We hosted a Kimono Afternoon Tea Ceremony at a luxury hotel in Osaka.
Surrounded by a beautifully set table with golden and silver tea bowls, we enjoyed matcha together in the spirit of Wa · Kei · Sei · Jaku: Harmony, Respect, Purity and Tranquility – the four values at the heart of the Japanese tea ceremony.
We were also delighted to serve „Tama-Tsubaki“, a celebrated Japanese confection from Iseya Sōhonten in Himeji – a wagashi house with over 300 years of history.
When was the last time you truly slowed down in your daily life?
Preparing matcha gently brings your breathing into a quiet rhythm. Around the tea table, smiles and connections arise naturally – even among people meeting for the first time. And when you wear kimono, you notice how your posture and movements change all on their own.
The Tea Ceremony QuizMatcha DemonstrationEnjoy your own matchaTraditional 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.
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
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.
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.
🌿 2nd World Matcha Forum | Guest Speaker Announcement
We are pleased to announce that Ambassador Keiichi Hara, Director of the Foreign Service Training Institute
at Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, will join us as a guest speaker
at the 2nd World Matcha Forum to be held on Saturday, October 25, 2025.
Ambassador Hara once had the honor of observing the late Grand Master Sen Genshitsu (Urasenke XV)
preparing tea at the Ministry’s training institute.
He also volunteered for an overseas assignment in Afghanistan, where he was deeply involved in
cultural preservation and peace-related activities amid the challenges of post-conflict society.
Drawing on these valuable experiences, Ambassador Hara will share insights under the theme of “Culture and Peace” and lead an interactive quiz session featuring episodes from his time abroad.
Ambassador Hara is also a high school classmate of the organizer, Yoko Kinoshita.
Through this forum, we hope that matcha will serve as a bridge for people around the world to connect
and share a common wish for peace and cultural understanding.
🕊️ About the World Matcha Forum
The forum is a charity event to support recovery from the Noto Peninsula Earthquake.
All proceeds will be donated to the Wajima Lacquerware Restoration Fund
and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).
Opening Remarks: Ambassador of Japan to Switzerland (planned) ｜ Donations: Wajima Lacquerware Revival & ICRC
For Companies and Institutions
As a sponsor, you will receive a special Kimono & Matcha Experience.
Perfect for employee well-being, CSR, client hospitality, and intercultural education. ✨
Benefits of Sponsorship
🌏 Peace & Cultural Exchange: Demonstrates commitment to peace and international cultural exchange, enhancing social trust and global brand image.
🍵 Sustainability Appeal: Matcha is a sustainable and healthy drink, supporting ESG/CSR communication and highlighting environmental awareness.
🧘 Employee Well-being: Mindfulness through tea practice reduces stress and improves concentration.
🤝 Client & Community Engagement: Matcha events provide opportunities to connect with clients and strengthen community ties.
⭐ Publicity: Exposure on the official website, slides, SNS, and press releases increases recognition nationally and internationally.
Sponsorship Levels & Benefits
🌿 Bronze
300 CHF
Logo on the official website
Mention in event slides
🎟️ Admission tickets: 12 people (online equivalent: approx. CHF 300)
🤝 Instagram co-post (optional)
📘 Facebook post: 1 time
📱 Stories mention: 1 time
🍵 Silver
1,000 CHF
Verbal acknowledgment at the opening / Mention in SNS & participant emails
Benefit: one Kimono & Matcha Experience (onsite or online)
👉 Normally offered via the Matcha Workshop at CHF 110 per person.
Within Canton Zurich, travel expenses are included, making this a very attractive sponsor benefit.
🏢 Onsite participation limit: up to 10 people (CHF 110 × 10 = CHF 1,100 value)
💡 Total value estimate:approx. CHF 1,850 (onsite + online)
🤝 Instagram co-post (optional)
📘 Facebook posts: 2 times
📱 Stories mentions: 2 times
🎖 Gold
3,000 CHF
Prominent logo in program / Mention in press release / Special thank-you page
Benefit: customized cultural workshop (kimono etiquette, matcha & wagashi, lecture, etc.)
👉 Normally based on the Matcha Workshop at CHF 110 per person.
Within Canton Zurich, travel expenses are included, making this a premium and cost-effective sponsor benefit.
🏢 Onsite participation limit: up to 30 people (CHF 110 × 30 = CHF 3,300 value)
🎍 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.
![Mochi & Matcha Workshop at the Japan Food Fest in Zurich [Report]](https://kimono-club.ch/wp/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/3d15ccdf1532e5de59c0152a9797c572-1200x900.jpg)
