How to Host a Matcha Tea Gathering at Home | A Step-by-Step Guide Using Tea Ceremony Tool Rental

“I’d love to invite friends over and host a little tea gathering at home.”

If that sounds like you, but you don’t own any tea ceremony tools and aren’t sure where to start — you’re not alone.

The good news is, you don’t need to buy anything. With tea ceremony tool rental, you can borrow exactly what you need, for exactly as long as you need it.

This guide walks you through everything — from what tools to prepare, to how the day itself can flow.

What Tools Do You Need for a Home Tea Gathering?

The Essentials

Chawan (Tea Bowl)
The bowl used to whisk and drink matcha. Ideally, you’ll have one per person.

Chasen (Tea Whisk)
A bamboo whisk used to blend matcha with hot water. This is non-negotiable — there’s no real substitute.

Something to Heat Water
An electric kettle works perfectly. Aim for around 80°C (176°F) — not a full boil.

Matcha Powder and Sweets
Matcha is available at supermarkets, specialty tea shops, and online. Japanese wagashi sweets make a lovely pairing, but any light sweet will do.

Nice to Have

Natsume (Matcha Container) and Chashaku (Matcha Scoop)
These give your setup a more authentic, polished look.

Meimei-zara (Small Plates)
Used to serve sweets. Simple Japanese ceramic plates work beautifully.

Mosen (Felt Mat)
A traditional red felt mat placed on the floor. It instantly transforms a corner of your room into a tea space — and photographs wonderfully.

Why Renting Makes Sense

There are three main reasons to rent rather than buy, especially if this is your first time.

① Low upfront cost
A tea bowl and whisk set starts from ¥3,300 per person. Buying a full set outright costs significantly more.

② No storage needed
Tea bowls and whisks require careful storage to avoid moisture damage. With rental, you simply return everything when you’re done.

③ Proper tools without the research
GreenTeaTokyo’s rental tools are the same ones used in our own experience sessions — practical, easy to use, and selected with beginners in mind.

Step-by-Step: Preparing Your Home Tea Gathering

Step 1: Decide on Guest Numbers

Rental is available from 1 person up to 20. For a first gathering, 3–5 guests is a comfortable size — easy to manage and intimate enough to enjoy.

Step 2: Book Your Rental

Choose the tools you need and submit your rental request. The rental period is 3 days including the day of arrival, so plan for delivery 1–2 days before your event.

Step 3: Source Matcha and Sweets

Matcha powder and sweets are not included in the rental — please prepare these separately. Look for matcha labeled “for thin tea (usucha)” as it’s the easiest type to work with.

Step 4: Set the Space

Lay the mosen on the floor, arrange the tools, and add a cushion or low table if you have one. Even a small corner of a room can feel like a genuine tea space with the right setup.

Step 5: Whisk and Enjoy

Add about 2g of matcha to the bowl, pour in 60–70ml of hot water at around 80°C, and whisk in a quick W or M motion until frothy.

Don’t worry about getting the technique perfect. The point is to slow down and enjoy the process together.

Common Questions

Do I need to know tea ceremony etiquette?

Not at all. A home gathering doesn’t require formal tea ceremony protocol. The focus is simply on making and sharing a bowl of matcha with care.

Where can I buy matcha powder?

Supermarkets, department store food halls, and online retailers all carry matcha. Look for “usucha” (thin tea) varieties — they’re the most beginner-friendly.

What if I’m not sure how to use the tools?

Each rental order includes a printed instruction guide, so you’ll have clear guidance even if it’s your first time.

Want a More Formal Experience?

If you’d prefer to have an instructor guide you and your guests through the experience — or if you’d like to offer something more polished for a special occasion — our on-site matcha experience service may be a better fit.

An instructor brings everything: tools, matcha, wagashi sweets, and all the guidance your guests need.

▶︎ Learn more about our on-site matcha experience