お茶会 – Kimono & Tea Ceremony Club in Switzerland

Mochi & Matcha Workshop at the Japan Food Fest in Zurich [Report]

Mochi & Matcha Workshop in Zurich

Traditional Mochi Making (No Microwave!)

A workshop for all senses – warm, interactive, and full of flavor.

At the Japan Food Festival in Zurich, we shared unforgettable moments together.
Here’s a glimpse of what you can expect:

1. Handmade Mochi & Tea Ceremony Quiz
We begin by making fresh strawberry mochi from scratch.
After that, you’ll take part in our popular Tea Ceremony Quiz: 10 questions about matcha – and no one has scored 10/10 in the past 4 years 😏
In a fun and engaging way, you’ll learn how matcha is grown and how to truly enjoy its flavor.

2. 3 Minutes of Calm – in the Middle of the Buzz
After the high energy of the festival, we intentionally create a moment to pause.

Before drinking the matcha, we practice 3 minutes of meditation together.
A short reset for body and mind – and suddenly, the matcha tastes deeper, richer, and more mindful.

3. Connection Beyond Language
People from different countries come together to share a matcha experience.
Without needing many words, a special connection naturally emerges.

Matcha culture is quietly spreading across Europe – and you can be part of it.

📣 Next Event
Join us on May 14, 15, and 16 at
Fantasy Basel!
One of Europe’s largest pop culture events, welcoming around 100,000 visitors.
👉 More details: https://fantasybasel.ch

✨ Would you like to experience it yourself?

👉 Reserve your spot for the next workshop:
Book now

We look forward to welcoming you in person 🍵

📣 We are looking for helpers
We are looking for people to help us during the workshop at Fantasy Basel (May 14–16).

The helping time is approximately 2.5 hours (short shift).

As a thank you, you will receive a CHF 50 entrance ticket.

If you are interested, feel free to contact us by email:
info@sushi-yoko.ch

You can also apply for our instructor certification course starting with a trial lesson.
The trial lesson is available online from CHF 20 for 1 hour.

📩 You can also contact us via Instagram DM (this is even faster):
https://www.instagram.com/sushi_yoko_com

Table Tea Ceremony – What You Need to Prepare

Utensils

Utensil	Notes
Teapot or kettle
Teapot warmer	To keep the teapot warm
Tea bowl (Chawan)
Tea whisk (Chasen)	Made of bamboo
Tea scoop (Chashaku)	Made of bamboo
Tea caddy (Natsume)	Black lacquer with crane maki-e design (as in photo)
Tray	Round black tray (as in photo)
Waste water bowl (Kensui)	Octagonal, metal (as in photo)
Silk cloth (Fukusa)	For cleaning the utensils

Consumables & Other

Item	Notes
Matcha powder	Sift through a tea strainer beforehand
Hot water	Approx. 80°C
Tea cloth (Chakin)	Dampen, wring out well and place in the tea bowl
Paper napkins (Kaishi)	For placing sweets on
Japanese sweets	Wagashi or Higashi
Tea strainer	For sifting the matcha powder

For enquiries about lessons, please send us a direct message on Instagram 👘
@sushi_yoko_com

【Osaka】Afternoon Tea Buffet & Tea Ceremony Experience at a Luxury Hotel | May 4, 2026

🍵 Cultivating a calm, confident self through matcha time
✨ Afternoon Tea Buffet & Table Tea Ceremony Experience
🌿 A once-a-year special event in Osaka

In the midst of your busy daily life,
why not take a moment to calm your mind?

The time spent whisking matcha
helps you breathe deeply and find inner stillness.

Through the unhurried ritual of preparing tea,
you gradually nurture a self that remains composed and confident in any situation.

For this special event,
we invite you to a luxury hotel on Midosuji, Osaka —

The Royal Park Hotel ICONIC Osaka Midosuji

25th Floor Executive Lounge
Private Room

🍰 Afternoon Tea Buffet
🍵 Table Tea Ceremony Experience (Matcha)

Enjoy a luxurious and relaxing time in this exclusive urban setting.

Take this special opportunity in the heart of the city
to reset and restore yourself.

