A little luxury Japanese tea time on rainy days

Hello, it's Keko.

Rainy days can often make us feel a bit down, but they also provide the perfect opportunity to enjoy some cozy time at home with a nice cup of Japanese tea. Today, I'll share some ways to make your rainy days more enjoyable with the pleasure of Japanese tea.

1. A Relaxing Moment

Listening to the sound of rain while enjoying a quiet moment is incredibly relaxing. For such times, "Gyokuro" is a perfect choice. Gyokuro is a high-quality Japanese tea that is best enjoyed when brewed slowly at a low temperature, bringing out its rich sweetness and umami. Taking your time to brew Gyokuro can warm both your body and your soul.

How to Brew Gyokuro 1. Put the tea leaves into the teapot. 2. Pour hot water at around 60°C into the teapot. 3. Wait for about 2 minutes, allowing the leaves to fully open. 4. Pour the tea gently into cups, making sure to pour every last drop.

 2. Afternoon Tea with Sweets on a Rainy Day

On a rainy afternoon, enjoying some sweet treats with Japanese tea can be a delightful experience. Matcha, with its vibrant green color and rich flavor, can lift your spirits on a gloomy day. Try pairing hand-made Japanese sweets or Western-style desserts with a bowl of Matcha.

How to Prepare Matcha 1. Put about 2 grams of Matcha powder into a tea bowl. 2. Add a small amount of hot water (70-80°C) and mix with a bamboo whisk to dissolve the Matcha. 3. Pour in about 70ml of hot water and whisk vigorously until it becomes frothy. 4. Once the froth is fine and smooth, your Matcha is ready.

 3. The Soothing Aroma of Japanese Tea

Japanese tea has a calming aroma that can help you relax. For example, "Hojicha," a roasted green tea, offers a unique toasty fragrance. Brewing a warm cup of Hojicha and slowly savoring its aroma can significantly enhance your relaxation.

How to Brew Hojicha 1. Put the tea leaves into the teapot . 2. Pour hot water at around 90°C into the teapot. 3. Wait for about 30 seconds to allow the aroma to develop. 4. Pour the tea gently into cups, enjoying the aroma as you do.

Why not spend a little extra time on a rainy day enjoying the luxury of Japanese tea? It can refresh both your mind and body, leaving you feeling ready to face the next day with a clear and bright mood.

Until our next tea time, take care!