In the tranquil city of Matsue, where tradition breathes life into every cup of tea, a timeless journey begins
Matcha Tea: Nutrition and Popularity in Modern Times
Matcha tea, renowned for its exceptional nutritional value and abundance of antioxidants catechins and theanine, offers both health benefits and a calming effect. Matcha offers a delicate balance of umami and bitterness, a taste deeply rooted in Japanese tradition. This unique taste has rendered matcha a favourite among health-conscious individuals. Matcha, originally cultivated in Kyoto’s Uji region, has been an essential part of Japanese tea culture for centuries, cherished by Zen monks and tea masters alike.
The vibrant green hue of matcha lattes and confections is highly photogenic, prompting widespread sharing on social media platforms such as Instagram and TikTok. Consequently, matcha has surged in popularity worldwide, extending beyond Japan. Matcha’s versatility is evident, as it is utilised not only in beverages but also in desserts and culinary dishes, making it an accessible ingredient for cafés and restaurants around the globe to incorporate into their menus. Matcha’s widespread appeal extends to desserts and confections, loved universally.
Matsue: Historic Tea Region and Its Cultural Legacy
Matsue and matcha are inextricably linked. Alongside Kyoto and Shizuoka, Matsue is esteemed as a tea-growing region. The genesis of tea culture in this provincial Japanese city dates back approximately 200 years to the era of Matsue lord Matsudaira Harusato (known as tea master Fumai, 1751-1818). Fumai, who assumed control of the Matsue domain at 17, is celebrated for revitalising the domain’s finances. As the pre-eminent tea master of his time, he founded his school of tea ceremony, the Fumai-ryu, which eschews rigid etiquette and tradition. This more relaxed approach to the tea ceremony has gained widespread popularity and continues to flourish today. Various tea ceremonies, including those of the Fumai school, are widely practised. Matsue has also established the 24th of every month as Tea Day by ordinance.
Tomita Tea House: Oasis for Tea Lovers
Tomita Tea House, a venerable supporter of Matsue’s tea culture since its establishment in 1945, is situated in Teramachi, a mere five-minute walk west of JR Matsue Station. The area is named for the numerous temples it houses. The shop features a bronze statue of Lord Fumai, crafted by a local artisan, and offers sencha (green tea), hojicha (Roasted green tea), genmaicha (Roasted rice tea), special blends, and matcha on its ground floor. The second floor houses a tea salon where visitors can unwind. The teahouse provides a tranquil environment for travellers and also offers takeaway services. Visitors can enjoy the Suigo Sai Festival, a major Matsue event, with special iced matcha tea or ice cream in the summer (Kindly refer to the menu below for more information).
Seasonal Matcha Creations: Special Treats for Spring
On the 88th of spring (1 May 2025), special inarizushi (a type of sushi wrapped in fried tofu) is available with fresh green tea and matcha. This unique product, developed in collaboration with a nearby sushi restaurant, features matcha and fresh tea powder mixed with vinegared rice and topped with matcha. Tea utensils are also available for purchase as Japanese souvenirs.
(Matcha Toyonosato and Yamakatsura, a Japanese confection made by Matsue’s Saiundo confectionery, set).
Passing Down Tea Culture: Tomita Tea House’s Educational Role
Tomita Tea House is dedicated to promoting tea culture. Local pupils come to the tea house to learn the manner of tea making and Japanese confections from a Japanese tea instructor. The company not only continues to provide high-quality tea leaves using traditional production methods but also focuses on passing on its appeal to the next generation. They continue to convey the depth and enjoyment of tea to both tourists and local residents. Today, people visit the tea shop for its traditional taste and moments of heartfelt communication. Alongside producing high-quality tea leaves through traditional methods, the tea house is committed to sharing the joy and depth of tea culture with both residents and tourists alike.
Immerse yourself in the essence of Japanese tea culture in Matsue, where tradition and flavour harmoniously converge at Tomita Tea House.
(Words by Takashi Saito; checked by Laura Payne)
Take Away Menu
Drink Menu
- Authentic Matcha: ¥250 (tax included) Fragrant, rich, and authentic matcha with no added sweetness.
- Matcha Cappuccino: ¥250 (tax included) A smooth sweetness balanced with a subtle bitterness of matcha.
- Hojicha Cappuccino: ¥250 (tax included) A comforting and toasty flavor crafted from ample hojicha.
- Rooibos Tea: ¥250 (tax included) A gentle aroma and sweetness that warms you from within.
- Stone-ground matcha and Japanese confectionery set (served with sencha, dine-in only): ¥600 (tax included)
Soft Serve Ice Cream
- Premium Matcha: ¥400 (tax included) Packed with matcha for a rich and intense flavor.
- Premium Vanilla: ¥400 (tax included) Smooth and creamy with a deep milk taste.
- Regular Matcha & Vanilla: ¥350 (tax included) A refreshing mixed ice cream compared to the premium options.
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How to get to Tomita Tea House from Tokyo
- Quick trip: Take a 2-hour flight from Haneda to Izumo Airport with JAL, followed by a 35-minute bus ride to JR Matsue Station. A round trip costs about 70,000 yen.
- Scenic journey: Take the night sleeper train, Sunrise Izumo, for a scenic 12-hour journey at 55,000 yen round trip.
- Shinkansen: Take the Shinkansen via Okayama Station and transfer to Local Limited Express Yakumo. The trip takes six hours and costs around 50,000 yen with a Japan Rail Pass.
- By walk: A five-minute walk lets you get to the Matsue Station.
Address: 199-5 Teramachi, Matsue City, Shimane Prefecture Phone Number: +81-852-21-4646 Business Hours: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Tea room: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM, last order at 5:00 PM) Closed: Sundays (open if it’s a national holiday), January 1st–4th Parking: Available Access: A 5-minute walk from JR Matsue Station