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✨ This event is perfect for you if…

・You are interested in matcha or the tea ceremony
・You want to find moments of calm in your busy everyday life
・You love kimono and Japanese culture
・You are looking for an event you can attend comfortably on your own
・You want to enjoy a special time in a luxurious hotel setting

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📅 Date & Time

May 4, 2026

🕒 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
🍰 Afternoon Tea Buffet
🍵 Table Tea Ceremony Experience

📷 5:00 PM – 5:30 PM
Photo Session

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📍 Venue

🏨 The Royal Park Hotel ICONIC Osaka Midosuji

25th Floor Executive Lounge
Private Room

🚇 Access

🚉 Yodoyabashi Station, Exit 13 — approx. 3 min walk
🚉 Honmachi Station, Exit 2 — approx. 4 min walk

https://maps.app.goo.gl/LGMPpY9msNvNokgJ6

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🍰 What’s Included

🍰 Hotel Afternoon Tea Buffet
🍵 Table Tea Ceremony Experience (Matcha)
📷 Commemorative photo session in the hotel lobby area

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💎 Participation Fee

🌟 Early Bird　¥5,500 (until early bird spots are gone)
Regular　¥6,300

All of the following are included:

🍰 Afternoon Tea Buffet
🍵 Table Tea Ceremony Experience (Matcha)
📷 Photo Session

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⚠️ Capacity

Seats are very limited.

Once early bird spots are gone,
the regular price will apply.

Registration will close once the event is fully booked.

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📩 How to Register

Instagram DM｜@sushi_yoko_kimono

Feel free to reach out via Facebook Message｜Facebook

📧 Email registrations are also welcome.
info[at]sushi-yoko.ch

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👘 Organizer

Yoko Kinoshita

🍵 “Zen Chado” — Cultivating a calm, unshakeable self through the way of tea

Based in Switzerland for over 20 years.
Hosting matcha experiences, tea ceremony events, and Japanese culture workshops across Europe.

14,000 YouTube subscribers.
Spreading the joy of kimono friendship around the world 🌏

🍣 Sushi Yoko｜@sushi_yoko_com

Tsubaki-no-kai Table Style Tea Ceremony
Senior Instructor

👘 Online Kimono Tea Gathering (held monthly)
Join for free via the profile link.

🇨🇭 Based in Switzerland for 20 years

Matcha Tea Ceremony and Afternoon Tea at The Royal Park Hotel Tokyo in Jan. 2026

January 16–17, 2026

These two days reminded me once again how joyful wearing kimono truly is.
Thank you so much to everyone who took part.

On the first day, I wore an antique purple houmongi.
As it was an antique piece, I paired it with a small hat.
That simple addition instantly gave the outfit a festive, party-like feel.

With each passing year, I find myself more and more drawn to antique kimono.
Their colors and patterns are ones we rarely see today and are truly special.
Perhaps I’m becoming a bit of an antique myself 🤣

On the second day, I chose a bright pink houmongi with vermilion tones.
An unusual color for a houmongi, making it perfect for a special event.
Once again, the hat added an extra touch of elegance.

I am truly happy that we were able to share a mindful moment together
through a single bowl of tea.

Through each and every encounter,
I hope the world of kimono and matcha continues to grow,
crossing borders, generations, and cultures.

#Meetup #Kimono #Antique #Matcha #JapaneseCulture

Matcha Serving Performance in Paris (DECORTÉ Cosmetic Campaign)

As part of a **DECORTÉ campaign**, I had the opportunity to present matcha at the historic department store **La Samaritaine** in Paris.

Over the course of four days, I prepared and served matcha on site, offering an authentic Japanese tea experience to an international audience.
With each bowl of matcha, natural conversations emerged, creating moments of connection and sparking curiosity about Japan and its culture.

Many guests expressed a strong interest in Japanese culture and shared their wish to visit Japan one day.
These encounters once again showed that matcha is more than a beverage — it is a cultural medium that connects people across borders.

My work focuses on presenting Japanese culture in a refined, approachable, and experiential way, tailored to international audiences and premium environments.

I welcome collaborations with companies and brands interested in **international cultural promotion**, **experiential marketing**, and **Japanese culture–driven concepts**.

I would be delighted to create meaningful cultural experiences together that resonate beyond borders.

🍵 Thank You for Your Generous Support — Donor List of the World Matcha Forum 2025

With heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has helped carry culture and peace into the future.

Our sincere appreciation goes to all donors who supported the World Matcha Forum 2025.

