Pop Japan

Matcha or green tea flavored drinks, sweets, and even sandwich spreads seem to be taking over the world. But where did it all start?

When Eisai imported Zen Buddhism in Japan from China, he also told the Uji priests the benefits of green tea. Soon it became popular with the masses. Since then, Uji has been a popular center of green tea production.

Uji is is a small city located between Kyoto and Nara. It is known for its shrines and temples. Among its popular tourist sites are the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Byodo-in Temple, The Tale of Genji Museum, and the Ujigami Shrine, which is said to be Japan’s oldest Shinto shrine. 

Tags: Matcha, green tea, sweets, sandwich spreads, Eisai, Zen Buddhism, Kyoto, Nara, UNESCO World Heritage Site, Tale of Genji Museum, Byodo-in Temple, Ujigami Shrine