Matcha Accessories
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Whisking the Perfect Cup

Having the right matcha accessories is a great way for you to enjoy this unique Japanese green tea. Matcha is a powdered green tea, so it requires specific tools that you would not include in your regular tea tasting experience in order to get a perfectly frothy, smooth cup.

Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned tea drinker, using the correct accessories can elevate your experience and bring authenticity to your tea rituals.

However, do you really need all the authentic accessories or are there more readily-available alternatives? Which ones are essential, which are just nice-to-have items?

Essential Matcha Accessories

To properly prepare matcha, you’ll need a few fundamental tools that are traditionally used in Japanese tea ceremonies. Here’s what you need to get started:

Chawan (Matcha Bowl)

A chawan is a wide, deep ceramic bowl used for whisking and drinking matcha. Unlike regular teacups, the chawan's shape, with a nice flat bottom, allows for optimal whisking, helping you create a smooth, foamy consistency.

Types of Chawan:

• Classic deep chawan – Ideal for winter, as it retains heat well.


• Wide, flat chawan – Perfect for summer, as it cools the tea faster.


• Glazed vs. unglazed chawan – Glazed bowls are easier to clean, while unglazed versions have a more rustic, traditional feel.

When choosing a chawan, consider its size, shape, and material to match your aesthetic preferences and usability needs. Some are like works of art with gold highlights creating lovely designs. If you own one and use it, instead of just looking at your chawan adoringly through the glass of a closed cabinet then you are a brave person.

Alternative: take a look at your ceramic bowls at home. Some small breakfast may have the flat shape you need.

Chasen (Bamboo Whisk)

A chasen is perhaps the most crucial tool for achieving matcha’s signature frothy texture. Made from a single piece of bamboo by expert craftsmen, it features fine prongs that break up clumps and create a velvety finish.

Choosing the Right Chasen:

• 80-100 prongs – Ideal for beginners, offering a balanced froth.


• 120+ prongs – Best for ceremonial-grade matcha, producing a delicate foam.


• Thicker prongs – Better for koicha (thick matcha), as they blend the tea more efficiently.

This is a very delicate instrument, so make sure set down carefully and to maintain your chasen, always rinse it with warm water after use and store it on a kusenaoshi (whisk holder) to keep its shape.

Alternative: you may use an electric milk frother. It achieves almost the same result, although you will not get to enjoy the mindfulness that goes into whisking your matcha manually.

Chashaku (Bamboo Scoop)

The chashaku is a small, curved bamboo scoop used to measure matcha powder. While you could use a regular teaspoon, the chashaku allows for precise measurement, typically scooping about 1 gram per serving.

Alternative: experiment with your teaspoons at home until you reach the perfect proportion of matcha to water for you. This may take some time to achieve, but while a little margin of error may be acceptable you should absolutely make sure to use a dry spoon to scoop your matcha. Do not let a drop of water to ruin the matcha in your container.

If you have a high-precision scale, you may weight your matcha before pouring it into the bowl. You may go with a measuring spoon if you keeping getting different results using a teaspoons.

Natsume (Tea Caddy)

Proper storage is crucial for keeping matcha fresh. A natsume, or tea caddy, is an airtight container that protects matcha from moisture, air, and light, which can degrade its quality.

Why is this important? Humidity is your matcha’s worst enemy as it may actually spoil your powdered tea. Air and light may lead to premature oxidation and decrease the shelf-life of the product, considerably altering its chemical properties and flavor.

Alternative: if you don’t have a very good airtight container at home, then instead of purchasing your matcha in packets, look for matcha that comes in tins and check reviews from other customer for any issues related to the container itself.

Additional Matcha Accessories

Beyond the essentials, several other tools can enhance your matcha-making experience.

• Furui (Matcha Sifter)

Sifting matcha before whisking prevents clumps and ensures a silky-smooth texture. A fine-mesh sieve or dedicated matcha sifter makes the process effortless, or at least saves you some time fighting with undesired clumps.

Alternative: a tea strainer or a fine-mesh sifter you have at home may be a solution, but make sure to experiment with a very small amount of matcha to check if you are pleased with the result.

• Whisk Holder (Kusenaoshi)

A kusenaoshi helps maintain the chasen’s prongs, preventing them from bending or breaking. This simple tool extends the lifespan of your whisk. Just don’t leave your whisk with the prongs facing down against a hard surface of a box as over time the whisk may begin to deform.

• Travel-friendly matcha kits

If you wish to always have an option of matcha while away from home, then search for portable sets with mini whisks, sifters, and containers that come in travel pouches.

High-Quality vs. Low-Quality Accessories

When purchasing matcha tools, quality matters. Investing in well-crafted accessories ensures durability, better results, and a more authentic experience. If you are investing in expensive high-grade matcha, don’t let cheap instruments ruin your beverage.

What to Look for:

• Chawan (bowl) – Handmade ceramic bowls offer uniqueness and durability. You may even begin to collect these as they provide a decorative element as well.


• Chasen (whisk) – Handcrafted whisks from Japan are superior to mass-produced ones. If you are unsure, go to a tea shop and request assistance.


• Chashaku (scoop) – Natural bamboo with a smooth finish is preferable to plastic alternatives.


• Natsume (container) – Airtight, opaque, and made from quality materials like ceramic or lacquered wood. Some are beautifully decorated and choose one that can be easily refilled with your favorite matcha.

You may wish to consider eco-friendly options with sustainable chawan made from recycled materials or bamboo utensils sourced from ethical producers.

Proper Care and Maintenance

To extend the life of your matcha accessories, follow these care tips:

• Chawan (bowl) – Wash with mild soap and avoid abrasive sponges.


• Chasen (whisk) – Rinse with warm water immediately after use and store on a whisk holder.


• Chashaku (scoop) – Wipe with a dry cloth instead of washing.


• Natsume – Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Preferably not in your spice cabinet because other scents may permeate your tea if you accidentally leave the tin slightly open.

Using the right matcha accessories can transform your tea experience, allowing you to enjoy a perfectly whisked, smooth cup every time. Whether you choose the traditional tools of the Japanese tea ceremony or modern alternatives, investing in high-quality accessories enhances both the taste and ritual of matcha preparation.

Take the time to find the tools that suit your lifestyle, care for them properly, and enjoy the calming ritual of making matcha at home.

Click on the image or on the link below to purchase from Palais des Thes your Matcha Introduction Set.

This introductory set allows you to enter the world of brewing matcha tea in the comfort of your home.

The set includes a bowl, whisk, and serving spatula, is ideal for both the beginner and the more experienced matcha drinker.

Click on the image or on the link below to purchase from Palais des Thes your Matcha Imperial.

Your matcha set should be used with high quality matcha.

Experience a vibrant Japanese green tea that is round and mellow with delicious vegetal notes.

Make sure to check out the page on matcha to learn more about this unique Japanese tea.

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