Japanese Tea Education Courses
Unlike wine or coffee, there is currently no comprehensive English-language education that equips serious professionals with full mastery of Japanese tea. Beyond casual introductions, what is missing is a truly comprehensive program that integrates history, industry knowledge, agricultural practices, geography, processing methods, health science, chemistry, brewing and blending techniques, service skills, and advanced blind tasting.
Imagine the expertise of a sommelier who can precisely identify a wine’s varietal and region, and convey the unique story of each vintage — this is the level of mastery that Japanese tea education should aspire to.
Below is a list of existing English-language courses. Most are casual and intended for enthusiasts rather than professionals. While professional tea certifications exist, they generally cover tea broadly and do not provide in-depth, specialized knowledge of Japanese tea. Some excellent courses are available in Japan, but unfortunately, they are not offered in English.
Japanese Tea Courses in ENGLISH
Global JapaneseTea Association
Global Japanese Tea Association is a membership-driven, non-profit, non-governmental organization that aims to expand the Japanese tea world through global collaboration.
Foundation Courses are offered in person and online. 4 weekly tea lessons, each lasting 2 hours. Course fee is $430
Intermediate Courses are offered in person and online. 4 weekly tea lessons, each lasting 2 hours. Course fee is $480
Master Courses are held in Kyoto, Japan. 10 Days. Costs 350,000 yen
The Tea Crane Taught by Tyas Sōsen, a dedicated full-time instructor who moved from Belgium to Japan over 10 years ago. He is among the first non-Japanese natives to earn the Nihoncha Instructor qualification.
2 hours to 1 week programs at different levels.
Kudan Japanese School is a Japanese language school in Tokyo
Tea Ceremony Class Once a week 6 week online lessons at 30,000 yen
Shizuoka Tea Study program is a short-term program in Shizuoka Prefecture. Japan's leading producer of quality tea, will give you an in-depth, hands-on experience of every step of the tea-making process, from harvesting leaves to producing tea.There are eligibility requirements
Tokyo Obubu Tea Farm has informal 1 hour online courses for different topics 2000 yen per course
Tea in General (not Specific to Japanese Tea) in ENGLISH
TEA SOMMELIER® CERTIFICATION PROGRAM
Tea Sommelier classes cover some aspects of Japanese Tea in TEA 102: Regions of the World and TEA 104: Tea Types The courses are available in person through the Tea & Herbal Association of Canada (Toronto), online through the Academy of Tea, in French (École Française du Thé et des Tisanes) in Italian (ProTea Academy), and in Spanish (Escuela Mexicana de Té). Each course ranges in price from $250 – $350 CAD
International Tea Masters Association
Founded in 2007, ITMA offers top tea certifications—Sommelier, Blender, Taster, Master etc., priced $995–$3225. In person and Online
How teas are manufactured, with countries of origin and terroir. Online $285
Japanese Tea Courses in JAPANESE
NPO Japanese Tea Instructor Association.
Japanese Tea Advisor
This certification proves the ability to advise consumers and assist Japanese Tea Instructors.
Certification can be obtained through in-person classes, exams, or correspondence courses. 16,500 Yen ++
Japanese Tea Instructor
The certificate is ideal for professionals seeking to engage in educational activities as tea experts, people already working in tea-related fields, or those interested in opening a Japanese tea café in the future. Testing is conducted in Japanese, in person, in Japan, with a passing rate of only 35%. The cost is 22,000 yen, plus additional testing and correspondence fees. Most Respected Tea Education.
Japanese Tea Selector
Certified by the Japan Safe Food Cooking Association. This certification proves broad knowledge of Japanese tea, including its history, tea leaves, production methods, and market pricing. No prerequisites; the exam can be taken at home. 10000 Yen
Japan Instructors’ Skills Association
Green Tea Instructor
This certification proves knowledge of brewing methods for different tea leaves, types of teaware, and recipes using Japanese tea. After certification, you can also work as an instructor at home or in cultural schools.
No prerequisites; the exam can be taken at home. 10000 Yen
Japanese Tea Specialist
Certified by the Japan Ability Education Promotion Association (JAFA). This qualification is obtained by completing association-recognized courses and passing the exam. It demonstrates knowledge of tea production processes, leaf classifications, and brewing methods. 3980 Yen