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Tea Master of Little Tokyo

Tea Master of Little Tokyo, founded in 2016 by Daigoro Nakatomi and Alex Dwyer, brings authentic Japanese matcha culture to Downtown LA’s Little Tokyo.

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Matcha produced by Tea Master of Little Tokyo

Premium Matcha Collection

Tea Master of Little Tokyo offers a carefully curated selection of matcha grades, each sourced directly from renowned Japanese tea farms and distinguished by unique characteristics and intended uses.

Seihou – Ceremonial Matcha

This supreme grade represents the pinnacle of matcha excellence, intended for traditional tea ceremonies and discerning aficionados. Sourced from first-harvest leaves (Ichibancha) from the prestigious Uji region of Kyoto, specifically from the esteemed Marukyu Koyamaen farm. The matcha exhibits a vibrant green hue with chlorophyll content exceeding 3.5% and features particle sizes averaging 5-10 microns for a silky, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

  • Flavor profile: Delicate, naturally sweet with subtle umami notes and minimal bitterness
  • Caffeine content: 35mg per serving
  • L-theanine content: 25mg per serving
  • Cultivar blend: Gokou and Samidori
  • ORAC value: Exceeding 2000 TE/g
  • Price: $58.00

Hana – Premium Matcha

A versatile matcha suitable for both traditional preparation (usucha) and modern applications like lattes. Sourced from a blend of first and second harvest leaves from the Yame region of Fukuoka Prefecture, specifically from Hoshino-Seichaen. Features a bright green color with chlorophyll content between 2.8% and 3.2% and particle sizes averaging 10-15 microns.

  • Flavor profile: Balanced with slight pleasant bitterness and lingering sweetness
  • Caffeine content: 30mg per serving
  • L-theanine content: 20mg per serving
  • Primary cultivar: Saemidori
  • ORAC value: Exceeding 1800 TE/g
  • Price: $35.00

Deluxe Latte Grade – Culinary Matcha Powder

Specifically tailored for lattes and baking applications, this robust matcha presents a bold flavor that cuts through milk and other ingredients. Sourced from later harvests (second and third flush) from the Shizuoka region, known for producing bolder, more robust matcha.

  • Flavor profile: Potent, subtly bitter with earthy and vegetal undertones
  • Caffeine content: 25mg per serving
  • L-theanine content: 15mg per serving
  • Primary cultivar: Yabukita
  • ORAC value: Exceeding 1500 TE/g
  • Price: $46.00

Culinary Matcha Powder

Designed for both hot and cold lattes and cafe applications, featuring a robust, slightly astringent flavor profile. Sourced from later harvests in the Mie region, this grade presents a deep green color and bold taste ideal for blending with other flavors in recipes.

  • Flavor profile: Strong, slightly bitter with earthy and vegetal notes
  • Caffeine content: 25mg per serving
  • L-theanine content: 15mg per serving
  • ORAC value: Exceeding 1500 TE/g
  • Price: $39.00

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History of Tea Master of Little Tokyo

Tea Master of Little Tokyo emerged in 2016 as a bridge between traditional Japanese tea culture and modern Los Angeles, founded by Daigoro Nakatomi and Alex Dwyer in the heart of Downtown Los Angeles’ Little Tokyo. The cafe found its home in a space previously occupied by Beeline Company Inc., transforming the location into a sanctuary for authentic matcha (powdered green tea) appreciation.

The founders faced significant early challenges in establishing direct relationships with trusted tea farms in Japan to secure consistent supplies of high-quality matcha. Their commitment to authenticity meant sourcing directly from renowned regions including Yame, Shizuoka, and Mie, while maintaining stringent standards for quality and flavor. Alex Dwyer embarked on sourcing expeditions to these regions, building relationships with farms like Hoshino-Seichaen in Yame and Osada-En farm in Shizuoka.

A pivotal addition to the team came with Mikko Nakatomi, Daigoro’s sister and a licensed tea master, who brought deep knowledge of tea ceremony traditions and the cultural significance of matcha. Her expertise became instrumental in the cafe’s educational mission, leading intimate tea ceremony workshops where participants learn about mindfulness, respect, and the contemplative nature of traditional Japanese tea culture.

The establishment quickly evolved beyond a simple cafe into a community nucleus, offering educational experiences that illuminate the nuances between different matcha grades. Initially, the founders struggled to educate customers about the distinctions between ceremonial and culinary grades, as many were only familiar with lower-quality, mass-produced matcha. They successfully balanced traditional preparation methods with modern cafe operations, creating an experience that honors Japanese tea ceremony principles while serving contemporary tastes.

Tea Master of Little Tokyo demonstrates environmental consciousness through partnerships with farms employing organic and eco-friendly practices, utilizing biodegradable packaging, and implementing waste reduction strategies. The shop has become celebrated for its tranquil ambiance, knowledgeable staff, and exceptional matcha quality, with patrons frequently praising the care and meticulousness invested in each cup.

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