🌿 Major Donors (10,000 JPY / 55 CHF and above)

Name	Country
Haruka Studer	Switzerland
Yoshiko Seiler	Switzerland
Yukiko Hofstetter	Switzerland
Yoko Kinoshita (Sushi Yoko)	Switzerland
Masako Yamaoka	Switzerland
Louise Stapfer	Switzerland
Fusako Saji	Japan
Takako Kobayashi (Genki Gakuen)	Japan
Nobuko Kinoshita	Japan
Mayumi Lehman	Germany
M. Y.	Switzerland

💚 Other Donors

Name	Country
Miki Blossom	Switzerland
Akiko Ihara	Japan
Kaoru Kambe	Japan
Yukie Sakakura	Japan
Kristina Ogneva	Russia
Takako Nikaido	Japan
Yuki Nishimura	Korea
A.S	Japan
Tome Kamiooka	Japan
Kimi Kimi	Switzerland
Akiho Nishimura	Japan
Shizuka von Atzigen	Switzerland
Akemi Terakita	Japan
Yumiko Suzuki	Japan
Yukiyo Kurawaki	Japan
Lisa Nagano	Japan
Miyako Kuno	Japan
A. Breiter	Switzerland
Tomoko Nagae	Japan
Miki Sato	Spain
Maki Niisoe	Japan
Yasuko Inada	Japan
Motoko Nakamura	Japan
Akemi Takaki	Japan
Tomonori Tsuji	Japan
Kaoru Stocker	Switzerland
Masami Kondo	Japan
Yuzo Egashira	Japan
Yuki Sugahara	Japan
Shoko Chiba	Japan
Masako Jinnai	Japan
Terumi Komura	Japan
Takako Ito	Japan
Rikako Shibuya	Japan
Junko Aota	Japan
Noriko Suzuki	Japan
Junko Saeki	Japan
Y. M.	Switzerland
Tomoyo Kawata	Japan
Yuka Minami	Japan

🎍Announcement: 5th “Afternoon Tea & Tea Gathering @ Tokyo Nihonbashi” Day1

🎍 Announcement: 2026 New Year “Afternoon Tea & Table-Style Tea Ceremony @ Nihonbashi” – Day 1

Our popular “Afternoon Tea Gathering” returns for its 5th edition in Nihonbashi.

Enjoy a glamorous afternoon tea on the hotel’s executive floor,
followed by a table-style tea ceremony in a private room overlooking Tokyo Tower.
Spend a serene New Year’s afternoon in kimono, savoring a touch of the extraordinary.

🌸 Theme

“Open the door to a new world — and live your best life!”

📍 Event Details

Date & Time
Friday, January 16, 2026 — 15:00–18:15

Venue
Royal Park Hotel (Directly connected to Suitengu-mae Station, Nihonbashi)

Part 1: Afternoon Tea Time
15:00–16:30 (1.5 hours) 6,900 JPY

Enjoy an all-you-can-eat, free-flow afternoon tea at the executive lounge.
(Scones, cup desserts, brownies, cookies, sandwiches, coffee, tea, juice, draft beer, and sparkling wine)

Part 1 is filled with excitement and warmth. As the new year begins, unwind and enjoy friendly conversation, sharing your dreams and thoughts with one another. Surrounded by delicious tea and sweets, smiles naturally spread in a cozy atmosphere.

(While Day 2 offers a relaxed two-hour session, Day 1 lets you enjoy the night view during Part 2.)

Part 2: Table-Style Tea Ceremony
16:45–18:15 (1.5 hours) 6,900 JPY

Enjoy a mindful, tranquil tea gathering in a private room with a beautiful night view of Tokyo Tower.

In Part 2, experience the world of the table-style tea ceremony. Through learning how to receive and enjoy tea, you’ll also explore the use of kaishi (tea paper), table coordination, and the meanings behind the tea bowl and utensils, while touching on seasonal words (kigo) and teachings from the Analects of Confucius. Through tea, you’ll nurture a heart that cherishes “this very moment,” gently realign yourself, and welcome the new year with calmness.

👉 Join both sessions for a special set price: 13,500 JPY
(Early-bird discount until November 30: 13,000 JPY)

Cancellation Policy:
20% within 7 days prior, 50% within 2 days prior, 100% on the event day.

🎫

Full House! Matcha Experience Report from the Pop Culture Event

Full House! Matcha Experience Report from the Pop Culture Event

— Exploring Japanese Culture through Quiz, Wagashi, and Meditation —

🍵 Our two-day #Matcha workshop has come to a close – and what an unforgettable experience it was!

