Japanese Tea Day (Nihoncha no Hi)
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October 31st Is "Japanese Tea Day"! A Deep Dive Into Its Origins and History
October 31st is "Japanese Tea Day," a celebration of one of the great symbols of Japanese culture. The anniversary marks the date in 1191 when the Zen priest Eisai, founder of the Rinzai school in Japan, is said to have returned from Song-dynasty China with tea seeds and knowledge of tea making. Eisai later wrote Japan's first specialized book on tea, Kissa Yojoki ("Drinking Tea for Health"), in which he declared that "tea is a miraculous medicine for maintaining health."
Tea initially spread as a way for monks to stay awake during meditation and as a medicinal drink, but over time—through developments such as Sen no Rikyu's establishment of the tea ceremony—it evolved into an indispensable part of daily life. October 31st is also a day to reflect on the spirit of hospitality (omotenashi) and the tea culture that Japanese people have cultivated over centuries. As autumn deepens and a warm cup of tea becomes especially comforting, it's the perfect time to rediscover the charm of Japanese tea.
Eisai and the Teachings of Kissa Yojoki
The way of drinking tea that Eisai introduced — whisking powdered leaves in hot water — is considered the prototype of today's matcha. Kissa Yojoki is also known from an anecdote in which Eisai presented tea, along with the book, to the third Kamakura shogun, Minamoto no Sanetomo, when he was suffering from a hangover. Tea drinking had nearly faded in Japan, but after Eisai, tea cultivation spread again, and the habit reached not only aristocrats but also samurai and commoners.
Japanese Tea Trivia
- Steaming: Most Japanese green tea is steamed to stop oxidation before being rolled and dried — a step rarely used in tea making elsewhere in the world.
- Main regions: Shizuoka is Japan's largest producer, followed by Kagoshima and Mie. Shizuoka, Uji, and Sayama teas are often called Japan's three great teas.
- Another Japanese Tea Day: October 1st is also "Japanese Tea Day," established by the beverage company Ito En.
Comparing Tea Leaves: Finding the Perfect Cup for You
If you want to try a new tea on "Japanese Tea Day" but feel overwhelmed by the variety, know that the flavor and aroma of Japanese tea vary greatly depending on cultivation and processing methods. Let's compare the most representative types: sencha, gyokuro, hojicha, and matcha.
Comparison Table of Major Japanese Teas
| Type | Characteristics & Flavor | Recommended Occasion | Brewing Tips |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sencha | Refreshing aroma with a pleasant astringency | During work breaks, everyday use | Brew slightly hot, at 70–80°C |
| Gyokuro | Rich umami and sweetness | For honored guests, relaxing moments | Brew slowly at a low 50–60°C |
| Hojicha | Toasty aroma, gentle on the body | Before bed, with children | Brew quickly with boiling water (95–100°C) |
| Matcha | Pleasant bitterness with deep richness | When you need to focus, with sweets | Sift through a strainer before whisking |
Pairing Ideas for Japanese Tea Day
Japanese tea goes well not only with traditional sweets but also with meals and Western desserts. Here are a few easy pairings to try.
- Sencha × cheese: The astringency cuts through the richness of the cheese, bringing out its umami.
- Hojicha × chocolate: The toasted aroma harmonizes with cocoa's fragrance for a deep, rich flavor.
- Matcha × fruit tart: Matcha's bitterness balances the sweetness and acidity of the fruit.
For "the generation that doesn't own a teapot," cold-brew green tea made in a filter bottle and high-quality tea bags are also popular. Enjoy tea in whatever way fits your lifestyle.
Three Golden Rules for Bringing Out the Best Flavor
- Water temperature: The higher the quality of the tea, the lower the temperature needed to bring out its umami.
- Storage: Tea is sensitive to humidity and light, so store it in an airtight container in a cool, dark place.
- The last drop: Known as the "golden drop," it contains the most concentrated umami.
In Summary: On October 31st, Brew Some Tea With a Teapot and Take a Breath
"Japanese Tea Day" on October 31st is a day to connect with the roots of Japan's tea culture and enjoy a moment of richness.
- Origin: The day Eisai is said to have brought tea seeds back from Song China.
- How to choose: Pick sencha, gyokuro, hojicha, or other types depending on the occasion.
- How to enjoy it: Try pairing tea with meals or Western sweets, not just Japanese ones.
In our busy modern lives, the few quiet minutes it takes to brew a cup of tea can give your mind some much-needed breathing room. This October 31st, take the time to carefully brew your favorite cup and savor its aroma and flavor.