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I recently received a delightful matcha tea set, not by purchase but as a lovely surprise. The exceptional quality of the tea, sourced directly from Makinohara, Shizuoka Prefecture—a region renowned for its premium green tea production - really stood out. The flavor of the deep-steamed tea was great (even if it did come in tea bags), offering a genuinely authentic tea experience reminiscent of the high-grade matcha I have encountered in Kyoto. The highlight of the set for me, however, was the inclusion of a small snack, specifically the "Nanaya Shizuoka Matcha Leaf Pie." This snack, a perfect blend of crispiness and the rich, umami-packed taste of matcha, paired exceptionally well with the tea, enhancing the overall tasting experience. The careful consideration in the choice of snack, originating from the same region as the tea, not only celebrates local produce but also gave me chance to get a further taste of Shizuoka's tea culture. The packaging of the set itself is a visual treat, mirroring the elegance and traditional aesthetics one might expect from a high-quality product. The tea bags helped make Japanese tea-making simple, maybe even a nod to the simple, yet intricate, act of preparing a cup as an immersive ritual key to Japan's green tea culture. This post is supported by Makinohara City, one of City-Cost's Supporters helping City-Cost bloggers to enjoy life in Japan and engage in new experiences.