---
title: "Tea Master of Little Tokyo: Los Angeles Tea Shop"
description: "Tea Master of Little Tokyo sources matcha directly from Japanese farms, including ceremonial Seihou from Uji and premium Hana from Yame."
image: "https://best-matcha.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/OrganicMatcha-03.png"
---
# Tea Master of Little Tokyo: Los Angeles Tea Shop

> Tea Master of Little Tokyo sources matcha directly from Japanese farms, including ceremonial Seihou from Uji and premium Hana from Yame.

Source: https://best-matcha.com/shop/tea-master-little-tokyo
Created: 2025-10-01T20:12:11+00:00
Modified: 2026-08-05T13:45:11+00:00
Author: Emilie Schol

**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.

---

## Site identity

- Organization: Best Matcha (Emilie Schol)
- Description: Best Matcha is a specialized marketplace and educational platform for comparing Japanese matcha brands, products, grades, prices, and preparation guidance. It connects tea enthusiasts with producers and provides source-conscious guides for making informed choices.
- Website: https://best-matcha.com


```json
[{"@type":"WebPage","url":"https:\/\/best-matcha.com\/shop\/tea-master-little-tokyo","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/best-matcha.com#website"},"publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/best-matcha.com#organization"},"inLanguage":"en-US","datePublished":"2025-10-01T20:12:11+00:00","dateModified":"2026-08-05T13:45:11+00:00","primaryImageOfPage":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https:\/\/best-matcha.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/OrganicMatcha-03-819x1024.png","width":819,"height":1024,"caption":"Image of Tea Master of Little Tokyo \u2014 Authentic Japanese matcha culture since 2016"},"breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/best-matcha.com\/shop\/tea-master-little-tokyo#breadcrumb"},"mainEntity":{"@id":"https:\/\/best-matcha.com\/shop\/tea-master-little-tokyo#brand"},"hasPart":[{"@type":"Question","name":"Why does Tea Master of Little Tokyo's Deluxe Latte Grade cost $46 while their regular Culinary Matcha Powder is only $39?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"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."}},{"@type":"Question","name":"What makes Tea Master of Little Tokyo's Seihou ceremonial matcha different from their Hana premium grade?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"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 bitternessHana Premium: ($35) Versatile for both ceremony and lattes, balanced flavor from Yame region's Hoshino-Seichaen farmKey difference: Seihou uses only first-harvest leaves while Hana blends first and second harvest"}},{"@type":"Question","name":"Can I attend Mikko Nakatomi's tea ceremony workshops at Tea Master of Little Tokyo?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"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."}},{"@type":"Question","name":"How is Tea Master of Little Tokyo handling the 2025 matcha shortage?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"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 gradePrice adjustments: Seihou Ceremonial Matcha increased 15% since early 2025 to reflect sourcing costsNew partnerships: Currently negotiating with a family-owned farm in Kagoshima region for limited-edition ceremonial gradeCustomer education: Offering tasting flights to help customers understand the value differences between gradesDespite challenges, they maintain their commitment to direct sourcing from trusted Japanese farms."}},{"@type":"Question","name":"Which Tea Master of Little Tokyo matcha grade should I choose for making lattes at home?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"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."}}],"@id":"https:\/\/best-matcha.com\/shop\/tea-master-little-tokyo#webpage"},{"@type":"Brand","name":"Tea Master of Little Tokyo","slogan":"Authentic Japanese matcha culture since 2016","description":"Tea Master of Little Tokyo sources matcha directly from Japanese farms, including ceremonial Seihou from Uji and premium Hana from Yame.","url":"https:\/\/best-matcha.com\/shop\/tea-master-little-tokyo","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https:\/\/best-matcha.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/OrganicMatcha-03-819x1024.png","width":819,"height":1024,"caption":"Image of Tea Master of Little Tokyo \u2014 Authentic Japanese matcha culture since 2016"},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https:\/\/best-matcha.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/OrganicMatcha-03-819x1024.png","width":819,"height":1024,"caption":"Image of Tea Master of Little Tokyo \u2014 Authentic Japanese matcha culture since 2016"},"sameAs":["https:\/\/teamastermatcha.com\/","https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/teamaster.la\/","https:\/\/tea-master-of-little-tokyo-9250.myshopify.com","https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps?cid=15009251536452582355"],"mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/best-matcha.com\/shop\/tea-master-little-tokyo#webpage"},"subjectOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/best-matcha.com\/shop\/tea-master-little-tokyo#products"},"@id":"https:\/\/best-matcha.com\/shop\/tea-master-little-tokyo#brand"},{"@type":"ItemList","name":"Products by Tea Master of Little Tokyo","url":"https:\/\/best-matcha.com\/shop\/tea-master-little-tokyo","itemListOrder":"https:\/\/schema.org\/ItemListUnordered","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Deluxe First-Harvest Latte Grade Matcha","url":"https:\/\/best-matcha.com\/shop\/tea-master-little-tokyo\/deluxe-first-harvest-latte-grade-matcha","item":{"@id":"https:\/\/best-matcha.com\/shop\/tea-master-little-tokyo\/deluxe-first-harvest-latte-grade-matcha#product"}}],"@id":"https:\/\/best-matcha.com\/shop\/tea-master-little-tokyo#products"}]
```