There’s something undeniably calming about the ritual of tea. In Japan, tea is not just a drink but a cultural cornerstone that has shaped art, design, and daily living for over a millennium.
From the frothy richness of matcha lattes now trending in cafés around the world to the light, refreshing notes of sencha and the refined elegance of gyokuro, Japanese tea has found its way into global conversations on wellness, mindfulness, and gastronomy.
This October, Singaporeans will have the rare chance to experience this heritage firsthand as the Japan Tea Festival makes its much-anticipated return.
Why Japanese Tea Is Having A Moment
Over the last decade, Japanese teas have stepped out of traditional tearooms and into everyday life. Matcha has become a symbol of modern café culture, with its bright green hue splashed across everything from drinks to desserts. Sencha, Japan’s most popular green tea, is increasingly appreciated for its balance of umami and freshness, while gyokuro, shaded before harvest, is gaining attention for its rich, almost broth-like depth. Together, they reflect not only a taste preference but also a growing global interest in authentic, premium products that carry a sense of tradition and care.
Singapore, with its discerning food culture, is perfectly placed to embrace this movement. The Japan Tea Festival offers a chance not only to taste but to understand what makes these teas special from their cultivation across diverse regions to the artistry behind their preparation.
The Festival Experience
Taking place on Friday, 10 October 2025 at the Jubilee Ballroom, Four Points Hotel Singapore, the Japan Tea Festival opens its doors from 12 pm to 4 pm. Organised by the Japan Tea Industry Association with the support of JETRO and JFOODO, the event is designed for both casual tea enthusiasts and professionals in the food and beverage industry. Admission is free, with walk-in and on-site registration available
Guests can look forward to an immersive journey into the flavours, rituals, and collaborations that define Japanese tea culture.
Rare Teas From Across Japan
This year’s festival will showcase an extraordinary line-up of teas from over 15 Japanese regions. Visitors will be able to taste celebrated varieties from Kyoto’s Uji, Shizuoka, and Kagoshima, alongside hidden gems from lesser-known producers.
Highlights include:
- Yame Sencha Genji, a platinum award-winning tea known for its rich umami profile.
- Asagiri Shizuku, a rare pan-fired green tea representing less than 0.3% of Japan’s tea production.
- Saemidori Sonogi tea, an exceptionally scarce green tea from Nagasaki with a bright colour and natural sweetness.
- Yuzu Aroma Tea, blending black tea with dried yuzu peel for a refreshing citrus twist.
- Mimasaka Bancha, a traditional roasted tea unique to Okayama Prefecture
Live Sencha Ceremony
One of the standout highlights is the Obaku Baisa-ryu Sencha-do ceremony led by Professor Sosen Nakai. This rare demonstration showcases the delicate artistry of sencha preparation, offering audiences a glimpse into the philosophies of harmony and mindfulness that underpin Japanese tea traditions. It’s a performance as much as it is a ritual, revealing the elegance and precision that transform simple tea leaves into an experience of refinement.
Food Pairings And Cultural Connections
Tea is best enjoyed with food, and the festival embraces this through exclusive pairings by ABC Cooking Studio Singapore. Japanese sweets, crafted with tea both as ingredient and inspiration, will be offered to complement the tasting sessions. The result is a multisensory celebration where flavours enhance and balance one another, echoing the Japanese principle of harmony in dining.
The festival also shines a light on collaborations beyond the teacup. Visitors can engage with Fukujuen Singapore, a renowned Kyoto teahouse, explore lifestyle connections at Japan Rail Café Singapore, and discover travel inspirations through JTB Singapore.
More Than Just Tea
Japanese tea is often described as liquid heritage, steeped in centuries of craftsmanship. What once began as a luxury for monks and nobility has become a drink enjoyed daily, representing wellness, community, and artistry. At the Japan Tea Festival, these values come alive in a way that extends beyond the tasting table.
For F&B professionals in Singapore, the event also offers a valuable networking opportunity. With rising consumer demand for authentic products, direct connections with Japanese tea producers can inspire new menu ideas, retail partnerships, and cross-cultural ventures. As Ms Onishi, Senior Director of JFOODO, explains, “It’s rare to encounter such a wide variety of teas all in one place. I hope you’ll discover a cup that speaks to you”.
A Celebration Of Culture And Connection
Past editions of the festival have left visitors with more than just memories of fine flavours. Attendees have described the event as a deeply immersive cultural experience, one that brings the enduring beauty of Japanese traditions to life in Singapore. From tea award winners to the quiet precision of Sencha-do performances, it’s a reminder of how food and culture connect us across borders.
This year promises to do the same, with a renewed focus on showcasing both the depth of tradition and the evolving artistry of Japanese tea. Whether you’re a long-time devotee of matcha, a curious newcomer to sencha, or a professional seeking inspiration, the Japan Tea Festival offers a rare chance to sip, savour, and connect with one of Japan’s most treasured cultural legacies.
Event Details
- Date: Friday, 10 October 2025
- Time: 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm
- Venue: Jubilee Ballroom, Four Points Hotel Singapore, 382 Havelock Road, Singapore 169629
- Admission: Free (walk-in and on-site registration available)
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