Tea Master of Little Tokyo
Tea Master of Little Tokyo presentation
Tea Master of Little Tokyo bridges centuries-old Japanese tea traditions with contemporary Los Angeles culture. Founded in 2016 by Daigoro Nakatomi and Alex Dwyer in Downtown LA’s historic Little Tokyo district, this cafe and tea shop invites every visitor to become their own tea master, regardless of where they stand on their matcha journey.
Direct Relationships with Japanese Tea Farms
What sets Tea Master apart is their commitment to sourcing directly from renowned Japanese tea regions. Co-founder Alex Dwyer personally visits tea farms in Yame, Shizuoka, and Mie, building relationships with producers like Hoshino-Seichaen and Osada-En. These partnerships ensure every matcha grade—from ceremonial Seihou to culinary blends—comes with a traceable story and verified quality.
Their Seihou ceremonial matcha originates from first-harvest leaves in Uji’s Marukyu Koyamaen farm, featuring vibrant chlorophyll content exceeding 3.5% and ultra-fine 5-10 micron particles. The Hana premium matcha from Yame’s Hoshino-Seichaen balances versatility with authenticity, suitable for both traditional preparation and modern lattes.
Where Traditional Meets Modern
Licensed tea master Mikko Nakatomi brings deep ceremonial knowledge to the team, leading intimate workshops that explore mindfulness and the contemplative nature of Japanese tea culture. This educational mission helps guests understand the distinctions between matcha grades—knowledge that transforms casual drinkers into informed enthusiasts.
The cafe demonstrates this philosophy through offerings like their Hakko-Cha Latte, made with rare organic fermented tea from Osada-En. This drink exemplifies how Tea Master honors traditional production methods while creating beverages that resonate with contemporary tastes.
Recognition and Environmental Stewardship
The Yelp Elite Squad named Tea Master a Top Matcha Store, recognition that reflects their meticulous approach to every cup. Their commitment extends beyond the teacup through partnerships with farms employing organic practices, biodegradable packaging, and waste reduction strategies that protect Japanese spring water sources.
Tea Master operates from a simple belief: every tea is an invitation to enjoy, explore, and educate. Whether you’re discovering matcha for the first time or seeking the finest ceremonial grade, this Little Tokyo destination offers both authenticity and accessibility. Their tranquil space and knowledgeable staff create an environment where traditional Japanese tea culture feels approachable, not intimidating—making mastery possible for everyone.
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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
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.
4 events from Tea Master of Little Tokyo's history
January 2016
Tea Master of Little Tokyo Founded
Daigoro Nakatomi and Alex Dwyer established Tea Master of Little Tokyo in Downtown Los Angeles’ Little Tokyo, taking over the space previously occupied by Beeline Company Inc. The founders envisioned creating a unique tea experience where premium Japanese tea could be savored, combining traditional Japanese tea culture with modern tastes.
June 2016
Direct Farm Partnerships Established
Alex Dwyer embarked on sourcing expeditions to Japan’s premier tea regions including Yame, Shizuoka, and Mie, establishing direct relationships with trusted tea farms. Key partnerships were formed with Hoshino-Seichaen in Yame, Osada-En farm in Shizuoka, and Safety Re-Farm 88 in Mie, ensuring consistent supply of high-quality matcha while maintaining stringent standards for quality and flavor.
January 2017
Mikko Nakatomi Joins as Tea Master
Mikko Nakatomi, Daigoro’s sister and a licensed tea master, joined the team to share the history and traditions behind the tea ceremony. Her addition brought authentic expertise in traditional Japanese tea culture, enabling the cafe to offer educational workshops and hands-on instruction in tea ceremony traditions, emphasizing mindfulness and respect.
