Discover the beauty of Takayama Chasen — handcrafted bamboo whisks made in Nara, Japan. Explore their history, types, and craftsmanship behind each piece that brings authentic matcha to life.

 What Is Takayama Chasen?

When preparing matcha, there’s a quiet moment of beauty — that soft, silky foam rising gracefully in your bowl. Behind that peaceful ritual lies the Takayama Chasen, a traditional bamboo whisk handcrafted in the mountains of Nara Prefecture, Japan.

For over 500 years, Takayama artisans have passed down the skill of chasen-making through generations. Each whisk is made entirely by hand, a living reflection of Japan’s refined craftsmanship and cultural heritage.

 A Legacy of Handcrafted Perfection

A Takayama chasen begins as a single piece of bamboo, carefully selected, split, shaved, and shaped into dozens or even hundreds of delicate prongs.
Each strand is then curled and tied by hand, guided only by the artisan’s rhythm, intuition, and decades of experience — no machines involved.

The bamboo is air-dried for more than three years, allowing it to mature naturally. Every step — from selecting the right material to managing humidity and temperature — is done with utmost precision.
The result: a whisk that moves with grace, producing smooth, frothy matcha with the perfect texture and balance.

Rising Global Demand, Fewer Craftsmen

Once, hundreds of artisans flourished in Takayama. Today, only about 20 workshops remain. Aging craftsmen and the lack of successors have made authentic Takayama chasen increasingly rare.

Meanwhile, global appreciation for matcha culture is expanding rapidly, leading to a surge in demand for genuine Japanese tea tools.
As a result, true Takayama-made whisks are now extremely difficult to find — even within Japan.

Some products labeled “Made in Japan” are partially produced overseas, with only the final assembly completed domestically.
Yet, connoisseurs can immediately recognize the difference: the subtle elasticity of the bamboo, the balance of the handle, and the precision of the weave — all hallmarks of authentic Takayama craftsmanship.

Richly Matcha’s Commitment to Authentic Craft

At Richly Matcha, we are deeply committed to preserving authenticity.
All our chasen are genuine Takayama whisks, handcrafted from start to finish in Nara by master artisans.

Through our founder’s exclusive relationships and private sourcing network in Japan,
we are able to obtain rare, high-grade whisks that cannot be accessed through ordinary commercial routes.
This is not just a business partnership — it’s a bond built on respect, trust, and shared dedication to Japan’s cultural artistry.

Our goal is to deliver more than just matcha.
We share the stories, the spirit, and the soul of Japan’s timeless craftsmanship with every whisk we offer.

Understanding Chasen Types and Their Unique Character

The term “tate” (e.g., 80-tate, 100-tate) refers to the number of bamboo tines.
This detail determines how the foam forms, how the matcha feels on the tongue, and the entire sensory experience of each bowl.

  • 80-tate: Slightly thicker tines that introduce more air — creating light, airy foam ideal for daily use or beginners.

  • 100-tate: Finer, more delicate tines that produce silky, refined foam — perfect for formal tea ceremonies.

  • Other variations: Some artisans make 64-tate or 120-tate whisks, adjusting for the desired texture or density of matcha.

Beyond the number of tines, chasen also come in different shapes and purposes:

  • Inaho (Rice Ear): The tips curve inward, resembling rice stalks, producing smooth and gentle foam.

  • Unryu (Cloud Dragon): The tines flare outward, allowing more air to create a lively, cloud-like foam.

  • Kazuho (Few Tines): With only 30–50 tines, this style is used for koicha (thick matcha), requiring firm, deliberate whisking.

  • Thick-Tine / Thin-Tine: Thicker tines are stronger and create dense foam; thinner tines are flexible and ideal for light, creamy foam.

A chasen is not just a tool — it’s an extension of the tea maker’s spirit.
Even with the same matcha, the choice of whisk transforms the texture, aroma, and emotion of the experience.

White Bamboo vs. Black Bamboo

The bamboo used for chasen is mainly divided into two elegant types:

  • White Bamboo (Shirotake): Made from young bamboo that has been heat-treated and naturally dried. It has a clean, bright tone — ideal for everyday use.

  • Black Bamboo (Kurotake): Harvested in late autumn and exposed to winter winds, turning naturally dark over time. It’s denser, more durable, and exudes a sense of quiet luxury, often chosen for formal tea gatherings or as a refined gift.

Both develop a deeper patina through use —
each whisk becoming more personal, more beautiful, and more alive with time.
A chasen is meant not only to be used, but to be nurtured, reflecting its owner’s care and devotion.

 The Quiet Spirit Within Every Whisk

As the chasen moves rhythmically through the bowl,
its soft sound — bamboo brushing against liquid — becomes a form of meditation.
Each motion connects body and breath, grounding you in the present moment.

This is the heart of the Japanese tea tradition:
simplicity, calm, and respect in every gesture.

At Richly Matcha, we believe that beauty lives in authenticity —
in the hands that create, the hearts that preserve,
and the harmony that rises like foam atop a perfect bowl of matcha.

Takayama Chasen — Handcrafted in Nara, Japan. A symbol of precision, harmony, and timeless craftsmanship.