NYC Seasonal Tea Ceremony: New Harvest Matcha 2026

Kyoto is renowned as one of Japan’s finest matcha-producing regions. Each year in early May, the tender tea leaves used to make matcha are carefully harvested. Freshly picked leaves are distinguished by their vibrant green color and lush, refreshing aroma.

Traditionally, these tea leaves are aged for approximately six months before being ground into matcha, allowing their flavor to deepen and mellow. For this special tea gathering, however, we have prepared a rare matcha made from this year’s newly harvested tea leaves before the customary aging process.

The featured tea will be Chitose no Tomo 千歳の友, the official okonomi—or specially selected matcha—of the Ueda Sōko Ryū, a samurai tradition of chanoyu. Guests will have the rare opportunity to taste two expressions of the same matcha: one made from this year’s fresh harvest and one from last year’s harvest that has been allowed to mature.

The two matchas will be served through a traditional tea ceremony using a Satsubako 茶桶箱, a distinctive tea box arrangement. By tasting them side by side, guests can experience how maturation transforms the matcha’s aroma, color, depth, and finish.

The gathering will also include a seasonal chakaiseki 茶懐石 meal prepared with organically grown vegetables from Upstate New York. Inspired by the season and the spirit of Japanese tea culture, the meal will bring together local ingredients and the refined hospitality of chanoyu.

Join us in New York City for an intimate celebration of seasonality, tradition, and taste, and discover a rare expression of matcha available only for a brief time each year.

We look forward to welcoming you.

During this gathering, guests will enjoy:

• A serene and elegant tea ceremony demonstration
• The opportunity to enjoy freshly prepared matcha
• A beautifully arranged kaiseki-style Japanese meal reflecting the season
• An immersive atmosphere inspired by the refined beauty of wabi-sabi

*The contents are subject to change.

*If you have allergies, vegetarianism, or other dietary requirements, please contact us at least three days prior to the tea ritual.

Dress code:

Western-style clothes are acceptable. No sleeveless shirts, or short mini skirts. Please bring a clean pair of white socks. (We have some extra)

Please take off jewelry and watches.

Precautions:

• In the event of cancellation by the customer less than two weeks prior to the tea ritual, the ticket will not be refunded or changed to another tea ritual.
• If you arrive after the start time, you could not join the ritual in the middle of the ceremony after it has begun, as it will interfere with the ritual. Please be sure to arrive at the venue before the start of the ritual. If you fail to arrive in time, we will not be able to refund your ticket or change your ticket to another tea ritual.
• The images are a record of the tea ceremonies we have held so far. They do not show the contents of this tea ceremony.
• The staff will take pictures of the tea ceremony. Please note that the images taken may be used for publicity purposes at a later date.

Sponsor:

Globus Family / Nippon Cha / Ueda Soko-ryu