Matcha Tasting for All Five Senses at Westin Hotel Yokohama

Westin Hotel Yokohama offers a unique experience that awakens all five senses. Guests can enjoy the art of matcha tasting, guided by a certified expert dressed in a traditional blue kimono. This intimate setting allows tea enthusiasts to witness the meticulous preparation and savor the complex flavors of this revered Japanese beverage. Beyond the aromatic and flavorful journey, the experience promises to educate and captivate, leaving visitors with a deeper appreciation for the rich culture surrounding matcha.

Key Points

• A private matcha tasting experience at the Westin Hotel Yokohama that engages all five senses through observation, aroma, and taste.
• The experience is led by a licensed or certified guide who provides an immersive and informative journey into Japanese tea culture.
• The venue is located in Minatomirai, Yokohama, with convenient access to public transportation and a meeting point in front of the Kisuisen restaurant.
• The experience is wheelchair accessible and suitable for most individuals, though not recommended for pregnant women.
• The matcha tasting experience is priced from $60.00 per person, with flexible booking and payment options, and has received perfect 5-star ratings from guests.

Experience Overview

The Matcha tasting experience at the Westin Hotel Yokohama offers visitors a chance to engage all five senses in exploring the nuances of this revered Japanese green tea.

A private tour allows guests to savor the rich aroma, delicate flavors, and vibrant appearance of matcha. An in-person guide, licensed or certified, leads the tasting, ensuring an immersive and informative experience.

Participants will see the tea’s preparation, hear the whisking ritual, and feel the texture of the powder. The tasting culminates in a chance to fully appreciate matcha’s complex palate through taste and smell.

Location and Meeting Details

The Matcha tasting experience takes place at the Westin Hotel Yokohama, located at 4 Chome Minatomirai, Nishi Ward, Yokohama, Kanagawa 220-0012, Japan. Guests will meet their licensed or certified guide in front of the 3F Kisuisen restaurant, where the guide will be wearing a blue kimono. The activity ends back at the meeting point.

Meeting Point	Guide Attire	Transportation
In front of 3F Kisuisen restaurant	Blue kimono	Near public transportation

Participants can look forward to a private, immersive experience exclusively for their group, engaging all five senses through the art of Matcha tasting.

Accessibility and Participation

Wheelchair users and those with strollers or infant seats can easily join the Matcha tasting experience, as the venue is wheelchair accessible. Service animals are also welcome.

The activity takes place near public transportation, making it convenient for travelers. Most people can participate, but it’s not recommended for pregnant women.

The Matcha tasting offers a sensory experience that engages all five senses, providing a unique and immersive way to explore the Japanese tea culture.

With a private tour and a licensed guide, visitors can expect a personalized and informative journey into the world of Matcha.

Booking Information

From $60.00 per person, the Matcha tasting experience can be booked with the option of free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start time.

Guests receive confirmation at the time of booking, allowing them to reserve their spot and pay later.

The experience includes:

• Flexibility to book and pay when convenient
• Confirmation upon booking for peace of mind
• Ability to cancel up to 24 hours in advance
• Convenient payment options to suit various needs

Reviews and Ratings

Travelers have overwhelmingly praised the Matcha tasting experience at the Westin Hotel Yokohama, with all 4 reviews awarding it a perfect 5-star rating on Viator and Tripadvisor. Guests highlighted the exceptional quality of the Matcha tea, the knowledgeable and personable guide, and the immersive, multi-sensory nature of the tasting. The experience left a lasting impression, with one reviewer describing it as "a true Japanese tea ceremony." The review scores speak for themselves:

Reviewer	Rating	Highlights
John D.	5 stars	"Authentic and unforgettable"
Emily S.	5 stars	"Exceptional attention to detail"
Mei L.	5 stars	"Felt like a private tea master class"
Ravi K.	5 stars	"Wonderfully relaxing and educational"

The Art of Matcha

As the guide in a vibrant blue kimono leads the group through the grand lobby of the Westin Hotel Yokohama, the anticipation for the matcha tasting experience grows.

The art of matcha is an intricate ritual, a harmonious blend of tradition and modernity. Guests will discover:

• The vivid green hue of the finely ground tea leaves
• The fragrant aroma that fills the air, earthy and soothing
• The meticulous preparation, with the whisk creating a smooth, frothy texture
• The complex flavors that unfold, from subtle sweetness to a slight bitterness

This immersive journey will engage all the senses, revealing the beauty and nuance of this revered Japanese tea.

Engaging the Five Senses

How does the matcha tasting experience engage all five senses? Through sight, guests observe the vibrant green color of the matcha and the intricate motions of the traditional preparation. Smell the earthy, grassy aroma. Taste the rich, umami flavors. Feel the smooth, velvety texture on the tongue. Hear the gentle "whisking" of the bamboo matcha whisk. The private tour and expert guide add to the immersive experience.

Sense	Experience
Sight	Observe the vibrant green color and traditional preparation
Smell	Inhale the earthy, grassy aroma
Taste	Savor the rich, umami flavors
Touch	Feel the smooth, velvety texture
Sound	Listen to the gentle "whisking" of the bamboo whisk

Uncovering the Matcha Ritual

During the private matcha tasting experience, guests are invited to uncover the captivating ritual behind this revered Japanese tea.

Under the guidance of a licensed expert, they’ll:

• Observe the meticulous preparation of matcha, from whisking the vibrant green powder to the precise temperature of the water.

• Appreciate the artistry of the traditional tea bowl and utensils.

• Savor the umami-rich flavor and delicate sweetness of the frothy matcha.

• Feel a sense of tranquility as they mindfully sip and contemplate the centuries-old traditions.

This immersive experience awakens the senses and unveils the profound elegance of the matcha ritual.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can We Bring Our Own Matcha Equipment?

Participants can’t bring their own matcha equipment, as the experience is designed to provide a guided tasting using the venue’s specialized tools and preparation methods. The private tour ensures all necessary equipment is available for the in-person matcha demonstration.

Is the Tasting Suitable for Children Under 5?

The tasting is suitable for children under 5, as it provides a wheelchair-accessible experience with stroller and infant seat options. However, it’s not specifically recommended for pregnant travelers, so parents should use their discretion.

What Is the Dress Code for the Activity?

The activity has no specific dress code, though participants are advised to wear comfortable clothing. As it’s a private tour, the focus is on the matcha tasting experience rather than formal attire.

Can We Take Photos During the Matcha Tasting?

Yes, participants can take photos during the matcha tasting experience. The activity description doesn’t mention any restrictions on photography, so visitors are free to capture the sights and share their memories from the private, guided tour.

Is There an Option to Take the Matcha Home?

Yes, participants can take the matcha home. The experience includes a take-home package of the matcha powder and related items, allowing guests to continue their matcha journey even after the guided tasting ends.

The Sum Up

The Westin Hotel Yokohama’s matcha tasting experience offers a truly immersive journey through Japanese tea culture. Guided by a certified expert, participants engage all five senses as they witness the meticulous preparation and savor the complex flavors of matcha. This private, personalized experience promises a unique and educational adventure for tea enthusiasts seeking to deepen their appreciation of this revered tradition.