Matcha Tasting for All Five Senses at Westin Hotel Yokohama

Enjoy the captivating world of matcha at the Westin Hotel Yokohama. This sensory experience engages all five senses, inviting guests to explore the vibrant green hue, earthy aroma, and velvety texture of premium matcha. Each sip reveals a harmonious balance of flavors, while the rich history and cultural significance of this traditional tea provide a profound backdrop to this journey. Discover why matcha has become a revered culinary delight.

Key Points

• Guests at the Westin Hotel Yokohama can engage in a multisensory matcha tasting experience, exploring the vibrant green hue, fragrant aroma, velvety texture, and complex flavors of this traditional Japanese tea.

• The tasting event encourages participants to visually inspect the high-quality matcha, savor its earthy and grassy aroma, and appreciate the smooth mouthfeel of the creamy, evenly dissolved powder.

• Tasters can observe the frothy, verdant liquid and note the subtle floral or vegetal notes in the umami-rich scent, then slowly sip the matcha to experience its balanced bitterness, sweetness, and creaminess.

• The tasting fosters a deeper understanding and appreciation for the rich history and cultural significance of matcha, which has been integral to Japanese spiritual and culinary traditions since the 12th century.

• The immersive multisensory experience at the Westin Hotel Yokohama allows guests to fully engage with the unique characteristics of matcha, from its captivating visual appeal to its nuanced flavor profile.

Exploring Matcha’s Visual Appeal

One of the first steps in the matcha tasting experience is exploring the vibrant green hue of the powdered tea. This brilliant color, the result of careful cultivation and processing, immediately captivates the eye.

Guests are invited to closely examine the fine powder, taking in its uniform and velvety appearance. The guide explains how the shade of green reflects the tea’s quality, with the most prized matcha boasting a deep, verdant tone.

This visual inspection whets the appetite, setting the stage for the flavorful journey ahead as participants engage their remaining senses.

Savoring the Aroma of Matcha

Next, participants delight in the fragrant aroma of the matcha. The guide explains the importance of the matcha’s scent in the overall tasting experience.

Participants are encouraged to:

1. Gently waft the matcha towards their nose.
2. Inhale deeply, allowing the earthy, grassy notes to fill their senses.
3. Pay attention to how the aroma evolves as the matcha cools.
4. Reflect on how the aroma enhances the visual and tactile aspects of the matcha.

The guide emphasizes that savoring the aroma is a crucial step in appreciating the complexity of this revered Japanese tea.

Experiencing the Texture of Matcha

With the enticing aroma now savored, participants shift their focus to experiencing the texture of the matcha. They observe the powder’s fine, velvety consistency as the guide scoops it into their waiting cups. The guide then describes how the matcha’s texture enhances the overall drinking experience, noting its ability to dissolve evenly and create a smooth, creamy mouthfeel.

Matcha Texture	Description	Impact on Drinking Experience
Fine Powder	Velvety	Dissolves Evenly
Creamy	Smooth	Enhanced Mouthfeel
Uniform	Consistent	Balanced Flavor Profile

This tactile exploration sets the stage for participants to fully enjoy the matcha tasting.

Appreciating the Taste of Matcha

With their senses enlivened by the matcha’s alluring aroma and captivating texture, participants eagerly anticipate the final stage of the tasting experience – savoring the tea’s complex and nuanced flavors.

The guide leads them through a systematic approach to appreciating the taste:

1. Observe the vibrant green hue of the frothy matcha liquid.
2. Inhale the umami-rich scent, noting any subtle floral or vegetal notes.
3. Take a small sip, allowing the matcha to coat the tongue and palate.
4. Savor the balanced bitterness, sweetness, and creamy mouthfeel that unfold.

Participants delight in this sensory exploration, gaining a newfound appreciation for the intricacies of high-quality matcha.

Listening to the Sounds of Matcha Preparation

As the guide prepares the matcha, the participants listen intently to the soothing sounds that fill the air. The gentle whisking of the bamboo chasen against the ceramic chawan creates a mesmerizing rhythm, while the soft pouring of the steaming water adds a calming backdrop. The participants are captivated by the harmonious auditory experience, allowing them to fully enjoy the ritual.

Sound	Description
Chasen Whisking	Rhythmic, soothing
Water Pouring	Soft, calming
Occasional Silence	Peaceful, contemplative

The participants find themselves transported to a serene moment, their senses heightened as they appreciate the nuanced symphony of the matcha preparation.

Understanding the History and Culture of Matcha

The guide delves into the rich history and cultural significance of matcha, revealing its deep-rooted traditions in Japanese society.

Matcha has been revered in Japan for centuries, with its origins tracing back to the 12th century.

The guide explains:

1. Matcha was initially consumed by Zen Buddhist monks as part of their spiritual practices.

2. The preparation and consumption of matcha became intricately linked with the Japanese tea ceremony, a revered cultural tradition.

3. Matcha was prized for its health benefits, including its high concentration of antioxidants.

4. Today, matcha remains an integral part of Japanese culinary and cultural heritage.

Booking Your Matcha Tasting Experience

To book your matcha tasting experience at the Westin Hotel Yokohama, visitors can conveniently reserve their spot online.

The private tour is available at 4:00 am and welcomes all five senses to the world of matcha. Participants will meet the licensed guide in front of the Kisuisen restaurant on the 3rd floor, who’ll be wearing a blue kimono.

The activity ends back at the meeting point. With a 5-star rating and great reviews, this is a must-try experience for matcha enthusiasts.

Booking is flexible, with free cancellation up to 24 hours prior.

What to Expect During the Matcha Tasting

Participants will enjoy a sensory journey as they embark on the matcha tasting experience at the Westin Hotel Yokohama.

The guide will lead them through a carefully curated tasting, engaging all five senses:

1. Sight: Admire the vibrant green color and delicate foam of the matcha.

2. Smell: Inhale the earthy, umami aroma of the powdered tea.

3. Touch: Feel the smooth texture of the matcha as it’s whisked into a frothy consistency.

4. Taste: Savor the complex, slightly sweet and bitter flavors of the ceremonial-grade matcha.

Throughout the experience, the guide will provide insights into the rich history and traditions of Japanese tea culture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Photography Allowed During the Experience?

Photography is allowed during the experience. The guide will provide details on any restrictions or guidelines for taking photos during the matcha tasting activity.

Can We Bring Our Own Matcha Powder?

No, guests can’t bring their own matcha powder. The experience is designed to provide a comprehensive tasting of the hotel’s premium matcha selections, so bringing outside matcha wouldn’t be permitted.

How Long Does the Entire Experience Last?

The entire matcha tasting experience lasts around 1 hour and 30 minutes. Participants will start at 4:00 am and end back at the meeting point where they began.

Is There a Dress Code for the Activity?

There’s no strict dress code, though participants should wear comfortable, weather-appropriate attire. The guide will be wearing a blue kimono to help identify themselves at the meeting point.

Can We Visit Other Attractions After the Matcha Tasting?

No, the activity ends back at the meeting point after the matcha tasting experience. There’s no mention of visiting other attractions in the overview, so participants should plan to depart from the Westin Hotel Yokohama once the tasting is complete.

The Sum Up

The Westin Hotel Yokohama’s matcha tasting experience offers guests a captivating sensory journey. From the vibrant green hue to the harmonious balance of flavors, every aspect of the ritual immerses participants in the rich cultural significance of this revered Japanese tea. Whether you’re a matcha enthusiast or a newcomer, this immersive experience promises to delight the senses and leave a lasting impression.