What Is "Tōcha," the Tea Tasting Tradition That Captivated Both Nobility and Commoners 650 Years Ago?
Matcha Edition
Did you know that Japanese tea also has a tasting tradition, much like wine tasting?
Around 650 years ago, a traditional game called "Tōcha" became a widespread phenomenon, captivating people from all walks of life. This refined practice of identifying tea varieties and their regions of origin is considered the foundation of Japanese tea tasting.
In the world of wine, factors such as region and terroir influence the fermentation process, resulting in variations in taste, aroma, and color. Sommeliers and wine enthusiasts rely on their refined palates to determine where the wine was produced, under what conditions, and from which vintage. With their expertise, they captivate and delight guests and friends through expressive storytelling and nuanced descriptions.
When we think of "tasting," we often imagine casually sipping and discussing flavors. However, 650 years ago, Tōcha (Japanese tea tasting) was a serious competition, where participants had to accurately identify the origin of matcha and even the type of water used. Over time, these gatherings evolved into high-stakes events, with wagers placed on food, sake, and even money—eventually turning into a form of gambling. As its popularity peaked, the government—under Ashikaga Takauji—intervened, issuing a ban that ultimately brought an end to Tōcha as a competitive game.
Although Tōcha was officially banned, the tradition never truly disappeared. Instead, it has been quietly passed down through generations. In its modern form, Tōcha has evolved, with over 80 varieties of Japanese tea now available, offering an even greater depth of aroma and complexity of flavor.
The modern version of Tōcha requires no intricate rituals or specialized knowledge, making it accessible to everyone. In this experience, we introduce Matcha Tōcha, a captivating tea-tasting challenge that matcha lovers won’t want to miss.
Matcha Tōcha
1. Prepare Matcha from Four Different Regions Curated by Phenimax
First, prepare matcha from four different regions curated by Phenimax.
2. Select One Chajin (Tea Master) to Whisk the Matcha for the Day
The Chajin of the day is not only responsible for whisking the matcha but also serves as the host and presenter of the Tōcha gathering.
They will prepare designated voting boxes for each region, determine the order in which the matcha will be served, and ensure the setup allows for a proper blind tasting experience.
It is also recommended to have a palate cleanser, such as a traditional sweet. At Phenimax, we offer Wasanbon, a premium Japanese confectionery renowned for its delicate sweetness and refined quality.
Once the matcha is portioned onto small plates and everything is set, the host begins by introducing the matcha selections for the day to the guests.
3. Explore the Unique Characteristics of Each Matcha and Begin the Tasting
First, observe the color of the matcha before whisking, noting its unique visual characteristics.
Next, taste a small amount of matcha, allowing your palate to memorize its flavors. As you taste, compare the distinct characteristics of each variety and region, layering them with your sensory impressions.
Phenimax Matcha Selection
⚫︎Kyoto Uji – Varieties: Okumidori & Samidori
A finely crafted matcha blend of 100% Uji-grown Okumidori & Samidori, sourced exclusively from Uji City. This perfectly balanced blend embodies the essence of traditional Uji matcha. Samidori is a particularly special cultivar, originating in Uji City itself.
Its flavor is characterized by a delicate sweetness and rich aroma that unfold the moment it touches the palate. The color is a bright, slightly milky green, reflecting its exceptional depth of fragrance and refined taste.
⚫︎Fukuoka Yame – Variety: Saemidori
With its vivid, vibrant green hue, this matcha offers a refreshing taste balanced by distinct umami and refined bitterness.
Grown in the pristine mountain air, the tea leaves absorb the essence of the landscape, imparting a subtle "mountain aroma" to the flavor.
⚫︎Kagoshima Kirishima – Variety: Okumidori
A bestselling cultivar in the world of Japanese tea, prized for its excellence as both matcha and gyokuro. Its color is a rich, deep forest green, complemented by a sweet, captivating aroma and a naturally smooth sweetness.
Kirishima is a high-altitude region surrounded by mountains, where the significant temperature differences create ideal conditions for tea cultivation. This matcha boasts a deep, complex flavor profile, yet finishes with a clean and refreshing aftertaste.
⚫︎Shizuoka, Shizuoka – Variety: Okumidori
Although this Okumidori variety is the same as that grown in Kirishima, the distinct soil, climate, and rainfall of Shizuoka create a unique flavor profile. Shizuoka’s Okumidori is known for its vibrant color, a bold presence with lingering astringency, and a delicate honey-like sweetness.
Located in the heart of Japan, Shizuoka enjoys a mild climate year-round, allowing for the cultivation of tea leaves with a harmonious balance of umami, sweetness, and astringency. Compared to other regions, Shizuoka produces a limited quantity of matcha, making this a rare and exceptional offering.
As you continue tasting, have you begun to recognize the unique characteristics of each matcha?
At first glance, all matcha may seem the same, but as you take the time to savor each one, you’ll discover remarkable differences in flavor and aroma.
Now, let the Tōcha experience begin.
4. Let the Tōcha Begin
- The Chajin (tea master) prepares the matcha (Usucha) out of sight of the guests, ensuring a blind tasting experience.
- Distribute papers to the guests labeled ① Flower, ② Bird, ③ Wind, and ④ Moon (or simply numbered 1 to 4).
At the same time, the Chajin should keep a private record of the order in which each matcha is prepared.
- Whisk the matcha in order, starting from ①.
Pour a small amount of the whisked matcha into Phenimax’s tea cups or any small cups you have on hand for tasting.
- Once all cups are filled, serve them to the guests.
- As the guests taste the matcha, they refine their senses—observing the color, flavor, aroma, texture, and aftertaste—to identify and narrow down the possible region of origin.
- Guests cast their votes according to the Chajin's designated rules—either by placing a paper with their name into the voting box of the region they believe is correct or by writing the region's name on the back of their paper.
Repeat steps 1 to 6 for each region, completing a total of four rounds.
Once all four matcha varieties have been tasted, everyone gathers to reveal and compare their answers.
A point-based Tōcha game can also be played, where participants earn points for each correct answer. The guest with the highest number of correct guesses achieves the high score and wins the game.
5. Tōcha—A Competition Beyond Just a Test of Palates
While Tōcha may resemble a wine-tasting event, it is also a personal challenge—a test of one’s own senses and intuition. This profound practice requires sharpening your five senses, drawing your own conclusions, and trusting your instincts. Even in a group setting, the experience naturally draws participants into their own world of focus and discovery.
Tōcha is an engaging and enjoyable experience for everyone.
Whether you’re looking to incorporate a Tōcha experience into a party, wondering how many participants can join, or considering it as a Zen-inspired activity for a corporate event, we are happy to provide tailored recommendations to suit your needs.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us.