January 2025
Matcha Shortage Response Strategy
Facing the reported matcha shortage of 2025, Tea Master of Little Tokyo implemented comprehensive strategies including maintaining close relationships with existing farm partners through long-term contracts, adjusting pricing to reflect increased sourcing costs (with Seihou Ceremonial Matcha prices rising 15%), and exploring new sourcing options including discussions with a family-owned farm in Kagoshima region for limited-edition ceremonial grade matcha.
Gallery and medias
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Frequent questions
Find below some answers to the most common questions about Tea Master of Little Tokyo.
Why does Tea Master of Little Tokyo's Deluxe Latte Grade cost $46 while their regular Culinary Matcha Powder is only $39?
The Deluxe Latte Grade Culinary Matcha Powder at $46 comes from the prestigious Shizuoka region, known for producing bolder, more robust matcha that can stand up to milk in lattes. This grade uses a specific blend designed to maintain strong matcha flavor even when mixed with dairy.
The Culinary Matcha Powder at $39 sources from Mie region farms and, while still excellent for lattes and baking, represents a more accessible option. Both contain the same caffeine (25mg) and L-theanine (15mg) levels, but the Shizuoka sourcing and specialized processing for the Deluxe grade justifies the higher price point.
What makes Tea Master of Little Tokyo's Seihou ceremonial matcha different from their Hana premium grade?
Seihou Ceremonial Matcha ($58) represents the pinnacle of Tea Master’s offerings, sourced exclusively from first-harvest leaves (Ichibancha) from the renowned Marukyu Koyamaen farm in Uji, Kyoto. It contains higher caffeine (35mg) and L-theanine (25mg) levels, with particle sizes of just 5-10 microns for an ultra-smooth texture.
- Seihou: Pure ceremonial use, delicate sweetness, minimal bitterness
- Hana Premium: ($35) Versatile for both ceremony and lattes, balanced flavor from Yame region’s Hoshino-Seichaen farm
- Key difference: Seihou uses only first-harvest leaves while Hana blends first and second harvest
Can I attend Mikko Nakatomi's tea ceremony workshops at Tea Master of Little Tokyo?
Yes! Mikko Nakatomi, a licensed tea master and sister of co-founder Daigoro, leads intimate tea ceremony workshops at Tea Master of Little Tokyo. These educational sessions provide hands-on instruction in traditional chanoyu (tea ceremony) preparation and cultural significance.
Mikko emphasizes the importance of mindfulness and respect during these workshops, creating a contemplative atmosphere where participants learn proper whisking techniques, the history behind each movement, and the deeper meaning of Japanese tea culture. The workshops complement the cafe’s mission of sharing authentic Japanese tea traditions with the Los Angeles community.
How is Tea Master of Little Tokyo handling the 2025 matcha shortage?
Tea Master of Little Tokyo has implemented several strategies to navigate the 2025 matcha shortage while maintaining quality:
- Long-term contracts: They secured a five-year agreement with Hoshino-Seichaen farm to guarantee consistent supply of their Hana Premium grade
- Price adjustments: Seihou Ceremonial Matcha increased 15% since early 2025 to reflect sourcing costs
- New partnerships: Currently negotiating with a family-owned farm in Kagoshima region for limited-edition ceremonial grade
- Customer education: Offering tasting flights to help customers understand the value differences between grades
Despite challenges, they maintain their commitment to direct sourcing from trusted Japanese farms.
Which Tea Master of Little Tokyo matcha grade should I choose for making lattes at home?
For home lattes, choose between Tea Master’s two culinary grades based on your preferences:
Deluxe Latte Grade Culinary Matcha Powder ($46) offers the most robust flavor that cuts through milk beautifully. Sourced from Shizuoka region’s later harvests, it maintains strong matcha taste even in milk-heavy drinks.
Culinary Matcha Powder ($39) from Mie region provides excellent value while still delivering that earthy, vegetal flavor profile perfect for lattes. Both contain 25mg caffeine and 15mg L-theanine per serving, but the Deluxe grade’s Shizuoka sourcing provides superior flavor intensity for serious latte enthusiasts.
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