high-end and luxurious drink. Drinking tea on the veranda of a traditional house (engawa in Japanese ) is our daily habit and custom.
From the old days up until 20-30 years ago, Japanese people drunk tea at every meal, snack time, just for relaxing. The Tateyama shop has a very rare wall made from the stalk of tea.
You can see, feel and taste the real thing (authenticity) if you visit our place. Japanese tea is NOT a special tea, that only rich people can enjoy by paying extraordinary expensive price. Japanese tea exists in every moment of people’s daily life.
In the early morning, we give freshly-brewed green tea to our ancestors in a family alter, and we enjoy tea time between hard working hours, sitting on a veranda and just relaxing. A space where you can relax and enjoy the atmosphere and culture for a day while wearing a kimono in a Japanese garden surrounded by a calm atmosphere.
OUR PRODUCTS
Tateyama Shoten receieved the Nihoncha Award 2017 (Special Recognition Award, 31 items all over Japan). This was the only and first time among all Kumamoto tea shops and producers. The brand of awarded tea is TEN-YO. Tateyama's roasting process and technique was highly evaluated. We are proud to offer you a real experience of Japan through our products.
Come and visit us, you will discover much more !
WHAT is BANCHA ?
Contrary to ichiban-cha, which uses first-flush tea leaves that are harvested in April or May, bancha uses second or third flush tea leaves that are picked around June or July. Fragrant and refreshing, it is enjoyed in a casual setting, usually after meals.
Since 1877, the Tateyama family's tea factory has been proudly making this tea, aiming to be the best in Japan. Our present, fifth generation family head, Shigeru Tateyama is committed to keeping the same taste and aroma of his family's bancha.
how to prepare BANCHA ?
Bancha can be brewed just like sencha; Put bancha tea leaves in a tea pot, pour in hot water and enjoy! For Iced bancha just make hot bancha (don't make it strong; boiling time should be short) and then just cool it ! An incredibly refreshing and healthy beverage.
There's another simple way to make ice cold bancha, without using hot water. Place 3 tablespoon of bancha tea leaves in a one-liter water bottle (a bottle with a filter inside is more convenient), pour in water and refrigerate. Brew until the water changes colour. Modify the amount of tea leaves to suit your taste.
Tea bags can also be used. Our new bancha tea bags can be brewed with either hot or cold water. It can even be brewed in plastic bottles, a simple and convenient way to enjoy bancha.
MATCHA TASTING
Matcha with Japanese sweets ¥700 (tax included)
Why not enjoy seasonal sweets and Matcha green tea in casual cloth. We always have a simple tea ceremony setting in our traditional Japanese room. You will be able to learn history of green tea and basic manner of Japanese tea ceremony in English.
GREEN TEA brewing
How to correctly brew green tea ¥500 (tax included)
Learn how to brew and serve Japanese tea using a kyusu (a traditional tea pot). Comes with a traditional Japanese sweet. Certified Japanese tea instructor will teach you the health effects of green tea and how to take green tea in your daily life.
ikebana lesson
IKEBANA, Japanese traditional flower arrangement ¥2,500 (tax included)
Why not try out traditional flower arrangement using Japanese seasonal flowers and plants? Ikenobo School expert will be your instructor. 2,500JPY/person for 1hour lesson. Min. 3 people.
Prior reservation is required.
Learn traditional flower arrangement (ikebana)
kimono wearing
Kimono + Tea Ceremony (5,500 ¥ per person, tax incl.)
Duration: 60min.
Up to 15 people (reservation needed).
You will be dressed in a silk kimono (not a casual yukata) with the help from an expert.
The dressing process will take about 15 minutes. Choose among a wide range of incredible kimonos.
Make-up and hair styling is also available, at an additional charge. Take pictures in your kimono, in the lovely Japanese garden, then stroll around Kajiyamachi Dori street.
As you appreciate the view of the Japanese garden, you can also experience tasting our own tea brands and learn how to serve Japanese tea.
Kimono fitting include a set of Kimono garment and other accessories (tabi socks, sandals, porch, hair accessory). Make-up and hair styling by a professional is also available, with an additional charge.
An English explanation will be provided by Makiko Tateyama, the wife of the present family head.
When reserving please provide your measurements for a better fitting of your Kimono.
Biography
Mr. Shigeru Tateyama, 5th generation
Born in Hitoyoshi in 1954 as the second son of Tateyama Family. Graduated from Aoyama Gakuin Univ. in Tokyo. Majored in Law. Joined a trading company and worked for 6 years. Returned to Hitoyoshi to take over his family business.
Certification and License: Nihoncha Instructor, Nihoncha Advisor.
Hobby: River fishing
Tateyama Makiko (Wife of Shigeru)
Born in Hitoyoshi in 1957. Graduated from Kyoritsu Women's Junior College, Majored in English. She went to Ann Arbor (MI) and entered language institute of the University of Michigan, to brush up her English skill when she was 25 years old.
After that, she taught English at private cram school for many years.
Certification & License: English teacher license, Nihoncha Instructor, Chaiku Instructor (professional tea instructor).
Tateyama Seiichi（3rd Generation, Grandfather of Shigeru)
Great painter. He loved drawing and made a number of picture story shows to read for his son and grandchildren. He used special pigment, that would not fade away after long years.
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