Before the event, I honestly wondered: “Will people at a pop culture convention really care about matcha?” To my surprise, both sessions were completely full, and we even had to add extra seats 👏✨

Many participants told me, “I often make matcha lattes at home,” while others admitted, “This is my very first time holding a bamboo whisk.” Watching beginners and seasoned fans side by side, smiling as they prepared tea together, was truly heartwarming.

As always, our “Matcha Quiz” was a highlight. Nobody managed to get all the answers right this year either – but that challenge sparked laughter, conversations, and a wonderful sense of connection. After the quiz, we shared wagashi, prepared matcha together, and closed with a short meditation. In the middle of a lively pop culture event full of anime, cosplay, and manga, those few quiet moments of mindfulness felt all the more special.

After 20 years in Switzerland, seeing Japanese culture embraced so naturally within the world of pop culture feels like a dream to me.

To everyone who joined, and to the dedicated organizing team – thank you from the bottom of my heart. I look forward to the next chance to share these precious “moments of matcha” with you 💐

🎥 Watch the highlights in this short video:
👉 View Instagram Reel

🌸 Would you like to try matcha at home?
We also host small-group matcha events with wagashi. Reserve your spot here:
👉 Matcha & Sweets Experience – Reservation Page

Table-Style Tea Ceremony Experience in Osaka

🍵 Table-Style Tea Ceremony Experience 🌙✨

Held in a private lounge at ANA Crowne Plaza Osaka, we enjoyed a peaceful tea moment with a view of the night skyline.

This mindful tea practice helps reset your thoughts and calm your heart —
a perfect ritual for today’s busy lives.

Our second tea gathering of the day also went beautifully.
Thank you to everyone who joined us.
We are truly grateful for this once-in-a-lifetime encounter.

🫖 Today’s Tea and Sweets

Matcha: “Harugasumi” by Marukyu Koyamaen (Kyoto)
Wagashi: “Shōbu” nerikiri by Iseya Honten (Himeji)
Utensils: Wajima-nuri lacquerware and a bamboo motif tea bowl inspired by Ogata Kenzan

May the gentle southern breeze — as in the Zen phrase Kunpū ji nanrai —
bring peace to your heart.

🧡 Special thanks to

@kimono__pro @mai.mai.y.r.h @sae_terauchi
@marika.yoshimura @rika.hanaoka @kimono_sweets_lover

Gratitude also to Akemi-san and my dear friend Akiko.

I hope to share such a tea moment with you again — maybe in Europe.

— Yoko Kinoshita (May 6, 2025, Osaka)

#TableTeaCeremony #JapaneseTeaCulture #MatchaTime #Wagashi #Nerikiri #ZenMoment #Wajimanuri #MindfulTea #KimonoStyle #YokoKinoshita

Matcha Workshop with Quiz & Meditation

🍵 Experience Matcha at Chibi-Con – Tea, Culture & Mindfulness

🗓 Date: Saturday, August 9 & Sunday, August 10, 2025
⏰ Time: 14:00–14:45 (approx. 45 minutes each day)
📍 Location: Chibi-Con, MZA Teuchelweiher, Winterthur
👘 Instructor: Workshop led by Sushi Yoko
Instagram:
👉 @sushi_yoko_com
👉 @sushi_yoko_kimono

💰 Participation Fee:

CHF 20.– (includes Japanese sweet)
Payable in cash or via TWINT on site
Payment on site (cash or TWINT): CHF 25.–

🉐 Special Offer:
👉 Get CHF 5.– OFF if you also join the Yukata Workshop!
(Only CHF 15.– when attending both workshops)

🍵 Workshop Highlights

Discover the beauty of Matcha and tea culture through a fun and mindful session:

Learn how to make and enjoy Matcha in the traditional way
Discover the history and cultural background of Japanese tea
Taste authentic Japanese Wagashi (tea sweets)
📚 Matcha & Tea Ceremony Quiz – with a prize for the winner!
🧘‍♀️ End the session with a mindful Matcha meditation for peace and calm

📸 Photo time with a Japanese Wagasa umbrella
👘 Matcha will be served by the instructor in a kimono

🉐 By the way:
The Matcha workshop usually costs CHF 100.– when combined with a mochi-making session:
👉 Matcha with Sweets Workshop
At Chibi-Con, you can join this unique experience for a special low price!